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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaThe Mississippi River flows beneath a large bridge. Both banks are covered in trees in fall color.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
North Mississippi
Carl Kroening Interpretive Center
History

The Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center located at North Mississippi River Regional Park Interpretive Center officially opened March 22, 2002. It is named to honor Carl W. Kroening, a former teacher from the area and Minnesota State legislator. North Mississippi Regional Park is located between I-94 and the west bank of the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis.

General Information
Designed a a green building, the visitor center takes advantage of natural lighting, cabinets made from shells of sunflower seeds, wheat, and recycled woods and plastics. The building's shape and the many windows are placed such that the Center can take full advantage of the light from outside, lowering the use of electricity. Exhibits telling the story of the Mississippi River and the impact it had on the surrounding community are displayed at the center. Interpretive programs are offered year round with activities focusing on the Mississippi River.

Activities: A bicycle/walking trail extends along the entire length of the park. Bridges on both end connect to east bank trails. The park also has a picnic area and shelters, a wading pool and areas that are being restored to native prairie. A heron rookery can be seen on a mid-river island in the southern portion of the park.

 
North Mississippi Map

Hours: Please call for more information.

Location: The Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center is located in the North Mississippi Park in Minneapolis off of Hwy 94 at the 49th and 53rd Street exit and can only be accessed from 49th Street. 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430.

Contact Information: Three Rivers Park District operates the center and can be reached at (763) 694-7693. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board can also be contacted at (612) 230-6400.

A barge going underneath a bridge.  

Did You Know?
Sixty percent of all grain exported from the United States is transported and shipped from the Mississippi River.

Last Updated: May 08, 2008 at 12:59 EST