Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

The Mississippi River

Established in 1988, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area includes 72 miles of the Mississippi River stretching from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey to just south of Hastings, Minnesota. [map]

The segment of the river flowing through the park has always been of major significance as a spiritual site, a place for recreation, and a tourist attraction.

Park Video

A cyclist enjoying a ride along the Mississippi River.

Summer Activities

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offers a multitude of often free recreational and educational activities to keep you busy during the summer season. Be sure to check our programs page for upcoming park and partner activities.
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The Mississippi River tumbles over a dam.

Mississippi River Forum

The Mississippi River Forum is intended to increase coordination between a multidisciplinary group of practitioners and decision-makers who are not consistently aware that related work is being done by others. Check here for monthly scheduled meetings and information about past presentations.
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UPDATED: BioBlitz 2009

Teams of scientists and volunteers of all ages gathered on June 12-13 at Crosby Park for the 2009 BioBlitz. The goal of this event was to identify and catalog as many species of plants, animals, lichens, and fungi as possible within 24 hours.
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A view down the parade ground of the Upper Post.

UPDATED: Upper Post Open House

An open house was held on Sunday, June 14 at the former “Country Club of the Military,” the Upper Post at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tours were offered every half–hour between noon and 4 p.m., with the last full tour at 3 p.m. The open house focused not only on the past, but the future of the site.
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Write to

111 East Kellogg Blvd.
Suite 105
Saint Paul, MN 55101

E-mail Us

Phone

Headquarters
(651) 290-4160

Visitor Center
(651) 293-0200

Fax

(651) 290-3214

Climate

Minnesota is known for its extremes in temperature. Winter days can sometimes get no warmer that -10 degrees F. Summer days can reach 100 degrees F. But it is a rare day that people are kept indoors because of the weather. A wide variety of recreational opportunities can be found throughout the park in any season. Plan to dress in layers, and be prepared for mosquitoes during the warm seasons.