Large canoes and crews paddle down the river amidst autumnal color. — The park often uses big, safe Voyageur canoes in our programs. NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Minnesota · National Park Service

In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River. This a great place to start your exploration of this important river.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone: 651-293-0200
Official site: www.nps.gov
Managed by: National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Arts · Photography · Dams · Forts · Industry · Mills · Music · Transportation · Dunes · Groundwater · Freshwater Springs · Grasslands · Prairies · Waterfalls

Activities & features: Biking · Mountain Biking · Road Biking · Boating · Compass and GPS · Geocaching · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Living History · Reenactments · Historic Weapons Demonstration · First Person Interpretation · Paddling · Canoeing · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Snow Play · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Museum Exhibits