Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Native Americans utilized the Mississippi River for trade, food and water supply long before Europeans visited the “New World.” Its watersheds have shaped the continent and its cultures, and today the “Father of Waters” is still just as powerful as it once was. Millions of people get their drinking water from the watershed, and also use it as a playground, a shipping lane, and a political boundary. Millions of plants, animals and other living things thrive in the river’s ecosystem. Visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and see the power for yourself.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: JoAnne KyralPhone Number: 651-290-4160
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Mississippi River; Saint Anthony Falls
Endangered Species: Higgins Eye Pearlymussel
Important Dates
Established as Park: November 18, 1988By The Numbers
Acres: 53,775.00Highest Point: (1000 feet)
Annual Visitation: 3,000,000 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :44.942200 / -93.099720 (map it)
State: MN
Nearby Big City: Saint Paul, MN
Gateway Communities: Davenport, IA; Rock Island, IL; Bettendorf, IA; Milan, IL; Moline, IL
Nearby Airports: Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Recent News
- Charlie Maquire: The Singing Ranger September 15, 2008, 5:26 pm
- Our Under-The-Radar National Park June 17, 2008, 4:21 pm
Mississippi In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
