Have you ever wandered whether the majestic Mississippi River extends into Minnesota? The river is best known for flowing through USA’s south and marks the boundary between Arkansas and Mississippi. The answer to this question is: yes, the Mississippi River flows through Minnesota, making the state one of the ten states touched by this 2,300-mile long river. Interestingly, it’s the only stretch of the Mississippi River north of the St Anthony Falls.
The Mississippi River enters Minnesota from the south near Hastings. The river continues north flowing past St Paul, Red Wing, and Wabasha before reaching its northernmost point near the town of Wyoming. After passing through the City of Winona, Mississippi River turns eastward into Wisconsin. As it exits to Wisconsin, the river passes through a narrow gorge known as the Mississippi River Gorge. The final back-drop of the landscape through the gorge is known as the Grand Peake State Park.
The Upper Mississippi River, according to experts, is world-renowned for its water-fowl production, exceptional fishing, and spectacular scenery. While the State of Minnesota acknowledged the significance of the river in passage of the Wild and Scenic River Act in 1991, it’s the only state with both wild and scenic river designations that are separated from one another. This offers a unique opportunity to explore two distinct aspects of the stunning Mississippi River.
Twin Cities of Minneapolis – St Paul offers a variety of activities and sightseeing. From kayaking and canoeing down the river to taking a hot-air balloon for a ride, there’s something for everyone. It’s advised to take a boat or river barge tour through the river to make the most of your visit. A scenic drive along the north Mississippi River Blvd is an excellent way to explore the area’s top attractions. Additionally, it’s strongly recommended that hikers visit the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
The historic Mississippi National River and Recreation Area covers 72 miles of the Mississippi River flowing through the Twin Cities of Minneapolis – St Paul. With 74 state parks, nine national scenic byways, 11 wildlife refuges, 13 national parks, and 42 national wildlife refuges, Minnesota’s stretch of the Mississippi brings to life the sheer beauty of the river. This selection of experiences allows you to explore the Mississippi in an unparalleled way.
Economy
The Mississippi River forms an essential part of the state’s economy and accounts for a considerable chunk of jobs and development opportunities. The river is huge contributor to commerce and fishing industries as it provides transportation, facilitates numerous recreational activities and generates hydro-electric power. Since the creation of the Upper Mississippi River System, companies are expanding business and services along this stretch, offering multiple employment opportunities.
Annually, the Upper Mississippi River System and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge support over 1.4 million jobs and contribute to a $295 million in consumer spending. The river system is also known to bring $386 million in tax revenues to the state and federal Government. Adjacent to the Mississippi River, many small towns have been developed, providing clear access to the central hub of economy.
Wildlife
The Mississippi River and its wildlife are cherished by Minnesota locals. As the river runs through the heart of the state, it’s become home to several wildlife species. Fast flowing stretches of the river provide habitat for big-headed carp, rare spoon-bill catfish, and several species of turtles. Moving eastward, the river is much calmer and wider leading to a different form of flora and fauna.
The presence of debris, timber, and agricultural run-off gives rise to an abundance of fish and wildlife. In this stretch, anglers are likely to come across walleye, bass, and crappie. The Mississippi River is also known to support large numbers of migrating songbirds, Canada Geese, and other waterfowl. The enormous array of flora and fauna offer a unique opportunity to witness the varied and vibrant nature of this river.
Aquatic Invasive Species
The bountiful array of flora and fauna in the Mississippi River is unfortunately not immune to the threat of aquatic invasive species. This can be attributed to the river’s major engineering works such as locks and dams, which opened channels for the species, offering another pathway to spread. Zebra mussels, Asian carp, rusty crawfish, and several other species are indigenous to the river.
The state of Minnesota has an extensive aquatic invasive species prevention program, which works to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species. This program features a checklist to abide by, boat decontamination companies, watercraft inspections, and more. While it’s impossible to completely eradicate aquatic invasive species from the river, the efforts of professionals and locals help to slow down their spread.
Pollution
The presence of pollutants can be linked to certain activities in Minnesota’s stretch of the Mississippi River as water is not completely immune to the adverse effects of pollution. Common pollution of the Mississippi River includes sewage, agricultural run-off, and toxic chemicals. These contaminants are believed to have a lasting impact on both the flora and fauna in the river.
The unhealthy signal of pollution has been transmitted in recent decades, causing significant loss of wildlife and ecological health in the Mississippi River. Fortunately, the state of Minnesota is actively working to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river whilst promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Recreation
Not only does the Mississippi River offer economic benefits, wildlife, and ecology to Minnesota, it also provides people with a plethora of recreational opportunities. From breathtaking sightseeing to exciting fishing adventures, there’s something for everyone. Locals of the state highly value this popular recreational activity, as it allows them to appreciate the strength of the river while indulging in an activity they enjoy.
It’s possible to find numerous guided and unguided motorboat, canoe, kayak, and raft tours occurring throughout the Mississippi River. With local equipment rental companies offering packages to suit every budget and experience level, it’s easy to get involved and have an exciting time. Additionally, you may spot numerous kayakers, anglers, and sailboarders on the calmer stretches of the river on any sunny day.
