Mississippi River is arguably one of the most significant rivers in the US. Spanning the entire country, with its source in northern Minnesota and its mouth in New Orleans, Louisiana, the river symbolizes a source of power, fame and feats of exploration. Measuring 2,320 miles long, it’s the second largest river in the United States. But how far is it from right here?
Strictly speaking, the exact distance of the Mississippi River from any given geographic point depends on the direction of flight. By looking at its length and landmarks, one can get a sense of the distance. The Mississippi River flows in a southwesterly direction from Lake Itsbis in Minnesota to Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The mouth of the river is approximately 600 miles from the source, and is commonly accepted that the Mississippi River is close to 2,000 miles long. It runs through or touches 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This puts the Mississippi River in the far Midwest and the Deep South of the United States.
Experts suggest that a good way to gain a sense of the river’s distance from here is to look at the neighboring states. For instance, if Ohio is close by, for example, the Mississippi River would be relatively close too. Likewise, if California is close by, the Mississippi River would be far away. Even though the river is two thousand miles long, that is relatively short compared to how broad the United States is. It is certainly possible to drive to the Mississippi from most states in the eastern half of the country in less than a day.
Going further east, the river shrinks in kind of size, but it’s not any less significant. The Upper Mississippi River, between the source and the confluence of the Missouri River, is universally surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, as well as numerous historical sites, and is a very functional river. This makes it an ideal setting for water-based recreation, like boats boating and jet skiing. The Lower Mississippi River is where the largest and busiest cities are located, like Memphis and Vicksburg, and it is the port through which much of the nation’s commerce, like oil, is shipped.
For one outside of the US, there is an easy way to get a sense for how far away the Mississippi River is. The Mississippi coastline is served by some of the nation’s most major airline hubs, including Memphis, St. Louis and Minneapolis. Therefore, a direct flight takes roughly four hours from the east coast of the United States. This is a brief portion of the fantastic journey that the Mississippi River takes from its origin to the gulf, an inspiring journey that is sure to amaze not just the people in its vicinity.
Traditions and Industry
A great part of American culture and industry revolves around the Mississippi River. There are scores of businesses and organizations connected to the river and its related activities, such as river charging and reedsmen. For example, Smith and Johnson Riverboats, a company located near the source of the Mississippi, serves communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. The company charters boats, offering both a majestic and thrilling experience of the river. There are also numerous traditional activities that connect people to the river. This includes fishing, which is extremely popular throughout the region. The river offers an abundance of freshwater fish species, such as salmon, muskellunge and walleye, which anglers come and enjoy.
The cultural impact of the river has been enormous. While different Indigenous peoples used it to trade goods, the river has seen significant settlement by Europeans, most notably during the infamous Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Many of the landmarks along the Mississippi River, like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, have significant stories behind them. Furthermore, the Mississippi River also inspired several authors, such as Mark Twain, who was quick to capture the ambition and courage of those who filled the waters.
The Mississippi doesn’t just impact the lives of the people near it, but also people far away. For example, the river is an engine for global trade and the movement of goods, due to the efficient and reliable transportation it provides. The Mississippi River also serves a key role in preparation for climate change. In a warmer future, river levees can help handle floodwaters and reduce the risk of catastrophic losses.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the Mississippi River is immense. Despite its overwhelming commercial importance, the river is expected to address the growing effects of global warming. This includes its role in sustaining the livelihoods of plants and animals native to the region and providing drinking water to millions of people. For instance, the buffering effect of the Mississippi River on extreme temperatures can help reduce the risk of fires, droughts and floods in an increasingly warmer world.
Pollution in the the river is considered a serious issue. That is why the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented protections aimed at restoring the river’s health. The Clean Water Act was designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the river, prevent aquatic life from harmful water-borne diseases, and protect people from consuming contaminated food and water.
The EPA also works with entities like the Mississippi River Network to define and increase compliance with the Clean Water Act and other provisions related to watershed protection. Stakeholder-driven innovations, like bacteria-sensing technology, are also helping improve water quality. This technology can potentially detect pathogens before they make to the river and alert people about potential risks.
Recreation
Perhaps the most popular activity that draws people to the Mississippi River is recreational boating. The Mississippi has been an ideal setting for canoes, tour boats, kayaks and other water craft since the early 1800s. Even today, the various tributaries of the Mississippi provide thousands of miles of protected navigation. Moreover, cruise boats, like the Delta Queen, have been servicing the Mississippi since the 1960s.
One of the most interesting water-based recreation activities is the Great River Race, a bicycle-like rafting event held annually between Minneapolis and St. Louis. Participants build their own rafts and paddle them down the river, competing in various categories. There are also occasional cruises that give people the opportunity to visit various sites along the Mississippi.
The people living in close proximity to the Mississippi always have an amazing array of outdoor activities so close by. From river fishing, to unique festivals, and riverboat tours, the people in the region can take advantage of the river’s great beauty. Furthermore, the numerous camping sites that are open throughout the year are also popular activities, giving people the opportunity to camp in the banks of the river and observe its year-long changing landscapes.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts related to the Mississippi River are a continuous process and are largely aimed at restoring and protecting the water’s ecosystem. One example of such initiatives is the Mississippi RiverGardeners program. This is a public movement aimed at enriching the quality of life and health of the river. The river gardeners use various installation techniques, like bio-filtration swales, to reduce runoff and pollution, as well as maintain and monitor waterways.
Other groups, like the Mighty Mississippi Rivers Initiative, help research, develop and implement innovative projects and strategies to conserve and revitaize the Mississippi River. As part of their efforts, they focus on critical areas like public access, fisheries, and water quality. These initiatives bring together diverse interests, including industry, to promote resilient, local management and the protection of aquatic resources.
The future of the Mississippi River relies heavily on numerous conservation projects carried out by the stakeholders and locals. Since 1996, the river has been under special protection by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and its length is now considered a conservation zone, with over 70 species of fish, amphibians and reptiles calling it home.
Modern Times
Today, the Mississippi River stands as a symbol of human progress, moving cargo and travelers for centuries, as well as a playground for outdoor recreation. This has enabled the commercial and environmental importance of the river to reach new heights. Industries such as agriculture, timber, mining, and oil production, have driven the majority of development in the modern times.
In the last few decades, major investments from the US Army Corps of Engineers to improve navigation safety and efficiency have increased significantly. These investments have subsequent made the river suitable for increasingly larger ships, further making it a major player in the global economy.
At the same time, the increase in recreational activities has done much to reignite interest in the river. There is a greater awareness of the river’s importance, with more people connecting to the river ecology, culture, and history. From adventure trips, to river cruises, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, the Mississippi often sees swarms of tourists during the summer time.
Overall, it has been an impressive journey for the Mississippi River, a journey of greatness, of tragedy, and of resilience. For many states and people living in close proximity to the river, it has become a symbol of identity, a source of pride. Therefore, it is quite remarkable to consider just how far away the Mississippi River is from any given geographic point, especially from here.
