The Mississippi river
The Mississippi River, more commonly known as the Big Muddy, is the world’s fourth-longest river and one of the most important in North America. Its watershed covers 31 US states and 2 Canadian Provinces; it spills into the Gulf of Mexico and is a vital part of the US freight, industry and production. It’s also a great place to go to see some truly amazing sights.
The Mississippi River looms large in US history and culture, populated as it is with small towns and cities of significant importance. The banks of the Mississippi are a fascinating window into history, with landmarks and monuments line the river such as Fort St. Louis, just north of Baton Rouge in Louisiana, and even an abandoned 19th-century fort near the town of Boliver, in Missouri.
The Mississippi River itself is no less spectacular. Spanning over 3400 miles and travelling at winds of 25 miles an hour, it is home to a diverse and complex ecosystem. The river’s sources have been well documented, originating from Lake Itasca on the Canadian border, and continuing its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of its crystal waters, the undulating banks and its macabre beauty.
From Minnesota to Louisiana, the Mississippi River has been an important part of the US economy since the 1800’s. As a critical piece of the commerce of the Midwest and south, many of the cities and towns along the river have grown up in response to its environmental resources. Minneapolis, Saint Paul and other cities are now areas of great importance thanks to the tourist industry. The river is also well known for its many festivals; the Crescent City Blues and Barbeque Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival are some of the biggest.
However, the Mississippi River is about more than just cities and commerce. Along the river, one can find countless examples of nature’s beauty. Bird-watching is one of the most popular activities, with bald eagles, pelicans, and many more species commonly seen. Even the Big Muddy itself is a sight to behold, its waters braided in areas and thick and slow running in others.
For those looking to get up close and personal with the Mississippi River, a riverboat tour is an excellent way to do so. Such a tour will let you explore the shoreline, get an up close view of the wildlife, and even explore some of the unique communities that call the river home. Alternatively, for those looking for a more alternative journey, kayaking is a great way to spend time in the river’s embrace.
Finally, perhaps the most important (and certainly the most awe-inspiring) way to enjoy the Mississippi River is to stand atop one of its many bridges that span it. Many Mississippi cities are connected by iconic bridges, offering incredible views of the river for miles in either direction.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The Mississippi River has played an incredibly important role in US history, and by logging its shores, visitors can appreciate this in a physical way. From its Civil War battles to its roles in several important Supreme court decisions, the Mississippi River has served as a major backdrop in many different moments in US history.
The Mississippi River has also played an important role in US literature. Minnesota’s own F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby featured the river prominently and, while it was published in 1925, it has become a perennial favorite in high schools and colleges around the country. Another great, albeit lesser known, work of literature is Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which follows the journey of a resourceful young man, his friend Jim, and their experience of the river.
In addition to literature, the Mississippi River has also been an important part of US music. Divisions of race and class have existed on the river for centuries, but it has also been a place of communion and collaboration. From the birth of blues to the birth of jazz, the banks of the Big Muddy have been an important place for musical exchange and innovation.
Finally, the Mississippi River is also closely linked with many different cultures. In particular, it’s been an incredibly important river to the many Native American tribes who live along its banks, including the Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Sioux. Visiting the sites of these tribes can be incredibly enlightening, and incredibly humbling.
Wildlife & Nature
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Mississippi River is also an incredibly important habitat for some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet. From its alligators to its songbirds, its beavers to its bald eagles, the natural beauty of the Big Muddy is unparalleled.
Here, you can spot a variety of reptiles, birds and mammals, often congregating in wide swaths across the river’s banks. The river is often dotted with Bald Eagles in March and April, and you can find geese, ducks and other wetland birds throughout the summer months. The river is also home to small mammals such as voles, beavers and raccoons.
There are also plenty of aquatic life to be seen in and on the Mississippi River. One of the most common creatures you’ll find is the American alligator, an incredibly important creature to the river’s ecology. As well, the river contains a wide array of fish, snails, and other aquatic organisms. For those lucky enough to visit the heart of the river itself, sea turtles, manatees, and even oceanic sharks can be seen.
Finally, the Mississippi River is an incredibly important park of North America’s wetland ecology. These habitats are incredibly important for not just preserving the diversity of life on the planet, but also for helping to mitigate the climate crisis. The Mississippi is also an important habitat for numerous plant species, both state and federally protected.
Recreational activities
Finally, visitors to the Mississippi River can not only explore its ecological and cultural significance, but also boat, fish and camp along its banks. Even those who may not be looking for adrenaline-pumping activity can enjoy simply taking a tour boat along the river, with cruises departing from many cities and towns.
The river is also an excellent place to fish. As a typical Fisherman’s paradise, you can find a wide variety of species including Catfish, Carp, Spotted bass, and more. As well, several professional fishing tournaments are held on the river each year.
Those looking to sleep close to the Mississippi river can do so by way of campsites. Many of these are located on the banks of the river, offering stunning views by day and providing a unique experience for those who are looking for an adventure. (Additionally, there are plenty of RV parks located nearby for those who wish to take in the river without the exposure to the elements.)
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day in the sun. Whether that means going to one of the many beaches or hanging out on the banks, visitors can find plenty of spots to enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi.
Conservation Efforts
As the importance of sustaining healthy and vibrant ecosystems becomes ever more apparent, the Mississippi River has become increasingly important as a site of conservation and education. Several public events and projects dedicated to the protection of the Big Muddy are with us today.
The Mississippi River Network, for example, brings together a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors of the conservation community including government agencies, nonprofits, private companies and researchers. Their mission is to “improve the ecological health of the Mississippi and its tributaries, restore public access to the river and its watershed, support sustainable economic development and protect and restore the river and watershed environment.”
These groups look to encourage partnerships between sectors, bridge gaps in knowledge and develop actionable solutions. They also mobilize grassroots campaigns, advocacy campaigns and other outlets that can help engage communities in conversations about largescale and complex conservation topics.
They also look to mobilize citizens to take action and protect the river and its watershed. To that end, they offer educational programs, and organize events focusing on conservation and sustainability along the river. These events and initiatives help to educate and engage citizens in a shared effort to protect the Mississippi.
Economic benefits
Finally, the Mississippi river is also an important part of the US economy. It’s barge traffic provides a vital link between the Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, and is an important source of freight transport for a wide range of goods and resources.
The river is home to thousands of businesses along its banks, from casinos in Iowa and Illinois to the myriad ports, refineries and warehouses located in Mississippi, Louisiana and beyond. These businesses provide vital employment opportunities to local populations and generate billions of dollars in economic activity.
In addition, the Mississippi river is an important source of recreation, food production and tourism. From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the Big Muddy is a beloved playground for visitors, and a source of sustenance for some of the continent’s most iconic fish and species.
The river is also home to some unique eco-tourism opportunities, often with businesses dedicated to providing visitors with a unique immersive experience in nature. As eco-tourism becomes increasingly popular, the Mississippi River could be a keystone for this industry in the coming years.
