Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

72 miles of the Mississippi, the part that passes through the Twin Cities in Minnesota, constitutes the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park.  You can paddle the river and not realize that you are passing through the heart of a metropolitan area with a population of more than 3 million.  There are places where you can rent a canoe or kayak and be dropped off and picked up, doing an easy paddle with the current on the river.  

Wildlife in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area abounds, even in downtown Minneapolis.  Eagles are common along the river, and there migrating birds that use the Mississippi flyway are often seen in the spring and fall.  In the summer, you can paddle down the Mississippi, past the Riverside power plant in Northeast Minneapolis, and you will see a mixed colony rookery where herons, egrets and cormorants raise their young. Turn on the sound and listen to this short video to the left.  The bird sounds drown out the sounds of the surrounding city and you will see the young squawking while they wait for their parents to feed them.  

Biking along this corridor is also a stellar experience.  The Mississippi River Bike Trail has several routes through the Park.  This is largely on separate trails, not roadsides, and takes you through city and regional parks and along beautiful river vistas.  Elevation isn't much of an issue - the hills are few and small, and you can tool along in a very relaxed ride.  There are many places you can rent bikes if you travel to the area, both bike shops where you can rent electric or manual bikes, or do a short-term rental through the local Nice Bike system.  

There are many excellent restaurants and breweries along the way that will keep you fueled as you enjoy the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.   Owamni by the Sioux Chef is located along the river in downtown Minneapolis,.  It features Native American fare, and received the James Beard Best New Restaurant Award in June, 2022.