The Mississippi River serves as a source of life and livelihood not only for people living in the following states it flows through—Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Louisiana—but also to the state capitals located along it. The Mississippi River has come to define the region and shape the way of life of those living along the banks. From St. Paul, the Twin City, to the Big Easy, New Orleans, these six state capitals have all been directly and historically influenced by the Mighty Mississippi.
St. Paul, the capitol of Minnesota, is regarded as the “Twin City,” as its capital is twinned with the fast-growing and cultural capital of the state, Minneapolis. Although the two cities share some of the same amenities, St. Paul is home to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a national park that allows different recreational activities including a 72-mile stretch of the river tour. This tour begins in St. Paul and then makes its way to New Orleans.
In Wisconsin, Madison has been the state capitol since 1838. It is also one of the first spots on the Mississippi River to experience tributaries flowing in from Wisconsin’s riversides and other surrounding states. Madison is also home to two islands in the Mississippi River, known as Barnum and Thut Islands, making it a prime spot for bird watching and recreation.
A direct tributary of the Mississippi, Indiana’s White River is the reason the capitol of Indianapolis decided its spot along the river’s banks in 1821. People from all over the Midwest visit the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to explore its art galleries, monuments, and attractions. In addition, a historical marker documents Chief Little Turtle’s War from 1790-1794. This war was a result of an alliance between Native Americans led by Chief Little Turtle, defending their rights to the nearby land.
The capitol of Illinois, Springfield, is the third largest city in the state and traces its history back to 1839. Aside from the historic sights and landmarks, Springfield has become a popular destination for paddlers and fishermen due to the Illinois River that runs through the city. In addition, the capital hosts the famous Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair and features a variety of local and international cuisines.
Mississippi’s state capital, Jackson, is situated along the banks of the Pearl River and is the most populous capitol city in America. The city is known for its hospitality and culture and visitors will find plenty to do. Popular points of interest include the Mississippi Petrified Forest, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, among others.
Finally, the end of the Mississippi River’s journey is the dynamic capital of Louisiana, New Orleans. This breathtaking city presents a unique mix of cultures and attractions, its unique architecture and music scene making it one of the most visited cities in the country. Visitors can satisfy their appetite at restaurants like Galatoire’s and their thirst with the ever-popular Sazerac. New Orleans is also home to some of America’s most iconic music traditions, like jazz and blues, as well as many renowned museums.
St. Paul
St. Paul resides at the heart of the Mississippi River with many of its citizens’ livelihoods directly impacted by the river since the city was founded in 1838. Every year, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area for recreation and historical tours along the river in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The city is also home to several large businesses including HighBridge Logistics, the region’s largest logistics and distribution hub. St. Paul citizens benefit from the amenities, employment opportunities, and unique culture found in the Capital City.
Madison
Madison rests at the southwestern part of the state, adjacent to the Wisconsin River. Madison has seen rapid growth in recent years due to its many natural resources, excellent job opportunities and world-class educational institutions, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The city is also home to important historical sites such as the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Chippewa Resource Center, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts. The Madison waterfront is an idyllic spot for locals to fish, paddle, or relax in the sun.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is often referred to as the “Crossroads of America” due to its central location in the Midwest. The city puts on a number of popular events throughout the year, such as the Indy 500 and the National FFA Convention & Exposition. The White River State Park and the Indianapolis Canal Walk offer tons of recreational opportunities for locals, with attractions such as the Indianapolis Zoo and the Indiana State Museum. And the city boasts a wide variety of shopping, arts, and entertainment venues, making Indianapolis an exciting place to live, work, and play.
Springfield
As the fifth-largest city in Illinois, Springfield offers a selection of attractions both inside and outside the city limits. Aside from its many restaurants, monuments, and museums, Springfield is also home to two of the state’s most historic sites: the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Springfield is additionally recognized as one of the largest metropolitan areas in the state and serves as a cornerstone of the Midwest, with a variety of business opportunities, a booming tourism sector and a diverse cultural landscape.
Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi is a vibrant and storied city, with a rich culture and history rooted in the antislavery and civil rights movements. Every year, millions of visitors flock to Jackson to revel in the city’s many attractions, from tennis tournaments at the Ned R. McWherter Cultural Center, to the incredible Mississippi Children’s Museum. Jackson is also home to some of the country’s best universities, such as Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Mississippi.
New Orleans
New Orleans is an eclectic, vibrant city full of romance, adventure, and culture. Aside from its thriving culinary scene, New Orleans is well known for its unique architecture and its passionate music traditionally associated with jazz and blues. The city contains a variety of attractions such as the iconic Jackson Square, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, and a creole-style carnival known as Mardi Gras. As the heart of the American South, New Orleans is an unforgettable travel experience.
