As one of the most important inland waterways in the United States, the Mississippi has been integral to the development of the nation over the centuries. As the source of the earliest transportation networks linking the Midwest to the coastline, the river was a major hub for the fur trade and a key route for commerce and travel in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, the route of the Mississippi River takes travelers through some of the most iconic landscapes and towns in American history. Stretching 2,340 miles towards the Gulf of Mexico, the river cuts through 10 states making it the second longest river in North America, following the Missouri River.
It’s not just the length of the Mississippi River that makes it so intriguing though. A look at a map of the river reveals the incredible diversity of places it passes through. Travelers can follow the river on a multi-day cruise, beginning in the Northwest and tracing its way south, all while marveling at the historic landmarks and natural wonders along the way.
A voyage along the Mississippi can take travelers from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to Iowa City and Davenport. From there, journey down river and you’ll find yourself in Missouri, with a stopover in St. Louis, before heading down to Hannibal and Hannibal Cave. Continuing on, Arkansas beckons with cities like Helena and Memphis, before making your way into the Bayou country of Louisiana.
The Mississippi is a source of joy for many – the river provides an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. From the forests and hills of the north to the marshy wetlands of the south, the Mississippi River is full of natural marvels to explore. The Hungry Mountain State Forest in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest, and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in Wisconsin, both form part of the Wildlife Refuge.
The Great River Road isn’t the only way to traverse the Mississippi either; off-shore kayaking and canoeing trips are gaining in popularity as an alternative way to explore. You can navigate Mississippi’s many channels with a flatwater traveling companion and take in the views of passing islands and historic land marks all while paddling through the living heart of the American Midwest.
From the immense history to the incredible natural beauty, the Mississippi River is an iconic piece of America’s past, present and future. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into the culture and communities that line the River’s banks, as well as being a great source of recreation and exploration opportunities.
Mississippi Harbors
Along the Mississippi River, travelers will find plenty of vibrant harbors, from St. Louis, Missouri’s Gateway Arch, to New Orleans’ French Market. These provide the perfect place to rest and enjoy local music, entertainment, and cuisine.
The bustling port cities along the Mississippi are a source of charm. As you travel up and down the river, you’ll find festivals celebrating river life and activities such as fishing, crabbing, and clammering. Each harbor has its own unique history and atmosphere, giving it a distinct character.
The harbors of the Mississippi are also great places to find accomodation, fresh seafood, and shopping. Tourists can find boutique shops selling souvenirs and handmade art and crafts, as well as leisure and recreational activities.
Lastly, the Mississippi River is a great place to watch wildlife. From the banks, visitors can spot all kinds of birds, mammals, fish, and other aquatic life. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of our world.
Mississippi Plantation Homes
Along the Mississippi River, travelers will find iconic plantation homes, some of the grandest examples of classic Southern architecture. These large, beautiful homes were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to showcase the wealth and power of their owners.
In Louisiana, the Nottoway Plantation is especially impressive. Built in 1859, it’s one of the largest plantation homes ever built in the South and was home to wealthy families for generations. Today, it’s recognized as a National Historic Landmark, open for tours with knowledgeable guides who can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of its history.
Other restored family plantations are open to visitors throughout the region. Natchez, Mississippi is one of the best places to go to learn about plantation life and the Civil War’s impact on the region. Here, the house tours are supplemented by information gathered from former plantation owners, passing down their family’s stories.
Staying true to their historic pasts, some of these restored plantation homes also offer fabulous dining experiences. From Sunday brunch to catered affairs – they all offer delicious Southern cuisine, made with traditional recipes and ingredients.
Whether it’s to learn about the history, or to enjoy a good meal and spectacular sights, a journey along the Mississippi River is bound to provide an abundance of unique experiences and unforgettable memories.
Mississippi Music
Travelers along the Mississippi River take with them a rich musical heritage. Mississippi is known around the world for its contributions to multiple genres, from gospel, blues and country, to rock and roll, jazz, and hip- hop.
The sound of the Mississippi has historically been about the blues, a genre that was born out of the harsh realities of life working in the fields and the struggles of everyday life. Tourists can experience the blues at its source by visiting places associated with legendary blues music such as the Mississippi Delta and the Crossroads in Clarksdale, where pioneer Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his mastery of the instrument.
For a more modern take on the Mississippi music experience, look no further than Jackson, Mississippi’s hip-hop scene. The city is home to a number of artists who are putting their stamp on the genre, including Big Krit, Rae Sremmurd, and Jazze Pha.
Wherever you travel on the Mississippi, you’ll find vibrant music scenes celebrating their regional styles. There’s something for everyone, from bonfires lit up on the banks of the Mississippi, to the bustling bars, clubs, and live music venues of Memphis.
Mississippi Plantations
The legacy of the plantation system is still felt today along the Mississippi River. Many plantations were built during the 1800s, when cotton was king, and have been preserved to this day. Visitors have the opportunity to explore these majestic structures and understand the complicated history behind them.
One of the most impressive plantations along the river is the Magnolia Plantation in West Louisiana. Built in the 1830s, it was once the hub of a large cotton plantation and today visitors can learn about the history of the area and explore the plantation’s extensive grounds.
In addition to exploring the grand plantation homes, visitors can also learn about the people who made the plantations run. At the Bontemps-Outlaw Plantation in Tunica, Mississippi, visitors can walk the halls and view artifacts that were used by the workers and slaves who lived on the plantation.
The plantation system has left a deep mark on the Mississippi River, and a journey along its banks is a powerful reminder of the dark past of the American South and its echoes in the present day.
Mississippi Culture
The Mississippi River and its people are inextricably linked. As the river has shaped the land and political history of the Midwest, so too has it shaped the culture of the region. Touring the river and its cities offers an insight into the unique foods, music, and language of the area.
The Mississippi Delta is renowned for its food in particular. Specialties like fried catfish, boiled crawfish, and gumbo all have their origins along the river. In Missouri, the signature sandwich is a juicy hamburger known as a St. Louis slinger – a burger topped with eggs, chili, onions, peppers, and potatoes.
Local words and slang are integral to the Mississippi culture too. Before you know it, you’ll be referring to your friends as ‘ole buddies’, or admiring a good-looking person by saying, ‘Hey, darlin’.’ For locals, the Mississippi River and its culture are deeply intertwined.
From the music and culture to the food and language, a journey down the Mississippi River is a voyage of discovery and exploration. With every bend of the river, there is a story to be told. Whether it’s in the big cities or small towns, on the plantations and in the churches, or across the vast expanse of nature, the Spirit of the Mississippi is alive and well.
