Crossing By Bridge
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America and is a critical transportation route for much of the Midwestern United States. There are several ways to cross the mighty Mississippi, ranging from bridge crossings to ferries.
The most popular way to cross the Mississippi River is via one of the many bridges or causeways that crisscross the river. The most popular bridges are the I-55 bridge connecting Illinois to Missouri, the I-90 bridge connecting Wisconsin to Minnesota, and the I-30 bridge connecting Arkansas to Tennessee. Each of these bridges is well-maintained, regularly inspected, and provides a safe and reliable way to cross the river.
Crossing the Mississippi via bridge offers several advantages over other methods of crossing. The main advantage is the fast speeds possible when driving across a bridge. Most highway bridges have posted speed limits of at least 55 miles per hour and can be traversed in a matter of minutes. Comparatively, a ferry may take an hour or more for passage.
The cost of bridge crossings is also more accessible than ferry crossings. Most bridge crossings are free, and the few that do require a toll are usually quite affordable. However, there are some historical bridges across the Mississippi River that do require a toll, such as the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri.
Crossing By Ferry
While most motorists opt for the speed and cost of travel on a bridge, others choose to cross the Mississippi River via ferryboat. Ferries have been in use along the Mississippi River since before it was even part of the United States, taking travelers safely and swiftly across the river since 1682.
Ferries have the advantage of being able to take travelers directly to their destination on either side of the river, eliminating the need to drive hours out of their way. This makes ferry crossings an excellent way to save time and fuel costs when traveling. In addition, ferry crossings are often more scenic than bridge crossings, as travelers often get a better view of the river and the surrounding countryside.
Because of the amount of maintenance required for ferries, the cost of crossing can be significantly higher than with a bridge. Ferries do require tolls for making the crossing, and the cost can vary depending on the type of vehicle being crossed and the number of passengers. Ferries also tend to take more time to make the crossing than bridges, with trips typically taking 45 minutes to an hour.
Crossing By Rail
The third way to cross the Mississippi River is via rail. The most popular rail crossing is the Frisco Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri. This nearly one-mile-long bridge carries Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner train across the river at speeds of up to 79 mph.
In addition to the Frisco Bridge, there are several other rail bridges that span the Mississippi River. These include the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Union Pacific Bridge in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the Norfolk Southern Bridge in Paducah, Kentucky. Rail crossings have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their speed and convenience.
Rail crossings can also be relatively affordable, with tickets for Amtrak trains typically costing just a few dollars per passenger. In addition, rail crossings are often preferred to bridge crossings due to their safety and reliability. Amtrak has an excellent record for on-time arrivals, making it one of the most reliable ways to cross the Mississippi River.
Crossing By Barge Or Boat
Barges and boats are often the last choice for crossing the Mississippi River. This is due to the fact that both methods require some form of navigation and are more time-consuming than other options. However, taking a barge or boat across the Mississippi can be a great way to experience the beauty of the river as well as take in some of the history and culture associated with the area.
Barges and boats typically require a fee and can vary depending on the size and type of craft. Boats are often cheaper than barges as they typically require less fuel and don’t require a crew. Barges, however, typically require a crew and can be quite expensive to operate.
The advantage of taking a barge or boat across the Mississippi River is the ability to experience the river and the scenery along the way. Boats can be rented or chartered for a scenic trip, or a person can pilot their own craft across the river. This can be an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the Mississippi River up close.
Crossing By Cable Car
The last, and least common, way to cross the Mississippi River is by cable car. Cable cars are seen mainly in the Upper Midwest states, such as Wisconsin and Minnesota. Cable cars are typically seen taking travelers and goods across large, deep rivers, such as the Mississippi River.
Cable cars, while relatively rare, have the advantage of being safer and faster than a boat or barge and are somewhat more affordable than the other methods of crossing the river. However, the experience of riding a cable car can be quite different from driving a boat or barge. Generally, the trip is slow, and the cable cars can bounce and sway in the wind, making it an unconventional experience for some.
In addition to being potentially uncomfortable, cable car operators must also obey navigational laws and ensure the safety of all riders. Their responsibility includes providing adequate safety equipment such as life jackets and making sure the cable cars are regularly inspected and maintained.
Crossing By Plane
While not a common option, it is possible to cross the Mississippi River by way of plane. Flightseeing along the Mississippi River is a popular act, with sightseers snapping pictures of the historic river and the towns that dot its banks.
Crossing the Mississippi River by plane can be a thrilling experience. Planes travel at speeds much faster than cars, ferries, and barges, so the trip can take far less time than with other crossings. The cost is also significantly higher than with other methods as pilots must adhere to strict safety regulations and use of higher quality aircraft.
In addition, crossing the Mississippi River by plane requires pilots to possess a special pilot’s license and be familiar with both navigation and weather conditions. Pilots must also be aware of the various restrictions for flying over the Mississippi River, such as those imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Crossing By Canoe Or Kayak
Finally, one can cross the Mississippi River by canoe or kayak. This has been a popular pastime for many years and is a great way to experience the river up close and personal.
Crossing the Mississippi River by canoe or kayak requires skill and patience, due to the strong currents and swift waters. The paddler must have a good sense of direction, navigational skills and proper equipment. In addition, the paddler must pay close attention to the weather, as storms can quickly change conditions on the river.
Canoeing or kayaking across the Mississippi River is usually not suitable for beginners. The paddler should have a good understanding of paddling techniques as well as the local geography and conditions on the river.
Considerations When Crossing The Mississippi
No matter which method is chosen for crossing the Mississippi River, there are certain considerations all travelers should take into account. The most important consideration is the weather, as conditions on the river can very quickly become hazardous. In addition, the cost and speed of the crossing should be taken into account when selecting the mode of travel.
Travelers crossing the Mississippi River should also be prepared to deal with unexpected circumstances. This could include mechanical issues, human error, or natural disasters. It’s important for travelers to ensure that they have the necessary supplies and make arrangements for emergency assistance should such events occur.
Finally, travelers should be aware of the limitations of the mode of travel they are using. For instance, some methods may be limited to certain states or times of year, while others may have geographic restrictions. Knowing the limitations of one’s method of travel can help ensure a smooth and safe crossing of the Mississippi River.
