Recognizing the Mississippi River’s role is crucial. Congress established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988. This area preserves the river’s history. Minneapolis and Saint Paul lie at the heart of this 72-mile stretch.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area includes many public spaces. State and local agencies manage these sites. These places interpret the park’s resources. These resources include natural, cultural, economic, scientific, and historic elements. Visitors can enjoy scenic and recreational activities. Photography and boating are popular.
The Mississippi River flows from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It reminds us of the past. It nurtures the present. It shapes the future. Hundreds of tributaries feed the river in 31 states. The Mississippi River ripples with stories. These are stories of people and places. The cast includes the Ojibwa and Dakota people. European explorers and fur traders are part of it. Farmers, loggers, steamboaters, and towboaters are also included. Factory workers, office clerks, engineers, and teachers all play a role. Their lives and the river intertwine.
American Indian tribes moved into the upper Mississippi Valley about 12000 years ago. This happened after the last glacier retreated. They built villages on terraces above the riverbanks. They used canoes to hunt and gather plants. They also traded goods.
European expeditions reached the Mississippi River in the 1600s and 1700s. Some searched for the river’s mouth. Others sought its origin. They hoped the river would provide a shortcut. This shortcut would cross the continent to the Far East. It was the rumored Northwest Passage.
The French and English recognized the region’s riches. They established trading posts along the upper Mississippi River. They also set up posts on the Minnesota and Saint Croix rivers. At these posts, they traded furs for cloth and metal tools. Early settlers described the wilderness’ bounty. They saw opportunities to create new lives.
In the mid-1800s, Europeans and Americans moved to the area. By 1854, the Dakota were forced onto reservations. Newcomers cleared forests and built homes. They constructed roads linking farms and ports. In 1858, over 1000 steamboats docked at Saint Paul. Minneapolis harnessed the river’s power. It became the nation’s flour milling capital between 1880 and 1930.
Roads and transportation systems fed city growth in the 1900s. Water quality declined and wildlife habitats disappeared. Awareness grew leading to parks and refuges. These included recreational areas and historic sites. Today some are partners in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is home to many animals. These include amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. Millions of birds migrate along the river. It is one of five major flyways in the United States. Migrants and residents feed on microorganisms and fish.
Bald eagles soar over the river. They snatch fish to feed their young. Great blue herons and egrets stalk marsh edges for food. Beavers eat silver maples. Raccoons forage for nuts and berries. Floodplains and forests are home to rabbits and deer. Snakes and salamanders also live here. The Mississippi River serves as a nursery for fish.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area represents the river’s resources. The Ojibwa knew it as Mee-zee-see-bee. This means Father of Waters. The Mississippi River’s National Park preserves the river’s values. The park extends from Dayton and Ramsey to south of Hastings. About one-third of the park is open water.
The National Park Service provides leadership. It promotes a common vision for the river. Park staff work with partners to protect the river. Projects improve water quality. They also build public trails. Volunteers and rangers offer educational programs.
The Mississippi River Fund supports the park’s efforts. It supports programs to educate the public and restore spaces. The fund enhances programs through activities and volunteerism. The Mississippi River Visitor Center offers information. It helps plan trips along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.