Sightseeing the Mississippi River
Exploring the Mississippi River can prove to be an incredible journey for any adventure seeker. The river is one of the largest in the world, flowing through 10 states in total and connecting tons of cities, towns, and other destinations in the United States. While it might not be possible for a single individual to traverse the entire length of the river in one go, by taking smaller trips, there’s still a lot of potential for sightseeing.
Spanning a total of 2,320 miles, the Mississippi is the second-longest river in the United States after the Missouri River. The source of the Mississippi is located in northern Minnesota and the river eventually empties out into the Gulf of Mexico. The great river is known for its rich cultural and ecological importance, and it has been featured in multiple pieces of literature, including the renowned book “Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain,.
The majority of the river is wide and slow, and it has been used as a transportation route over the years, but it is best known as a recreational spot. This is why so many people are drawn to the route for sightseeing. There are also a few more difficult sections, including the series of rapids around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, which makes for an exciting challenge for those who are hoping to navigate the waters.
The Mississippi is also known for its wealth of wildlife. Over 90 different kinds of fish species have been identified in its waters, and it is home to hundreds of different species of birds, such as the impressive bald eagle. Adrenaline junkies hoping to spot some of this wildlife are likely to find the experience enjoyable.
For those who want to take a more relaxed approach to exploring the river, there are numerous spots for camping and fishing along the shores, as well as many smaller tributaries that can be used for kayaking and canoeing. With the abundance of sights, sounds, and activities, there is a lot for visitors to enjoy.
Those wanting to experience the Mississippi River first-hand may feel overwhelmed with the sheer enormity of the journey and the sheer scale of the river, but there are several tour operators who can provide an insight and a unique experience of the river and its local sights, experiences, and stories.
From sailing, to kayaking, to fishing and biking, there are seemingly endless routes and attractions to be found along Mississippi. Plus, many small towns along the way provide the perfect opportunity to wander around, sample local food and drink, enjoy unique crafts, and discover the unique cultures of the different parts of the US.
Stopping Along the Way
Those travelling the river will undoubtedly pass through countless recognizable cities along the way, such as Memphis and St. Louis, as well as mysterious and off the beaten path locations. Each of these places offers their own charms, history, and culture. Hikers will be rewarded with spectacular scenery, quaint villages, and powerful stories behind each bend of the river.
Families may find more organized and convenient itineraries from the tour operators, allowing them to choose from a selection of routes and activities on their way down the river. By choosing certain tours organized by experts, it is possible for sightseers to uncover even more secrets of the Mississippi that are often only known by the locals.
These stories are made even more remarkable when considering their historical context, and visitors will be able to gain a further appreciation for the radical changes age has had on the river. Seeing the rise and fall of people and industry, and the ever-changing environment of the river itself, is an important part of the journey.
In addition to the various tours organized by professionals, do-it-yourself adventurers can also choose to take the less traveled route and claim their own piece of the Mississippi. This generally entails travelling through smaller tributaries, booking a boat or tour, or walking to explore the smaller, more intimate places of interest.
Unique Location Expressions
It is also worth mentioning that names for the different locations can vary from region to region. A trip through the river will involve passing through several states and it is not uncommon for particular places to have multiple names. It is important to be aware of this so as not to get confused, especially during navigation.
Moreover, deciding to traverse the entire Mississippi River can be a difficult and rewarding journey. While it may be too huge a task for a single person to complete in one go, modern tourists have the opportunity to travel smaller portions of the river and experience the unique sights and sounds it has to offer.
Fishing Along the Mississippi
Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the Mississippi River and is a great way to get to know both the location itself and its people. With its large and varied species, anglers can expect a wealth of options in terms of types of fish. In addition to being a great source of fresh, local food, this form of recreation is also a way to be relaxed and enjoy the nature.
Visitors may find large reservoirs of certain species, such as black bass, crappie, carp and more, that can be caught with the right setup. Anglers can also find many blinds and deeper runs to go after all sorts of trophy fish and smaller, more docile ones. In addition, there are several organized fishing tours hosted by local professionals, as well as charters for those who wish to follow a guided itinerary.
It is important to note that certain licenses may be required to fish on the Mississippi, such as freshwater stamps and out-of-state permits. Licenses should be purchased before the trip, however, and these can easily be found on the internet.
Yet, regardless of which species of fish a person is in pursuit of, fishing on the Mississippi is sure to reward them with an unforgettable experience of the great river, its beauty, and its amazing stories.
The People Along the Mississippi
Finally, travelling along the length of the Mississippi will provide visitors with the chance to experience different cultures, as the area is renowned for its culturally rich towns and cities. Exploring the various settlements dotted around its banks is an opportunity to learn in-depth about the history and people of the region, and to gain an understanding of the communities that exist there.
The Mississippi is known for its local dialects, eclectic cuisines, music, and art. All these contribute to making the area an incredibly unique one and guests to these places have the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in its culture. Interacting with the locals can also lead to learning more unique, hidden secrets and stories that are often only known to them.
Close encounters, in particular, can help build a better understanding of all the complexities of this dynamic river. By travelling along its shores and talking with the people living by it, a clearer picture can be seen of how the river helps shape, and is shaped by, the lives of all those in and around it.
The Mississippi: A Learning Experience
Of course, when visiting an area as rich in history and culture as the Mississippi, it is essential to leave some time to appreciate the rich stories and the meaningful lessons that accompany them. Different perspectives and outlooks can be found in the locals and offer new understanding of the region. In essence, this is part of the rewards of travelling the Mississippi.
On top of its abundant wildlife, unique attractions, and breathtaking nature, it is within conversations with the locals and its inhabitants that the Mississippi truly opens up. If given the chance, visitors can open up to its unique expressions, and learn something of the layers of complexity intertwined into one of the most important rivers in the United States.
Exploring Local Sites and Attractions
In addition, the historical sites and monuments that can be found along the river provide visitors with the chance to learn about its past and the events that have shaped it. Notable sites include the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the National Great Rivers Museum in Illinois, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
However, discovering the stories and memories that have made up the history of the Mississippi is a hard task, as it is likely that no two people will recall the past in quite the same way. This is what makes a visit to the area so unique and interesting, as it is like embarking on a journey that often leads to unexpected places and new understandings.
By taking advantage of the countless attractions and sites, neighbours and communities, and the rich historical and cultural heritages, a journey along the lengths of the Mississippi River offers something for everyone.
