Headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi
In Minnesota, The Great River Road runs for 575 miles along the Mississippi River, through 11 state parks, state historic sites, Chippewa National Forest, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, 21 counties and 60 communities!
It all starts at Itasca State Park and the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. From here, the River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The Headwaters are much calmer than you’d expect, it is even possible to wade across them! You can also check out the Itasca Area Lakes Tourism Association for more information about the area.
There are so many attractions along the Mississippi, here are some highlights from MN:
- Enjoy water-inspired art, including works from Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and more at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona.
- Learn more about the River and interact with rangers at the free Mississippi River Visitor Center in Saint Paul.
- In Minneapolis, visit the exhibits or take a walking tour at the Mill City Museum.
- Catch a summer event at Showboat Landing, the only permanent outdoor theater stage on the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids.
- Get up close and personal with an American symbol and River icon at the National Eagle Center. Their mission is to foster environmental stewardship and community sustainability through education about eagles and the Mississippi River watershed.
Find more river-related attractions, scenic overlooks, and locks/dams here!
Minneapolis Skyline Credit: © Layne Kennedy
Don’t miss these annual events put on along the Mississippi River:
- Visit Winona for Steamboat Days, a week-long festival in June
- Choose from multiple events throughout the summer at the Great River Shakespeare Festival
- Celebrate Riverboat Days in July with the town of Wabasha
- Feeling more active? Join Headwaters to Hills, a bike tour celebrating the Mississippi River organized by Bike MN
Search for more events by city at Explore Minnesota
Check out informational and entertaining travel guides (city and regional!) from MRN Partner Dean Klinkenberg, Mississippi Valley Traveler. You’ll also find histories and profiles on River Towns in Minnesota.
Learn about our Mississippi River Network Members in Minnesota!
- Friends of the Mississippi River engages citizens to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region
- Great River Greening leads community-based restoration of prairies, forests, and waters
- Green Lands, Blue Waters supports the development of and transition to a new generation of multi-functional agricultural systems in the Mississippi River Basin and adjacent areas that integrate more perennial plants and other continuous living cover into the agricultural landscape
- The Izaak Walton League of America conserves, restores, and promotes the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife.
- The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area supports National Parks and provides volunteer opportunities
- Mississippi River Fund aims to strengthen the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River and build community support for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a national park.
- The River Life Partnership at the University of Minnesota seeks to create learning, research, and engagement opportunities that will help establish inclusive and sustainable rivers.
- Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation connects Saint Paul’s people, places and neighborhoods to the Mississippi River.
- The Conservation Fund practices conservation to achieve environmental and economic outcomes.
- The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come
For a full overview of all Minnesota has to offer check out the Minnesota Great River Road, Mississippi River State Water Trail, and Explore Minnesota.
Meet Maria our 1 Mississippi Outreach Assistant in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Feel free to contact her at MN1mississippi@biodiverse.org with questions or to volunteer!