National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA fine day to relax beside the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Map 1: Northern Suburbs

North of the Twin Cities the Mississippi River is designated as a state wild and scenic river, as is the Rum River. You can see untouched islands and a river that begins to slow as it approaches the pool above the Coon Rapids Dam in the Coon Rapids Regional Park (East and West).

The Mississippiand Rum Rivers converge in this area where trails connect a number of parks and historic sites. The trails go through mostly residential areas in order to make those connections, but ultimately you can experience remote areas of the river in its riverfront parks.

Attractions
The history of Anoka and the confluence of the rivers is well documented at both Peninsula Point Two Rivers Historical Park and Akin Riverside Park. Trails wind through both of these parks as well as Mississippi River Community Park and let you touch the edge of the water. The trails are only a short ride or walk from the quaint atmosphere of downtown Anoka, where you can also reach the Rum River Spillway and handicap accessible dock.

View and print the Northern Suburbs map (PDF) and trail notes.

 
Akin Riverside Park
City, county, and regional parks dot the shores of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor. Akin Riverside Park (above) has many exhibits detailing the development and history of the Anoka area.
Itasca, Headwaters of the Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Itasca, the river is so shallow, children can walk across the Mississippi. Between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi is more than 200 feet deep.

Last Updated: August 08, 2008 at 15:47 EST