Mississippi River Activities

Itasca State Park
 

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html

Visit the headwaters of the Nation's most Spectacular River. The Mississippi River begins its 2,320 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico by overflowing the edge of picturesque Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, one of Minnesota's oldest state parks. During your visit don't forget to take your shoes off and get your feet wet by walking across the start of "Old Man River".

Explore Minnesota's Great River Road

http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/

General news and events about the river keep you up to date and active with all the opportunities that abound on the Mississippi River. (see below)

Celebrating the Mississippi River in Minnesota - Family Travel

http://www.mnmississippiriver.com/family-travel.cfm

Get the whole family involved with river activities for all age ranges, with travel games on the road to a multitude of kid-friendly river activity and service projects. From Junior Ranger to geo-caching programs, these ideas will get you started on the road to outdoor family fun the year round.

Science Museum of Minnesota - Mississippi River Gallery

http://www.smm.org/visit/mississippi/

An excellent outing for the whole family, the Science Museum of Minnesota has long been a primary attraction along the river in downtown St. Paul. Visit their Mississippi River Gallery and learn about drinking water as you walk through a city sewer pipe and try your hand at being a river boat operator in their simulator. Beautiful panoramic views of the river highlight the afternoon as you experience all the Science Museum has to offer.

Minneapolis Bus and Mississippi River Tour

http://www.minneapolistours.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=6933

Take your pick of a riverboat or bus tour (or both!) as you experience historical downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River it was founded on. Visit Harriet Island in St. Paul by riverboat and experience the biological diversity of the area, and learn about the immersive history of the commerce that shaped the Twin Cities.

Rusty River Rides

http://www.rustysriverrides.com/

If you happen to find yourself in Red Wing, MN, make a stop by Rusty River Rides and experience a scenic and relaxing cruise along the Mississippi. From public excursions to private charters, this is a great way to experience the River.

National Park Service - Mississippi River

http://www.nps.gov/miss/index.htm

Learn everything you need to know about the National Park Service-run National River and Recreation Area program. From current news and scientific articles on the health of the river to activities and ideas to get you out on the river, the National Park Service has what you need to make the most of your time on the Mighty Mississippi. Visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center or enjoy a Ranger River Walk with the NPS.

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

http://www.hikercentral.com/parks/miss/

A resource for all travel information regarding the Mississippi, Hiker Central will outline the best places to experience all aspects of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, from visitor centers and museums to golfing and camping.

Mississippi River Lesson Plans

http://www.iptv.org/mississippi/lessonplans/lessons.cfm

A collection of lesson plans and activities which are great for teachers, students and parents alike, courtesy of Iowa Public Television. Ranging in topics from science, social studies, language arts, and math, applicable programs for the river are available in a variety of contexts.

Bemidji Area Recreation

http://www.visitbemidji.com/location/mississippi.html

Located 100 miles south of the Canadian border, Bemidji is the first city on the Mississippi River and consequently has a lot to offer. Take your pick of any one (or more!) of the range of activities available, such as golfing, downhill skiing, biking, hiking, and much more.

Canoe and Kayak Outfitters

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/outfitters.html

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has compiled an extensive list of kayak and canoe outfitters in Minnesota along not only the Mississippi River but a number of other Minnesota lakes and rivers. Take and look to find out what is nearby.

St. Cloud State University Outdoor Endeavors

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/campusrec/outdoorendeavors/

A recreation program under the supervision of SCSU, Outdoor Endeavors connects people to the resources to help them fully experience and appreciate the outdoors. Located directly on the Mississippi River, SCSU and their Outdoor Endeavor program can connect you to a variety of outdoor resources.