Learn About the Park

Introduction

The Mississippi River's character changes more throughout the 72 mile (115 km) stretch of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area than anywhere else along its 2,350-mile course.

The river enters the northern corridor as a free-flowing prairie river and moves downstream to plunge over St. Anthony Falls and into the river's narrowest gorge. Eight and one-half miles later, the river exits the gorge to become the country's dominant floodplain river and part of the largest inland navigation system on earth.

Through the eight and one-half mile gorge, the Mississippi drops more than 110 feet, the river's steepest descent anywhere. The river's rapidly changing character explains why the national river and recreation area has such a unique concentration of nationally significant resources.

 
A bridge made from stone.
History and Culture

Explore the history and culture of the park.

Three ducks float in a marsh.
Nature

Explore the nature of the park.

A photographer takes a photo.
Photos and Multimedia

Explore the park through photographs and multimedia.

Two children enjoying the out of doors.
Kids and Youth

Kids and youth can explore the park!

Last updated: July 2, 2018

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

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

Phone:

651-293-0200
This is the general phone line at the Mississippi River Visitor Center.

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