Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
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.
Photo: NPS photo/Gordon Dietzman / NPS
About Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
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.
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Driving times from Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Coldwater Spring (NPS)
- Mon
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Tue
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Wed
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Thu
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Fri
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sat
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
- Sun
- 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Mississippi National River & Recreation Area?
- Popular activities include Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Canoeing, Compass and GPS, Cross-Country Skiing.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Mississippi National River & Recreation Area?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (1 h 36 min), Effigy Mounds National Monument (3 h 15 min), Ice Age National Scenic Trail (3 h 22 min), Pipestone National Monument (3 h 27 min), North Country National Scenic Trail (3 h 37 min), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (4 h 14 min).