Can You Float the Mississippi River?
Floating along the mighty Mississippi has been an essential part of the area’s history, dating back to the days of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. But can ordinary people still float the Mississippi today?
The answer is yes — the Mississippi river is legally navigable for non-commercial boats all along its length. However, to travel with safety, comfort, and affordability, travelers need some level of experience and knowledge or access to high-quality resources as support.
The Mississippi River system is wide and deep, traveling through nine states. The river can be divided into several regions, including Southern, Western, and Northern stretches. Within these regions, the river varies in speed, size, and accessibility, but all can be traveled.
Navigating the Mississippi is an ambitious endeavor, and should not be undertaken lightly. Weather and strong currents can present a risk to travelers, both on large and small vessels.
The lower stretch of the Mississippi is slower and more shallow, making it slightly easier to navigate, but weather and other river traffic can still present a risk.
Physically, the challenge of the Mississippi is rooted in its size and the changes in currents, depths, and navigation demands along its many different stretches.
Crucial Preparation for a Successful Trip
Proper planning is essential for a successful journey. Choosing the right season, studying maps and navigation routes, packing the right supplies, passengers and equipment — all of these need to be carefully considered before departure.
In order to have the most enjoyable journey, it’s key to be prepared for potential weather conditions and keep an eye on any developing severe weather.
It is also important to understand the different water levels expected along a given part of the river. Different types of vessels also affect the navigation of the river — any wide or top-heavy vessels should be avoided as they present their own range of problems.
Alternatives and Tips For Touring the Mississippi
Those with limited boating experience, or who lack confidence in navigating the river, can choose alternative means of exploring the Mississippi. Sightseeing cruises, paddleboats, and paddle-boards are all options for touring the waterways without a boat.
For those that are seeking an authentic experience without the risk, visitors can hop aboard a dinner cruise or dinner barge, or simply relax and marvel at its scenery from the banks.
Navigating the Mississippi requires some dedicated gear and resources, like navigational aids and communication systems.
The use of phone navigation applications such as Garmin, iNavX, and RiverNav has become increasingly popular. These nifty applications allow users to pin-point their incredibly precise coordinates, anticipate changing tides, and track their voyage.
The United States Coast Guard is also on call for distress and emergency situations for any travelers along the river.
Risks and Other Considerations
Travelers need to be aware of the Mississippi River’s navigational hazards, such as local watercraft, sandbars, and logs. Risk increases when the river is extra full or has low water levels, like during extreme droughts or floods.
Swimming, fishing, and contact with wildlife are all possible, as are long detours for commercial shipping, tows, and bridge closures.
Additionally, especially in recreational areas, visitors should be cognizant of their sound levels to not disturb other visitors.
Mississippi River Regulations
In America, a Boat Owner’s License is not required to operate on the Mississippi. However, river regulations and local state laws apply and should be followed to protect everyone involved.
Fines can be inflicted for unknowingly violating local state laws while on the river, so it is a good idea to familiarize oneself with the local regulations.
The Mississippi river is a great place to explore. However, proper planning and preparation are essential for a successful journey.
MLA Citation:
“Can You Float the Mississippi River?” The Explore Adventure Travel website, Nov 4, 2020, https://exploreadventuretravel.com/can-you-float-the-mississippi-river/.
