{"id":13947,"date":"2023-12-16T08:55:16","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T07:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13947"},"modified":"2023-12-16T08:55:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-16T07:55:16","slug":"what-does-the-beginning-of-the-mississippi-river-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-does-the-beginning-of-the-mississippi-river-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does The Beginning Of The Mississippi River Look Like"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Location of the Mississippi River Origin<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River originates in the small town of Itasca, Minnesota, located in the north of the United States. It is a 2,552-mile long river that flows through 10 states and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It is the fourth largest river in the US and the largest in terms of surface area. The river’s headwaters can be traced back to a shallow lake in the town of Itasca, located approximately 470 miles away from the Gulf of Mexico.<\/p>\n

Description of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

Despite its mighty size, the Mississippi River is surprisingly small when it begins. The headwaters of the river are located in a shallow lake bordered by a tall, sandy beach and surrounded by hardwood trees. The lake is a mere 120 feet in diameter, with an average depth of six feet. It is located about two miles from the nearest town, and is considered to be a very peaceful and picturesque setting. The lake is also the source of the world’s longest waterway, the Mississippi.<\/p>\n

The Headwaters Above Ground Level<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River’s headwaters originate about ten feet above ground level. The stream runs through the forest for about seven miles, eventually widening and growing in strength. Along the way, the stream passes through a series of small meanders and several marshy areas where the banks are overgrown with trees. The river eventually reaches the wider and deeper Glacial Lake Agassiz after which it turns west and follows an S-shaped course to Itasca State Park.<\/p>\n

The Natural Environment of the Mississippi River Source<\/h2>\n

The environment of the Mississippi River is a beautiful sight to behold. The surrounding land is carpeted with thick deciduous forests, abundant with wildlife. At the headwaters of the Mississippi, visitors can find a wide array of animals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and bald eagles. The river’s clear blue waters offer a picturesque landscape for swimming, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.<\/p>\n

Importance of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n