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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Map 8: Downtown Saint Paul

Watch towboats at work pushing 1,500-ton barges along the Mississippi River on a trail easily accessible from downtown Saint Paul. In the 1800s, Lambert’s Landing served as one of the busiest steamboat landings in the country. Venture awayfrom the river for a quiet trail along Battle Creek, or stop at ancient Indian burial mounds with a breathtaking view of the city.

Take in sweeping viewsof downtown Saint Paul and all the excitement of a working riverfront. Separated bike and pedestrian paths offer front row views of Saint Paul’s busy barge industry. From the bluffs at Indian Mounds Park, get a bird’s eye view of the Big River and all of downtown. You can connect with a peaceful stream that meanders through Battle Creek Regional Park, or with the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary where you can experience the restoration of a former rail yard to a natural park.

Attractions

HarrietIslandis a hub of activity and site of many events. The National Park Service’s Mississippi River Visitor Center in the Science Museum of Minnesota is a short walk from the river, as are many other downtown Saint Paul attractions. Look for theBruce Vento Regional Trail, which connects to the Gateway Segment of the Willard Munger State Trail.

View and print the Downtown Saint Paul map (PDF) and trail notes.
 
Large mounds beside a trail running through a semi-forested area.
Native Americans built earthen burial and ceremonial mounds on this bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The area is now preserved as Indian Mounds Regional Park.

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The wide Mississippi River

Did You Know?
At Lake Onalaska, near LaCrosse WI, the Mississippi River is about 4 miles wide. The combination of water held behind Lock and Dam #7 and water held by damming the Black River form this broad reach of the Mississippi River.
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Last Updated: May 28, 2011 at 12:38 MST