The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis
The Stone Arch Bridge was built by James J. Hill in 1883 across the Mississippi River. The bridge now carries foot and bicycle traffic.
Violets at Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area consists of sand dune terraces laid down by the Mississippi River during glacial times. It hosts an unusual assemblage of plants and wildlife.
Boom Island Boat Launch - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Recreational boating is popular in this stretch of the river.
Boom Island Regional Park - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Boom Island is a great place for picnics and other summertime activities.
Monarch Butterfly on Liatris - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Monarchs are a common sight along the Mississippi River in our area, but their population trend is declining.
Canoeing Provides an Alternative View of Industry along the River.
Boating and canoeing provides a different and exciting perspective of both history and industry along this hard-working Mississippi River.
Violets and Storms - National Parks Gallery
The Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area is located near the Spring Lake area. The Dunes consist of two natural sand benches located along the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River from Pine Bend Bluff Scientific and Natural Area
This down-river view is of the Mississippi River from the bluffs of Pine Bend Bluff Scientific and Natural Area.
Hidden Falls, Mississippi river
Cottonwood and silver maple trees are the two predominant trees that grow along the river. Eagles prefer to nest in cottonwoods along the Mississippi River in our area.
The St. Paul Skyline at Night - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
The Mississippi River runs beneath the night sky and lighted skyline of St. Paul, Minnesota. The northern limit of navigation occurred here prior to the construction of lock and dam system.
Fishing and Canoeing - National Parks Gallery
Fishing is a popular activity along the Mississippi River and its floodplain lakes. Canoeing and kayaking is also popular. Fishing from canoes and kayaks is a popular way to spend the day in the park. Fish are ... More
Bald Eagle Flying over the Mississippi River
Bald Eagles are commonly seen along the river and have built numerous nests in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, even in downtown parks and in backyards.
Railroad Bridge Crosses the Mississippi River
Railroads cross the Mississippi River at numerous locations in our highly industrialized corridor.
Otter Research, Mississippi river
Staff at the Mississippi National River conducts otter surveys to document the return of otters to the Mississippi River.
Bluff above the Mississippi River
Picryl description: Public domain image of a mountain cliff view, natural rocky landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Green Frog, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Green frogs are common in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. They can be found along the river, but most often in quiet ponds and floodplain lakes.
Coldwater Spring, Mississippi river
The spring house at Coldwater Spring concentrates the water from several seeps into one location. The spring house provided water to the Upper Post, located just up the Mississippi River from this location.
Pileated Woodpecker, Mississippi river
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Kayaking the Mississippi River - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Canoeing and kayaking are popular sports on the Mississippi River, but in certain stretches of this busy river paddlers need to be aware of barge traffic.
Bike-with-a-Ranger Program - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
A park ranger (Dan Dressler) leads a bicycle convoy down a paved path along the Mississippi River. The Bike-with-a-Ranger program is a great way to learn about the Mississippi's natural and human history while... More
Mississippi River North of Minneapolis
The Mississippi River is generally calm in summer through this stretch of the river.
The Mississippi River and Island
The Mississippi River in the northern part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is typically shallow and rocky.
The Mississippi River in Autumn
Many trails run along both sides of the Mississippi River within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
The Mississippi River - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River at Coon Rapids Regional Park.
Winter Wonderland, Mississippi river
Winters can be harsh in Minnesota, but sunny days are welcome and beckon visitors to don their coats and boots for a hike along the snowy, forested landscapes of the Mississippi River.
The Floodplain River - National Parks Gallery
The lower stretch of the Mississippi River through the twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul is often called the "floodplain river." Here the river widens and winds its way through backwaters and wooded islands p... More
Bicycle Trails Line the River - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Miles of dedicated bike trails line the Mississippi River through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Diver and Mussel - National Parks Gallery
A diver holds up a rare mussel from a joint mussel survey conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and National Park Service. The survey was held in Pool 2 below... More
Reading and Fishing - National Parks Gallery
A sunny day is a good day to spend some time along the river reading a good book or fishing....or both. Photographed just below the Ford Dam (Lock and Dam 1), a popular place for fishing.
Fort Snelling (Historic) - National Parks Gallery
Soldiers started construction of Fort Snelling in the early 1820s. The fort anchored US power in the northern reaches of what was then the U.S. frontier, served as an area of commerce, and drove British traders... More
Crosby Farm Regional Park - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Winter holds its grip on Minnesota for much of the year, but winter can be both invigorating and beautiful.
The Mississippi River north of Minneapolis
The Mississippi River in the northern suburbs is a prairie river characterized by genly sloping, forested banks.
Winter in the Park - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Winter in the park can be cold and hard some days. Bright blue skies, however, are ushered in by Arctic high pressure systems.
Historic Fort Snelling - National Parks Gallery
Visitors stand on top of the Round Tower of Historic Fort Snelling beneath blue skies and white clouds. The structure is made of native limestone quarried from nearby mines. The fort served to anchor the north ... More
Great Blue Heron Collects Nesting Materials
Blue Herons are common spring and summer residents along the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area. This bird is bringing back nesting materials to a nest in a grove of cottonwood trees on a Mississippi River Island.
Construction of river channel closing structure in the Mississippi NRR...
This series of photos was taken on July 12, 2005, on and near NPS Island 112-02 during a canoe safety training for new staff. The images depict construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of a partial clos... More
Construction of river channel closing structure in the Mississippi NRR...
This series of photos was taken on July 12, 2005, on and near NPS Island 112-02 during a canoe safety training for new staff. The images depict construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of a partial clos... More
Construction of river channel closing structure in the Mississippi NRR...
