Geographic Location of Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and is located near the banks of the Mississippi River. The city is about 400 miles upriver from the largest city on the Mississippi River, New Orleans. Minneapolis lies within the borders of Hennepin, Anoka, and Ramsey Counties in central Minnesota. The city is also one of the Twin Cities and is connected to the city of St. Paul. The city is bounded by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, and the two cities are divided by the Mississippi National Park. The Mississippi serves as the dividing line between the two cities.
Minneapolis is located to the north of the Mississippi, adjacent to the large swath of water called Lake Calhoun. The nearest river to Minneapolis is the St. Croix River, which starts in Southern Minnesota, flows eastward and eventually converges with the Mississippi south of Minneapolis. The other two major rivers in the area are the Minnesota and Minnesota. The Minnesota River is approximately 30 miles to the south of the city and the Minnesota River is about 50 miles to the east.
Distance from Minneapolis to the Mississippi River
The actual distance from Minneapolis to the Mississippi River is about fifteen miles, measured from the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and West River Parkway in Minneapolis over to the northernmost point of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Many people, however, don’t realize that the journey between Minneapolis and the Mississippi River is actually quite complex. This is because the river does not run directly from the city to the river but rather it turns and runs mostly southward before eventually reaching the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Additionally, there is a lake that that separates Minneapolis from the Mississippi, therefore making the journey longer.
From the northernmost point of the Mississippi River, in Saint Paul, to the actual point of the Mississippi River in Madison, Wisconsin, is about 250 miles. From Minneapolis to the Mississippi is about 15 miles, but from Minneapolis to Madison, Wisconsin, is just over 300 miles. The entire Minnesota River Valley, which is the entire journey from Minneapolis to the border of Wisconsin, is about 350 miles long.
The Mississippi River has been used for navigation since the late 1700s, when it was used as a means of transporting goods up and down the river. This process, known as “river boating” slowly gained popularity, as it was the most efficient way of transporting goods during the time. Still today, many riverboats ply the Mississippi, carrying passengers and freight on their journeys. In particular, the Minnesota River Valley is a popular destination for travelers and those wealthy enough to charter a riverboat.
In addition to riverboats, the Mississippi River is used for a variety of other activities, including fishing, sightseeing, and even ferries. Ferries across the Mississippi are a popular way to travel from one side of the river to the other, especially in cities such as Minneapolis. Many people who enjoy the scenery of the river make the journey by ferry to view the river from a different angle.
Conservation Efforts of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important water systems in the United States. Not only is it a major source of transportation, but it also serves as a home to a diverse array of aquatic wildlife, including birds, fish, and other mammals. In order to ensure that the river remains a safe and thriving habitat, conservation efforts have been put in place by local, state, and federal government organizations.
The primary goal of conservation efforts on the Mississippi River is to protect and sustain the health of the aquatic ecosystem by maintaining the river’s natural functions. This includes reducing non-point source pollution, restoring habitat and wetlands, and controlling invasive species, among other things. There are also volunteer-based cleanup programs and public education initiatives in place in order to keep the river clean, both from a physical and a health perspective.
The conservation efforts of the Mississippi River have been successful over the years, but there is still work to be done. The state of Minnesota has invested in the protection of the river, including a multi-million dollar Clean Water Fund, which helps fund projects such as those related to water quality. Additionally, there has been a push for more public engagement in the efforts, in order to engage citizens in the protection of the water and its wildlife.
Conclusion
Minneapolis is located just fifteen miles away from the Mississippi River, making it quite easy to take a journey to the river. Not only is the Mississippi River a popular destination for travelers, but it’s also an important habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife, making it imperative that its health and conservation are protected and maintained. Fortunately, there are numerous organizations, both at the local and federal level, that are committed to preserving the river and its species.
