Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Our park rangers often use boats, bikes, and hikes to help visitors understand the historical and cultural significance of our park.
In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River. This a great place to start your exploration of this important river.
Map showing location of park.
A view from inside the lock chamber of lock and dam 1
$1 Million National Park Service Investment in Twin Cities Projects along the Mississippi River
In 2024 the National Park Service granted over $1 million to different local river projects in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Large canoes and crews paddle down the river amidst autumnal color.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
Gray clouds over flowers growing on sand dunes.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
A large canoe filled with paddlers on the river surrounded by autumnal color.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
A large, long-necked, long-legged bird wades in the river.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
Large trees are widely spaced in a grassland.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
A canoeist paddles through a water channel between islands.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
A canoeist reaches out and holds a large, yellow flower.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
Water tumbles down layers of rock with an old stone spring house in the background.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
A large, long-necked, long-legged bird flies overhead carrying a branch.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
Gulls stand on a floating log while a canoe passes in the background.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman
Trees showing fall colors on their leaves along the river.
Photo by NPS/Kyle Just
White clouds streak the blue sky over a river flanked by sandy shorelines and green trees.
Photo by NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman