Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a narrow corridor of land on either side of the Mississippi River extending from Dayton, MN on the north boundary through the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and downstream to Hastings, MN.

Headquarters are located at
111 E. Kellogg Blvd (Kellogg Square)
St. Paul, MN 55101-1256
Telephone: 651-290-4160.

111 East Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55101-1256
651.290.4160 - Headquarters

By Plane
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is the hub airport for Northwest Airlines but is also served by other airlines including SunCountry, Delta, Frontier and others.

By Car
Interstates 35 and 94 meet in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Locally, county and state highways as well as local streets all offer ways to get to the river for either a view from above or to a local park or visitor center.

By Plane
City buses provide transportation within the corridor. Service is especially convenient to activities located near near the downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Getting Around
If you are visiting the entire 72 mile length of the park, automobile is the most convenient. But for short hops, it is fun to bike, hike, canoe, kayak, use public transportation.

During the winter months, many bicycle and walking trails are transformed to cross country ski trails. Many local parks and commercial facilities rent skis and snowshoes for use within the area.

Hot in the summer, temperatures typically vary from highs in the nineties to lows in the fifties and sixties. If you plan on spending much time outside, prepare by bringing along mosquito repellent, sun screen, and a water bottle.

In winter, temperatures vary widely. Be prepared for temperatures as low as -20 F but more typically between 0 F and 30 F. Dressing for winter in Minnesota is best accomplished by layering your clothing. And be ready for snow; some of the best snowstorms in America hapen in Minnesota.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Kayaking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
During the summer months, park staff participate in many local celebrations of the river.

Organized, ongoing activities include Big River Journey for schoolkids, the Birding Boat, and a variety of entertainment and learning venues throughout the year.