The Mississippi River is an iconic and significant natural feature in the United States. Located in the central and southwestern portions of the country and stretching 2,340 miles in length, this powerful river offers a variety of activities, opportunities and advantages to the cities and states that it passes through. Spanning across and through ten US states, the Mississippi River is a source of recreation, transportation and commerce for the people who live near it.
The Mississippi River begins near Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota and flows south-southwest through and across the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the Missouri River and Ohio River also join and empty into the Mississippi River as it makes its way south.
The activities, benefits and opportunities that the Mississippi River provides to its states depend on geography, climate and the state’s use of the river. For example, Minnesota and Wisconsin are largely rural states, and the river provides the transportation of crops and vehicles across the states. On the other hand, many of the other states, such as Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, and Arkansas, all engage in extensive commercial uses of the Mississippi River. Cities and towns dot the riverbanks in these states, allowing businesses to transport goods, supplies and resources quickly and more efficiently.
At the state level, many of the states located along the river have forged strong connections to the Mississippi River’s culture, history, and economy. Each of these states has its own set of policies and regulations and ways of interacting with the river. For example, in Minnesota, the Mississippi River is a source of recreation, offering kayaks, fishing and other activities. In Missouri, the Mississippi is a source of industry, with a host of companies manufacturing and shipping items up and down the river. In Louisiana, the Mississippi River is a source of tourism and commerce, with many people from around the world visiting the Louisiana Gulf Coast area.
For the states that the Mississippi River passes through, the river provides invaluable economic benefits and a unique connection to the past. The states depend on it for transportation, water, recreation, and power. The river has been an integral part of the lives of Americans since before the inception of the United States, and it has become both a staple of life and a source of pride for those living near and using it.
Recreational activities along the Mississippi
The states that comprise the Mississippi River are diverse in their landforms and cultures, but they all share a common appreciation for recreation along the river. From its Minnesota sources all the way to the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana, the river is a popular destination for outdoor activities, ranging from fishing and hiking to boating and swimming.
In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the river is dotted with parks, campgrounds, and beaches, providing a convenient and enjoyable place for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the river and appreciate its natural setting. In Arkansas and Kentucky, you can find numerous fishing lodges and small marinas that offer anglers the chance to catch large catfish and catch a glimpse of a variety of other wildlife. In Mississippi and Louisiana, the river is lined with picturesque yachts and riverboats, as well as large paddle-wheel casino boats, offering visitors a unique experience.
The meandering course of the Mississippi River and its many tributaries provide an incredible diversity of images and experiences. Along its shorelines, you can find state parks, historic sites, lighthouses, wildlife refuges and golf courses. Whether you are in search of pristine nature or a vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone along the mighty Mississippi.
Trails & Boating
Only a few years ago, most American did not know they had 63,000 miles of public trails available in the nation. But thanks to the Mississippi River Trails program, more than 3,000 miles of flatwater and whitewater trails have been developed along and connecting to the mighty Mississippi on the six states river borders.
As the program has grown, the trails have become popular for paddle recreation, including whitewater canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hunting, bird watching and more. When they launched, they comprised of just 10% of the entire trails systems in the six states the Mississippi River touches, but that’s now up to more than 24%.
For those wanting to explore the Mississippi River from a different point of view, the riverboats, cruise boats and paddlewheelers are a great way to take in the sights of the Mighty Mississippi. From jazz cruises to sightseeing tours, the riverboats give people a chance to explore the Mississippi in style and comfort.
The allure of the river is powerful, especially for those living near it. It is an important part of their economic and social fabric, providing a source of recreation, transport and trade. With a rich cultural and environmental diversity, the Mississippi River continues to be an integral part of the lives of many Americans.
Environmental Factors
The Mississippi River is a significant source of freshwater and nutrients in much of the Midwest, providing essential freshwater resources to states such as Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. But the river and its tributaries, like all freshwater ecosystems, are subject to both natural and human-influenced changes.
Climate change, agricultural runoff and urban sprawl are all having an increasingly visible effect on the river and its ecosystems. The once sparkling and clean waters of the Mississippi are becoming increasingly murky, as agricultural runoff and industrial pollution have caused a decrease in water quality. As the temperature of the water increases, and the intensity of floods increases, the health of the river and its habitats are being stressed to a greater extent.
The states along the Mississippi River all have different policies related to their management, use and protection of the river. For example, Minnesota and Iowa require any wastewater discharges, including agricultural runoff and industrial waste, to be treated before being released into the river. In states such as Missouri, the state has set up an elaborate system of monitoring stations to track changes in water depth, temperature, and concentrations of pollutants.
The human impacts in the Mississippi River are numerous and growing. But by understanding the river and its surroundings and taking note of the important role it plays in so many lives, states are better able to identify and respond to threats to the river’s health. All of these states must work together in order to ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and vibrant for future generations.
Sustainability Efforts
The states along the Mississippi River are working hard to protect and preserve the river and its resources. From Minnesota to Louisiana, the states and local municipalities have taken steps to reduce sediment, runoff and pollution in the river, as well as to restore natural habitats and fisheries.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa have all established dedicated river management programs to help promote sustainable river development. Projects include funding for the construction of wetlands, researching ways to reduce the amount of sediment entering the river, and developing management plans for improving water quality along the length of the river.
In Louisiana and Arkansas, localities are seeking to reduce overfishing, preserve habitats and protect water resources from overuse and contamination. These efforts include working with businesses, farmers and local communities to develop better management and best practices for restoring the river and its watersheds.
The states along the Mississippi are also making strides in terms of energy efficiency. A variety of energy-efficiency programs have been implemented by states and localities to reduce energy use and increase efficiency. These efforts have helped reduce pollution from industries and electricity generation, as well as reducing overall energy costs for both businesses and consumers.
In each of its ten states, the Mississippi River carries with it a unique history, culture and economy. From its origins in Minnesota to its delta at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, the river is a powerful force that connects the people of America. The states that lie along its banks have taken significant steps to make sure that the river continues to provide the economic and recreational opportunities for generations to come.
