Mississippi River States Meanderings
The mighty Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and a key figure in the irrigated areas of the Midwest and Southeast. It slices through 10 states in its journey from the Great Lakes area of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. Its shared borders with those states partially follow the meanderings of its channel.
With an area of approximately 262,000 square miles, the river’s drainage basin is the fourth largest in the world. Born as two smaller rivers on Minnesota’s border with Canada, it gains width and depth as it sweeps down through the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee, on its way to the Gulf.
Families and local communities along the way, enhanced by the waters of the Mississippi, have prospered from recreation and the rich soil produced by the sediment deposits of the river. Trade of goods and commodities has passed through the various lock systems on the river, permitted international business possibilities along with locks and dams that provide hydroelectric power. However, the recreational and ecological costs of the dams have also been felt.
Fishing has always been a popular hobby along the riverbanks and even commercial fishing has found places to prosper in various locations. The latter can require special licenses and exclusive rights to certain waters. The states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas have taken great strides to give their fishing laws more teeth, by fighting back against illegal activities on the river. But, with some of these laws aimed at enforcing local catches, anglers generally need to familiarise themselves with the regulations for each state.
The Mississippi also nourishes famous cities like Memphis and New Orleans. One of the most famous human attractions is the Zydeco music. A Creole dance style, best enjoyed in the French Quarter of the city. Other visitor attractions along the riverside include the National Park at Vicksburg, the Arkansas Lowlands, the very best in the music scene on Beale Street, the notorious bootlegging of Tunica, and the classic Golden Egg of Madisonville.
The Mississippi River has been an important part of many peoples’ lives over the years, offering entertainment and a sense of community in these 10 states that border it in part: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Irrespective of which of the 10 states you visit, the might of the Mississippi River and its legacy can be seen first-hand.
Minnesota
Partially bounded by the Mississippi River, Minnesota is a state located in the northern region of the United States. It is the 12th largest state by area and the 21st most populous. This state is known for its numerous lakes, forests, and growing economy. The Mississippi River plays a significant role in the state’s economy, as it provides extensively utilized waterway trade options and many recreational activities. Minneapolis is the state’s largest city and also home to the river’s headwaters.
Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin is located west of Lake Michigan in the Midwest of the United States, and is partially bounded by the Mississippi River. With its lush rolling hills, diverse wildlife, and robust cities, it is a perfect mix of rural and metropolitan culture. The Mississippi River flows through the state, merging with the Wisconsin River near Prairie du Chien, providing access to a variety of waterways. This is important for both trade, but also for its effect on the state’s climate, which is predominantly a continental climate.
Iowa
The state of Iowa is located in the American Midwest and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is largely known for its rich agricultural land, as well as its urban cities, especially the capital Des Moines. The Mississippi River’s presence in Iowa is felt in the various ports, tributaries, and locks. Due to its geographical location, the state experiences significant extremes in climate, with the northern and eastern parts being more humid and prone to flooding.
Illinois
The state of Illinois is located in the Midwest of the United States and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is historically known for its waterways, especially the river and its various canals, which brought in significant amounts of trade and economic growth. Today, Illinois is a bustling state, packed with diverse urban centers like Chicago, known for its cosmopolitan culture, as well as rural areas. The state’s climate is predominantly humid and continental, with severe weather in some areas, especially in the summer.
Mississippi
Mississippi is a southern state partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is famous for its thriving music culture, especially in the cities of Jackson and Tupelo. Since the arrival of the first Europeans in the 17th century, the state has seen considerable growth and human migration, which can still be seen today in the various towns and cities found throughout the state. The Mississippi River is the state’s main source of transportation and commerce, with the development of several ports along its banks.
Louisiana
The state of Louisiana is located in the southern region of the United States and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is known as the Bayou State, owing to its numerous swamps, marshes and wetlands, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife. Louisiana is also renowned for its music, which encompasses many different genres and styles, particularly related to its African American population. The state’s economy relies heavily on the activities related to the river and its ports, which are essential for international trade.
Arkansas
The state of Arkansas is located in the southern United States and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is rich in natural beauty, with an abundance of lush forests and a diverse variety of wildlife. This state is also amongst the most economically impoverished in the US and has seen a steady population decline since the 1940s. Arkansas relies heavily upon the flow of the Mississippi River for transport, irrigation and other media of trade.
Kentucky
Kentucky is known as the ‘Bluegrass State’ due to its rolling plains and densely forested hills. It is located in the eastern region of the United States and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. The river brings a rich diversity of wildlife to the state, and its tributaries have made possible the existence of several well-known ports, such as Paducah, Louisville and Owensborough. The state is heavily reliant on coal mining and other agricultural activities, but tourism has seen a considerable increase in recent years.
Missouri
Missouri is located in the Midwestern United States and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. This ‘Show-Me State’ is famed for the mammoth herds of bison that once roamed the area, and it is also the home of the infamous St.Louis. Although there are several cities within the state, most of the population is spread out in the rural areas. The Mississippi River is vital to the economy of the state, as it is used extensively for trade and transportation.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern US and partially bounded by the Mississippi River. It is renowned for its country music, BBQs and friendly culture. The state is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering breathtaking views of the Appalachians and a large array of recreational activities, from fishing to off-road adventures. The mighty Mississippi River forms the border of the state, and is an essential humidifying resource for the eastern region, as well as a popular area for recreational activities.
