The Mississippi river is an important waterway in the United States. Along its course, many cities have flourished and grown due to its trade and services provided by vessels using the river. But when it comes to which city has the most frontage on the mighty Mississippi, the answer is Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Located on the Mississippi’s western riverbank, Minneapolis is one of the largest cities in the region. With a population of around 400,000, the city is well-known for both its vibrant culture and green space. Bordering the river is the MiNNeapolis Riverwalk which is a pedestrian pathway along the river. Along this route, visitors can explore a variety of restaurants, museums and parks, including the Stone Arch Bridge, the city’s most recognizable landmark.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Mississippi stretches almost 2,350 miles from its headwaters in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. Minneapolis is situated about 885 miles from the headwaters and is the furthest northwest city to boast riverfront on both sides of the Mississippi. Its position close to the headwaters gives the city control of the lowest lock on the river, making it an important player in trade and transportation.
As one of the most athletically active cities in Minnesota, riverfront activities are popular in the area. Kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, swimming and sailing are enjoyed by the locals year-round. With the river providing a convenient waterway out to Lake
Pepin, sailing and yachting are also enjoyed by many.
The city’s close relationship with the Mississippi is also apparent in its music scene. Many of the area’s nightclubs, bars and live-music venues reflect a strong blues influence, making Minneapolis an important stop for musicians who wish to pass on the information of the importance of the Mississippi.
Minneapolis’s historic links to the United States’ first waterway make it an important center for navigation and industry. The mighty Mississippi has been responsible for the city’s expansion and growth, and it promises to remain the proud protector of the city’s culture and economy into the future.
Impact of Mississippi on the Economy
The Mississippi river is a major artery of commerce in North America. In 2020, the river has been estimated to contribute $415 billion to the US economy every year. Minneapolis alone earned over $2 billion in revenue from river-related activities, making it an important financial centre in the region.
One of Minneapolis’s main revenue sources is the shipment of agricultural produce by barge. As major agribusinesses have opened in and around the city, many of their goods have been shipped out via the Mississippi river. This has been a boon for the city and helped create many jobs, with thousands of people employed in the manning of barges, loading and unloading, and other related activities.
For decades, the river has played an important role in the development of the city. It has become a symbol of Minneapolis’s economic success and an important means of connecting it to the rest of the world.
In the past decades, the Minnesota government has invested heavily in the infrastructure of the riverbanks. The amount spent in recent years to upgrade the wharves and marinas and build tourist outlooks, makes the river a major contributor to tourism in the city and the surrounding region.
Environmental Impacts
The Mississippi River plays an important role in both the environment and economy of Minneapolis. Owing to its location close to the headwaters, the city has been able to take advantage of the great natural bounty offered by the river while also benefiting from the industries it brings.
The river has been an environmental boon to the city and its surroundings. Its waters are home to many species, such as beavers, carp, and catfish. Minneapolis has done an admirable job of conserving the ecological integrity of the river, by treating its polluted effluents and ensuring it retains its natural beauty.
The river has also provided important freshwater reserves for irrigation, with the Mississippi being tapped for the cultivation of crops. Aside from the ecological and hydrological benefits, the river also serves as a popular recreational area for people of all ages. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy activities such as fishing and kayaking on the river. Furthermore, the city also hosts several festivals that take place along the riverbank.
The Mississippi riverfront of Minneapolis adds to the life of many people, both locally and globally. More importantly, the protection of this great river is integral to the city’s environmental and economic success.
Natural Disasters
The Mississippi riverbank is also prone to natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. In the past, regular floods have caused great damage to properties along the riverbanks, including in Minneapolis. One of the worst of these disasters occurred in 2015 when the river flooded, resulting in more than $500 million of damages.
The floods served as a warning to residents and the government of the unpredictability of the river. To address this, the city has increased its preparation for such disasters, implementing preventive measures such as the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area. This area is subject to additional restrictions and regulations to protect against river-related damage or hazards.
Aside from the floods, Minneapolis has also had to contend with droughts. In 2020, the city experienced one of the most severe dry spells in recent memory. Despite this, citizens were prepared, with water scarcity plans implemented to minimize the damage caused.
As the impacts of climate change and extreme weather become more apparent, cities such as Minneapolis need to be ever vigilant in their preparation for natural disasters. By having a well-thought-out strategy in place, the city can continue to benefit from the riverside lifestyle it has come to enjoy.
Community Benefits
The Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis provides many social benefits for its citizens. With the river so accessible to its residents, the city acts as an oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolitan region. Minneapolis’s connection to the river provides its citizens with an attractive quality of life that has an immediate impact on culture, health and well-being.
The city has made a conscious effort to invest in its riverfront and create spaces along the riverbank where people can come and socialize. There are riverside restaurants and bars, parks and recreational areas, and plenty of cultural activities to enjoy. In this way, the river has not only provided a means of transportation and potential revenue streams, but it has also become an important public amenity.
The city’s proximity to the Mississippi has also made it an important center for performing arts, with several music venues in the area. From up-and-coming blues fans to nationally-recognized jazz and folk acts, Minneapolis and its riverfront are an important hub for music and art in the region and boasts an impressive roster of homegrown acts.
Aside from this, the Mississippi riverfront also serves as a source of inspiration to artists, from photographers to poets and novelists, drawing them to Minneapolis to explore their craft.
The culture and heritage intertwined with the Mississippi river in Minneapolis is undeniable and the appreciation and respect of its citizens for the mighty river is unrivalled. In this way, Minneapolis is the city with the most Mississippi riverfront, and its citizens are proud of it.
Future of the River
Though the Mississippi River fulfills many important functions in Minneapolis, the constant threat of pollution and climate change are putting a strain on many of its resources.
In recent years, the city has implemented Green policies in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. From reusable energy sources to more efficient waste management practices, Minneapolis is doing its best to preserve the environment and promote sustainable practices.
The city has also introduced greenways and bike trails along the riverbank. These are intended to entice citizens to use the riverside parks and recreational areas and reduce their reliance on cars. The city is hoping this will reduce the river’s emissions and contribute to its overall wellbeing.
The city is also looking to make the riverfront more family-friendly. To this end, there are several projects in the works to improve the riverbank, such as the creation of kayaking parks and swimming pools. By making these activities more accessible, Minneapolis can continue to attract visitors to the city and keep its citizens safe and healthy.
The future of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis looks bright, with the city taking responsibility for its preservation and promotion of a green and healthy lifestyle. With the right attitude, the city can continue to benefit from the river, while also keeping it protected.
