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. [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.

Big River Journey Art Show

Ten years of Big River Student Art will be on display at the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts from July 25 to August 23. This show will be the largest display ever of winning art from the Big River Student Art Contest.

In conjunction with the show, there will be a special Family Day event on Sunday, July 27 from noon-3pm. National Park Ranger Kathy will lead family-friendly art and nature activities. There will be Ranger walks at 12:30 and 1:30, plus scavenger hunt, and refreshments.

Eagle Survey

In 1782 the Second Continental Congress of the United States chose the majestic and proud bald eagle as our national symbol. However, by 1963 the bald eagle population was in severe decline due to DDT and other human activities. Fortunately, the bald eagle population has made a tremendous recovery. Find out more about how eagles are surveyed and how that relates to their health, and the overall health of the Mississippi River.
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Bike with a Ranger

Join ranger led bike rides with stops along the way to learn about our National Park on the Mississippi River. Explore trails and discover amazing stories of the river.
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		Attractions Near the Mississippi River Within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor there are many parks, visitor centers, and interesting places to visit intimately tied to the Mississippi River. Browse our listing of sites and find out all you need to know to plan your visit. more...

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.