The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching over 2,320 miles from its source in Lake Itasca to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. It is an icon of American history, art, and literature, and it’s winding path serves as a unifying golden thread in the rich mosaic of the nation’s landscape. But what does the start of the Mississippi River look like?
A Basin of Incredible Biodiversity
Located in northern Minnesota, the Lake Itasca region is a place of stunning natural beauty and scientific importance. Covered in a tapestry of evergreen and deciduous trees, and dotted with lakes, streams, and wetlands, the basin is classified as a temperate-humid forest, and is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. The diversity of species is remarkable; from colorful songbirds, such as the brilliantly hued pileated woodpecker, to American elk, moose, and many aquatic species.
The Mississippi River forms in this lush, biodiverse environment, collecting the waters of more than 300 rivers and streams before heading south. The lake itself is 1 mile wide and about 10 miles long and is just 45-feet deep at its deepest point. With its clear, placid surface and thickly treed banks, it is easy to envision how this lake could be the birthplace of such a significant waterway.
A Source of Native American Heritage
The awe-inspiring start of the Mississippi River is also the center of a long and vibrant history. Humans have lived in the Lake Itasca area for 8,000 – 10,000 years and the basin has been subject to human use and alterations ever since. The Dakota and Ojibwe Tribes called this area home before Europeans arrived in the region, and they continue to have strong cultural and spiritual ties to the Mississippi River.
In the Ojibwe language, “Itasca” translates to “true head.” The native peoples believed that this lake was the true source of the Mississippi River. In the early 19th century, explorer Henry Schoolcraft’s scientific expedition determined the true origin of the river, and Lake Itasca was marked as the official start. The native peoples’ reverence for the basin was quickly adopted by the settlers, who named it a state park in 1891, making it the oldest state park in Minnesota.
A Haven for Nature-Lovers and Outdoor Adventure
The Lake Itasca area provides a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. There are several well-marked trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, with the 164-square-mile Itasca State Park containing more than 100 lakes and over 30 miles of trails.
The headwaters of the river are easily accessible, by wheelchair or otherwise, with a path that meanders from the main park road. It is only 0.25 miles from the parking area to a boardwalk that leads to the lake’s historic headwaters, where visitors can dip their toes into the lake to experience the beginning of this iconic river.
An Educational Destination
The start of the Mississippi River offers a unique window into the ecology and human history of the region. The nearby Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center is a haven for lifelong learners, offering interactive exhibits and educational programming.
The Headwaters Science Center, located on the shores of Lake Itasca, offers state-of-the-art exhibits in the sciences. Here, visitors can explore the hydrology, geology, and biology of the headwaters region in addition to engaging in hands-on activities, such as water quality testing. The center brings alive the environmental impact of the area for all ages.
The Lake Itasca Region as a Microcosm
The beauty and importance of the Lake Itasca region extends far beyond its stunning vistas and biodiversity. The science and history at the start of the Mississippi River provide a powerful snapshot of a larger picture—the regional, even global, implications of the river and its watershed.
By understanding what we see at the beginning of the river—the interconnectivity of the landscape, the pressure of human development, and the delicate balance of the world’s ecosystems—we can better understand how these same systems operate and interact around the world, and how our individual actions can have an impact on these precious areas.
Protecting and Enhancing the Legacy of the Mississippi River
The start of the Mississippi River offers a chance to explore the ecology, history, and human connections of the region, making the area a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve our national parks and wild places. In addition to preserving the region’s inherent beauty, the Mississippi River provides numerous economic and recreational benefits, such as providing habitat for thousands of species, and serving as a vital transportation network from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Furthermore, recreation and tourism activities in the Mississippi River Basin contribute billions of dollars to the nation’s economy each year. More importantly, the river has provided a source of inspiration for generations of authors, painters, and filmmakers who have used the Mississippi’s vast wilderness and wildlife as a source of inspiration for their work.
The Mississippi River: A Gift, and a Responsibility
The start of the Mississippi River is a breathtaking reminder of the region’s beauty and history; of our ties to the land, and of the need to respect and protect our wild places. Its waters symbolize a region, a nation, and a people. We have inherited this majestic river, and it’s our job to keep it alive, vibrant, and healthy for future generations to enjoy.
The Future of the Elements
Modern technologies have made it easier than ever to explore and understand the Mississippi River Basin. Dozens of remote sensing studies have been conducted in recent years, providing invaluable insights and analysis into how human activities are impacting the basin.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with dozens of universities and agencies, has launched the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program to collect data and provide an integrated view of the river’s physical, chemical, and biological features. This program is providing us with an unparalleled view of the river and its ecosystem, and helping us to better understand the role that humans play in maintaining the health of the river basin.
Exploration for All
To the modern explorer, the start of the Mississippi River has something for everyone. Whether by water, by land, or by air, there are endless opportunities to gain an appreciation of this magnificent area. Whether it’s paddling down the river, camping along its banks, or just taking in the gorgeous views, the Lake Itasca region is an ideal destination for discovering the natural beauty and history of the Mississippi River Basin.
A Celebration of the Mississippi River
Every year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the start of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Headwaters Association holds an annual event to honor and raise awareness about the importance of our national symbol.
The festival features educational seminars, fun activities for all ages, river tours and live music performances. The event is a powerful reminder of the importance of the Mississippi River as well as our collective responsibility to protect and honor it.
Connecting to Nature and Each Other
The preciousness of this area is also evident in the numerous volunteer projects that take place around the Mississippi River Basin. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to help restore woodlands and habitat areas, build trails, and clean up the rivers and streams.
These earth-friendly projects remind us of our crucial role in maintaining the condition of our natural spaces and the importance of our connection to the earth. Whether on the banks of the Mississippi or in our own backyards, nature-inspired activities bring us closer together and help us become more mindful of the environment.
