To begin the New Year, 1 Mississippi’s January Newsletter encourages us to celebrate and visit the Mississippi River. Here are some additional destinations to ponder, mull over and convince you this year’s vacation to the Mississippi will be a memorable one. Let’s start by thinking about what you really love, what your inner child is secretly hoping for.
If the first word that comes to mind is Nature, the Explore page lists all the National and State parks along the Mississippi. For many of us, just sitting next to its powerful waters is enough to remind us of how very big the world is.
If you love music there are many options; here are a few ideas:
- International Blues Challenge, Memphis – The world’s largest gathering of Blues Acts.
- River’s Edge Music Festival, St. Paul – 2012 featured Dave Matthews, the Flaming Lips and Sublime.
- King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena – Tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts, as well as historians, from all over the world converge hear stirring and uplifting performances of this American art form.
- Graceland, Memphis – Home of Elvis Presley
- New Orleans Jazzfest -10-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year.
If you are more interested in history and museums try:
- Great River Road Interpretive Centers – A current network of 70 museums and historic sites in all 10 river states have been selected to showcase and connect the historic stories of the Mississippi River.
- National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium – The Museum & Aquarium is accredited by the American Association of Museums — a distinction held by only 9 percent of American museums, was named an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in August 2002, and was accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums in 2009. - Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum – Sam Clemens grew up along the Mississippi River and this museum includes 8 historic buildings, one of which is the Boyhood Home, a National Historic Landmark.
- Tunica Riverpark and Museum – Loaded with authentic artifacts and exhibits, the museum is an extensive, interactive showcase of history, nature and culture.
Other interesting things to explore:
- Agritourism – Agriculture is alive and well along the River. Visit orchards, cheese factories, gardens, nurseries, tree farms, farmers markets and more.
- Mississippi River Boats – From the 19th century on, the Mississippi has been traveled by riverboats, giving the passengers aboard a unique
perspective of the River. - Canoe Expeditions – Travel the Mississippi under your own power, paddling your canoe on a day trip or plan a longer adventure. Mississippi River Network member, Quapaw Canoe Company has been leading trips on the lower Mississippi for ten years.
- Bike Along the River – The Year of Cycling 2013 is a series of events along the Mississippi River Trail for cyclists of all ages and experience levels.
The Mississippi is truly a national treasure. It has threaded together our nation’s music, history and culture as only a mighty River could. There are seemingly endless ways to get to know the River, these are just a few examples.
If you have suggestions we welcome you to post comments!
Yours in respect and service,
Annette
1 Mississippi Outreach Coordinator
Answer to the Mississippi River Trivia Question:
At its deepest point the Mississippi River is:
a. 50 feet deep
b. 100 feet deep
c. 200 feet deep
c. At its deepest point between Governor Nicholls Wharf and Algiers Point in New Orleans, the Mississippi River is 200 feet deep!