The Anatomy of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi is an iconic river, one of the largest and most well-known in the world. Established as the second ever National Wild and Scenic River in the United States back in 1988, it runs a staggering 2,350 miles, rising in its northern portion and draining through much of the Midwest before its termination in Gulf of Mexico. Along this great stretch of river lies hundreds of small towns, many of them steeped in American history, and full of a diverse range of communities. One of these places is La Crosse, Wisconsin, a city nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, spanning the Wisconsin and Minnesota state line.
At La Crosse, the Mississippi River reaches an impressive width that spans some 740 feet at the widest point. As tectonic activity forges the river’s course, it continues to swell, meandering around the length of the La Crosse area, providing the nearby communities with an abundance of opportunities for their recreational pleasure.
Accessible and Iconic
The Mississippi River at La Crosse is accessible and iconic in equal measure, with numerous landmarks providing residents and visitors alike with stunning opportunities to explore the local area. Just downstream from the city, bordered on either side by marshlands, is Maple Islandand two navigational locks, offering a chance to view the native wildlife and experience the life and culture that many of the river’s inhabitants have become accustomed to.
From downtown, a vast stretch of green spans the width and breadth of the area, a beautiful canvas of trees, shrubs and marshlands that speak to the vastness of the river itself. Further upstream, you can find the Great River State Trail, where cyclists and walkers can take in unrivaled views of the river and its stunning countryside beginnings. A variety of wildlife can be found here, from whitetail deer to bald eagles and a host of other avian and insect population.
Tourism Opportunities
La Crosse’s prime location on the Mississippi River lends itself to a diverse range of tourism opportunities for all kinds of visitors. From fishing and kayaking to bird watching and nature exploration, the river is an ever-flowing resource that is brimming with life and wonder. Professional tour guides offer bespoke guided tours of the area, designed to get up close to the beauty of this great river and all its charms.
Boating is also particularly popular here, and visitors can rent vessels in many of the nearby marinas and take their chances on the great river itself. Many of the vessels are fitted with large nets so that visitors can scoop up fish, hang off the side and see what they can find.
Sights and Sounds of the Mississippi
The sights and sounds of the Mississippi River at La Crosse are exceedingly impressive. On a summer’s day, the colors and reflections of the sun on the water, from deep blues to bright yellows, offer a vivid and exciting reminder of the river’s resilience in the face of all kinds of weather.
Visitors can also enjoy the gentle roar of waterfalls and rapids, a reminder of the Mississippi’s volatile and ever-changing landscape, something that continues to captivate travelers the world over.
Recreational Activities
Due to its prime location, the Mississippi at La Crosse is a popular choice amongst those looking to experience some of the local wildlife. From fishermen to campers, there is a diverse range of recreational activities to engage in, with many of the surrounding lodges and campgrounds reflecting the nature of the area and providing a truly rustic experience.
Historical Significance
The Mississippi River has been seen as an integral part of what makes America great, providing a vital fuel for its early industrialists as well as acting as a strategic marker of trade. Since the mid-nineteenth century, it has been a major source of transportation for the people of La Crosse and further downstream, with many of the towns along its course becoming hubs for a range of activity.
Settlements along the banks of the Mississippi have been key to the development of the area and the country at large, and La Crosse stands out as one of the most important places to witness the great river’s dynamics at work. Not only is it home to a sizable population and bustling industry, but also it’s also a place where people come to try their luck with some of the best recreational and leisure activities that the great river has to offer.
Environmental Preservation
Though the Mississippi River continues to see a wealth of activity in the form of transportation and recreation, a high priority has been placed on its preservation in recent years. Aided by organisations such as Great River Passage, The Mississippi River Fund and The National Park Service, efforts to monitor the health and sustainability of the river have gone a long way in ensuring its longevity.
New public educational programs and initiatives to bring awareness of the importance of the river have been put into place, with local youngsters encouraged to take an active interest in its protection and upkeep. This has seen a shift in the way people perceive the river, taking it out of the realm of a resource and back into a place of appreciation, where visitors can revel in its natural majesty in a way that doesn’t damage its delicate balance.
The Width at La Crosse
At La Crosse, the Mississippi River reaches a width of 740 feet, providing a vast span of conditions for water-based activities and exploration. Here, visitors can observe a diverse range of wildlife from the comfort of their boats, and hike, cycle and camp their way through the landscapes that make up much of the city’s picturesque charm.
The river has also helped to shape the area in many ways, from providing a historical and economic backbone to the cities and towns along its banks to offering an abundance of leisure and recreational activities for visitors, something that has made the Mississippi River an iconic part of American history.
Social and Cultural Impact
The significance of the Mississippi River, and particularly the portion at La Crosse, extends beyond the physical and tangible. Social and cultural opportunities abound on the banks of the river, with the local community of all backgrounds able to share and immerse themselves in this great stretch of wilderness.
Here, the great river continues to act as a passion-stoking and drive-building force, providing a conduit for local and international visitors to express their connection to its natural beauty and wonder. This has resulted in the development of a range of clubs and groups, all dedicated to the preservation, protection and appreciation of the Mississippi River.
Destination for Locals and Tourists
For locals and tourists alike the Mississippi River at La Crosse is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re looking to cast your line and go fishing, hopping on a boat and exploring the extensive array of wildlife, or simply taking in its incredible vista, the stretch of river here presents itself as something that is truly remarkable.
The stunning landscape and its many hidden secrets, from historical sites and marshlands to wildlife reserves, all lend themselves to an unforgettable experience, one that speaks to the great river’s spirit of perseverance and its enthralling appeal.
Fishing Opportunities
The Mississippi’s waters provide an age-old tradition of fishing in La Crosse and nearby regions. The stretch of river near the city is well known among outdoorsmen and fishing enthusiasts alike, who flock to its banks in search of the best catches. With a variety of species available, such as northern pike, smallmouth bass and crappie, the river possesses a wealth of opportunities for those looking to take part in some leisurely fishing activities.
Anglers have a range of equipment to choose from, from boats, lures and rods to bait, and can troll and bass fish their way to a triumphant afternoon. From the banks of the river to the depths beneath its surface, the Mississippi River promises an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to give their fishing game a real working out.
Eco-Tourism in the Region
Eco-tourism in the Mississippi River region is becoming more and more popular with each passing season. From kayaking, canoeing and wetlands exploration, there is a diverse range of activities available for curious visitors to experience the area and its wonderful wildlife.
La Crosse is also home to a number of eco-tours and guided treks designed to help visitors explore the beauty and grandeur of the great river and its surrounding lands. Here, visitors can get close to the river and the wildlife, learning all about the flora and fauna that make this place so special.
What the Future Holds
The future of the Mississippi River promises to be just as captivating and awe-inspiring as its illustrious past. With an array of campaigns and projects fomenting a more sustainablefuture, the river stands as a beacon of hope, an ever-flowing reminder of the beauty that can be found in the world and all its wonders.
Driven by the passion of the local community and enlightened by the river’s expansive beauty, the Mississippi at La Crosse continues to carry the dreams, aspirations and memories of generations, promising to stand the test of time and be the source of inspiration for generations to come.
