Discovering a place to walk across the Mississippi River can be a great way to explore the USA’s second longest river and most important trade route. From Minnesota to Louisiana, the Mississippi River runs for a total of 2,340 miles and is marked by many different cities and points of access. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a casual stroll, or a full-fledged hike, here are the best places to safely and easily walk across the Mississippi.
One popular option is the Itasca State Park in Minnesota. This 31,000-acre park is named after Lake Itasca and consists of rolling hills, deep forests, and crystal-clear freshwater lakes. Found at the very beginning of the Mississippi River, visitors can take the two-mile Veterans Scenic Overlook Trail, which will take them to the very headwaters of the river. Here, there is the chance to walk across the Mississippi River, with plenty of photo opportunities.
If you want to experience the unusual and unique phenomena of walking between two states, Dorena Landing along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers is the perfect spot for you. Located in southern Missouri, this public access point is one of the few places people can walk between two states, as the waters of both Missouri and Mississippi meet here. Enjoy the view of the majestic Mississippi from both sides as a part of your river crossing experience.
In the midwest, people have the option of taking a walk across the Mississippi River via the 117-year-old Quincy Bayview Bridge. This historic bridge is located between the Illinois and Iowa and offers an opportunity for visitors to witness some of the region’s unique history. In addition, the bridge also allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi, as it sits atop bluff-lines above the water.
For those who want to take a walk with a splash of history, the Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in Minnesota is a great place to visit. Here, visitors can traverse the Mississippi via the Stone Arch Bridge. Not only is it the only bridge of its kind across the Mississippi, but it provides a stunning view of the city skyline, as well as a compelling history lesson. With its unique honeycomb supported structure and heritage walking paths, you can be sure to have a memorable experience here.
Ferry Crossings
Some of the cities along the length of the Mississippi River have ferry crossings for pedestrians. While ferry prices tend to vary depending on the operator, it is usually inexpensive to cross over. Some of the most popular ferry crossings include Lake Providence in Louisiana, Winfield in Missouri, and Dubuque in Iowa. During your visit, you can also take time to appreciate local monuments and curiosities.
Mississippi River Bike Paths
If you’re an avid biker, multiple bike paths are available along the Mississippi River. From Memphis to Minneapolis – and plenty of stops in between – there are over 2,000 miles of cycling paths along the Mississippi. Not only do you get to experience the scenic beauty of the Mississippi, but you’re also able to explore waterfront cities, forests, and forts. Popular cycling paths include Mississippi River Trail (MRT) and Great River Road, both of which traverse the Mississippi.
Cross Veteran’s Memorial Bridge
If you’re up for a scenic drive, Veteran’s Memorial Bridge in La Crosse, Wisconsin is a great place to drive across the Mississippi River. This bridge stands gracefully over the river and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding city and nature. Open to the public, the bridge has wide sidewalks and pedestrian friendly attractions, with well manicured landscaping and even a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Well worth a visit.
St Louis’s Eads Bridge
Completed in 1874, the Eads Bridge in St. Louis is the first of its kind to cross the Mississippi River. The original design was quite ambitious, as it used innovative techniques for its time and was the first steel truss bridge ever built. Today, the bridge serves as a memorial for the hundreds of workers who worked on the structure and offers a nice place for pedestrians and cyclists to take a stroll across the river.
Witness the Giant of the Mississippi
If you’re looking for an epic experience and are willing to go out of your way for it, then you can head over to the mighty Great River Road. This 652-mile road is the longest continuous scenic byway in the USA, covering parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Along the way, you get to witness the might of the Mississippi up close. There are plenty of pedestrian crossing points and even cableways available to get across the river.
Take a Walk Across McGregor’s Historic Bridge
Built in 1902 and located in the small town of McGregor, Iowa, is the Historic McGregor Bridge. Spanning across the Mississippi and located close to the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi, this bridge provides stunning views of the river for pedestrians wishing to walk across the bridge. Don’t forget to take time and soak in the views from the many lookouts available.
Admire the Beauty of the Desoto Bridge
Desoto Bridge is another Mississippi River crossing of grandeur, as it is a historic railroad bridge which was completed in 1911. Unlike other crossings, the Desoto Bridge does not have automobile lanes. Due to its close proximity to the water, it allows for visitors to observe the river up close, providing stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to bring proper safety equipment such as life jacket, if you want to take the adventure of walking across the bridge.
Experience the Sightseeing Boat Cruise
At many of the popular crossings, it is possible to rent a sightseeing boat to traverse the Mississippi. Sightseeing cruises provide an opportunity to observe the full beauty of the river in an intimate environment. With ideal views of the Great River Road, one can witness the wide array of wildlife, wetlands, and dense forests that line the banks. The cruises usually last for 2-4 hours, but it’s worth it for the beautiful views that the Mississippi provides.
