Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

About Mississippi

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.

Hours

Getting there

Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets near park headquarters. Several parking ramps are available nearby including the Kellogg Square parking ramp. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota (120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN).

Weather

Minnesota has a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Spring brings moderate temperatures and low humidity. Summer days may reach temperatures of more than 100°F (38°C), but are usually pleasant with temperatures in the low to mid-80°F (25-30°C). Autumn brings dry, warm days, cool nights and gorgeous fall colors. Winter daytime highs are around 25°F (-3°C). Rarely, winter daytime high temperatures may not get above -10°F (-23°C), sometimes with strong winds.

Things to do

Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Canoeing, Compass and GPS, Cross-Country Skiing, First Person Interpretation, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Front-Country Hiking, Geocaching, Hiking, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Hunting, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Living History, Mountain Biking, Museum Exhibits, Paddling, Reenactments, Road Biking, Skiing, Snow Play, Wildlife Watching.