Today, those same waterways provide a way for travelers to explore the heartland of the United States by boat. Starting in Lake Michigan and ending in the Mississippi River, it is possible to journey more than 1,500 miles of continuous waterway from Chicago, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico.
From the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the potential traveler needs to find the right river that will connect him or her to the Mississippi. The preliminary portion of a journey heading westward is relatively easy. The Chicago River flows southwestward to the Des Plaines River, which connects to the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River.
Other rivers and channels, such as the Kankakee River and the Calumet Sag Channel, can also be used to link the two giant bodies of water. Both of these routes have their benefits and drawbacks, depending on weather and recreational limits.
Boating from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi
It should be noted that if one desires to get from to Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, he or she will have to obtain a Temporary Operating Certificate (TOC). This fee is necessary because, when one travels from state to state on a boat, he or she has to abide by the laws in each state, since each state regulates its own waterways. Boating equipment such as charts and a boat compass can also be helpful in navigating this path.
The ambitious journey from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi involves hitting several locks along the way. These locks allow boats to safely move to different elevations along the river. Different locks are located along each river that needs to be passed in order to reach the Mississippi River.
Chicago as the first stop on the journey
For the journey from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, Chicago is the first stop. There are many places of interest in this city, not least of which is Navy Pier, located at the foot of the bridge leading to the lake. It houses a public park, an entertainment center, and various sculptures.
From Chicago, travelers can continue on to the downtown area of the river that links to the Des Plaines River. Here, navigators will find more places of interest, such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum.
Exploring the Des Plaines River
After the Des Plaines River, travelers next move on to the Illinois River. At this point, visitors will find the town of Peru, which holds a few points of interest for the voyager, such as the Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
The Illinois River is wider than the rivers preceding it, although being so far inland means it is not as deep as rivers closer to the Mississippi. This doesn’t mean the waters are any less fascinating, because travelers still experience locks, dams, and bridges of interest as they journey.
Traveling down the Mississippi River
Finally, travelers reach the Mighty Mississippi. This is arguably one of the most iconic rivers in America and provides travelers with the chance to cross state lines as they journey down the river.
The thing about the Mississippi is that it is wide, deep, and fast-moving. Travelers should always be mindful of barges and other vessels along the way. Boaters should also keep in mind that they may have to use locks and bridges in order to move along the river.
Touring the highlights of the Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi offers plenty of attractions along the way, from the Slave Museum in Memphis, Tennessee to Shreveport’s Mardi Gras World in Louisiana. Although many visitors to the river might choose to just cruise down the river, there is much to explore in addition to the journey.
The Mississippi Delta is situated in northern Mississippi and includes the renowned Mud Island, known for its unique natural beauty and rich history. Beyond Memphis, visiters can explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which is sited just south of New Orleans. Lastly, travelers can marvel at the magnificence of Natchez Trace State Park, located in western Tennessee.
After the journey is complete
At this point, the traveler has reached the Gulf of Mexico and the end of their journey down the Mississippi River. This marks the completion of 1,500 miles of gorgeous scenery, great food, and exploration.
The rivers connecting the Mississippi to Lake Michigan are by no means meant to be seen as just a simple pathway. In reality, they are a beginning point for countless potential adventures and a starting point for great life experiences. As a result, having the opportunity to travel from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River is indeed a selling point to potential travelers.
Navigating the waters that connect Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River is not a task to be taken lightly, but with the right tools, it can be done safely and with great memories made along the way. Before beginning such a journey, it is important to take the appropriate safety precautions, such as having a thorough understanding of boating safety, obtaining necessary licenses and certification, and familiarizing oneself with the rules and regulations of each waterway.
Although this may be considered a more traditional way to explore the US, the journey from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River is a fantastic way to traverse the country’s heartland in a unique way.
Knowing the best times of the year for the journey
This particular journey is best attempted when the weather is warm and the waters are calm. During other times, such as the early spring months or the dead of winter, the rivers can be quite tumultuous, posing a serious risk to the navigator. Summer is the best time of year to plan a journey such as this, as the air is warm and the days are long, providing a spectacular long-distance sightseeing experience.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to plan a trip in advance. Familiarizing oneself with the kind of boat needed and the logistics of the journey can help make the trip a great deal easier and more enjoyable.
Stay on top of the changing river conditions
Although it is feasible to get from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, it is important to stay aware of the current conditions of the rivers. This can be done by paying attention to the news, the river level gauges, the weather, the condition of the waterways, and other vital information. It can be beneficial to keep up with reports of areas that may be affected by flooding, as this can be a significant risk when navigating the rivers.
It is also important to ensure that the boat being used is fit for the journey. The size and age of the vessel are all taken into consideration when planning a trip such as this. Furthermore, individuals should also be made aware of the legal implications, such as the need for a Temporary Operating Certificate or licenses, in order to safely carry out the trip.
Making the most of the journey
It is possible to enjoy this journey in a variety of ways, such as by camping, fishing, and sightseeing as one makes their way down the river. Depending on one’s interests, there are many ways to spend time along the way, whether it is fishing in the St. Clair River or staying overnight at one of the many campsites located along the Illinois River.
There are also many towns situated along the rivers, such as Alton and Grafton in Illinois, providing places for rest and relaxation during the journey. The rivers surrounding Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River provide a unique glimpse of the United States at its finest.