This series of photos was taken on July 12, 2005, on and near NPS Island 112-02 during a canoe safety training for new staff. The images depict construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of a partial clos... More
Construction of river channel closing structure in the Mississippi NRR...
This series of photos was taken on July 12, 2005, on and near NPS Island 112-02 during a canoe safety training for new staff. The images depict construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of a partial clos... More
Mississippi River Challenge at FSSP
Paddlers partaking in the Mississippi River Challenge on the Mississippi River.
NPS Ranger led bike tour - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
NPS Ranger led bike tour along the Mississippi River. Public domain photograph of educational activity, National Park rangers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Bald Eagle Sighting - UWCA - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Students spot a bald eagle along the Mississippi River during a Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure event. Between 8-10,000 students get out on UWCA each year.
Grand Prize Winner: Kathryn LeMon
An eagle soaring above the Mississippi River.
Surveying Mussels, Mississippi river
A biologist collects another species of mussel in the Mississippi River near Crosby Farm Regional Park. Fifteen species of mussels were found.
Adia Vega - Chelsea Hights Elementary
Catfish help the Mississippi River. How about you?
Winner: Gaby Huepenbecker - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River is home to many animals.
Winner: Mai Xor Vang - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River is a great place for wildlife.
Winner: Garrett Yzaguirre - National Parks Gallery
Defending the Mississippi River. Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Ranger Kathy Describing Life Along the River
Ranger Kathy, standing on the remains of the Meeker Dam, explains why this location was so important to the history of the area. Junior Rangers learned that this stretch of the Mississippi River influenced how ... More
Winner: Mai Xee Vang - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A tow boat pushes barges up the Mississippi River.
A Happy Junior Ranger - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A Junior Ranger has had a fun time learning about the Mississippi River.
Taking a Break - National Parks Gallery
Canoeing is fun, but getting out to stretch the legs is sometimes a good thing. It's a good time to chat, learn about the history of the river, ask questions, and make new friends.
Fishing the Mississippi River. - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
A catfish comes aboard the canoe. The river contains a multitude of fish species of interest to anglers, including some very large fish.
Ranger Leading Mississippi River Trail Ride
Ranger Ann leading a bike ride along the Mississippi River Trail.
National parks: Adventure! - public domain image
Canoeing the Mississippi River in Wilderness Inquiry canoes. NPS rangers and Wilderness Inquiry staff stern the boats and keep up a lively discussion about life along the river.
Emerging from the Lock - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Coming through the locks is a great adventure. Public domain photograph of river bank, water, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
At the Landing - National Parks Gallery
We've made it! Smiles all around after a beautiful day canoeing on the magnificent Mississippi River.
The Birding Boat Arrives. - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
A paddleboat supplied by the Padleford Boat Company arrives at the BioBlitz site after an exciting trip upriver from the Padleford dock on Harriet Island. On board were enthusiastic birders scoping out the dive... More
Grand Prize Winner: Lay Lay Zan
The Stone Arch Bridge spans the mighty Mississippi River.
Ranger Kathy at Meeker Dam - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Ranger Kathy talks to UWCA participants about the Meeker Dam and Lock ruins.
Winner: Gao Kalia Vue - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Two girls pick up litter along the Mississippi River.
Honorable Mention: Ahn Vo - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
We can all help to keep the Mississippi River clean and healthy.
Honorable Mention: Armando Aguirre
Water matters! The Mississippi River is a beautiful place.
Arriving at Hidden Falls - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The end of another successful UWCA trip. Participants arrive at Hidden Falls Regional Park where they will take out.
Forum participants gather. - National Parks Gallery
Forum participants gather in a lecture hall. Discussing water quality issues relating to the Mississippi River watershed is an important component to the work done by this group.
Winner: Aminata Kromah - National Parks Gallery
The Stone Arch Bridge spans the hard-working Mississippi River.
Winner: Emma Carlson - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River is a great place to have fun and to watch wildlife!
Honorable Mention: Katey Langer
The Mississippi River: Then and Now
Mississippi River, Mississippi river
The Mississippi River below St. Anthony Falls as seen from the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.
Honorary Mention: Hue Cheng Vue
"Now is the time to help us." Protecting wildlife by protecting the Mississippi River.
Canoeing on the Mississippi - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
The big Voyageur canoes are both safe and responsive. For many of the participants, this is the first time in a canoe or on the Mississippi River.
Yeng Moua - Como Park Elementary
The Mississippi River is not only a place where people can cisit. It is also a home for man animals.
Grand Prize Winner: Ivory Jackson
A man stands beside the Mississippi River while a large boat steams downstream behind him.
Stopping at the Meeker Dam Lock
Participants "gunwale up" by bringing their canoes alongside each other and the lock wall at the Meeker Dam Ruins.
Winner: Hso Hser - National Parks Gallery
An eagle flies overhead while a turtle and fish swim below the surface of the Mississippi River.
After the Lock - National Parks Gallery
It's all smiles after locking through the Ford Dam. Public domain photograph of people with a small paddle boat, or canoe, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Fishing - public domain image
Fishing on the Mississippi River. Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: Sunfish - public domain image
Sunfish are popular game fish in the Mississippi River and nearby floodplain lakes.
Gabby Corbin - Chelsea Heights Elementary
Winner, Caring for the River, 2011. Look who drinks from the Mississippi River!
Superintendent Paul Labovitz holding an eagle
Superintendent Paul Labovitz holding an eagle during eagle surveying and monitoring on the Mississippi River for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Sunset over the St. Paul Skyline
The St. Paul and Minneapolis skylines over the Mississippi River tell the story of how the river promoted industrialization and became a major transportation corridor.
Isaac Dell - Sunny Hollow Montessori
Winner, Caring for the River, 2011. An eagle looks at trash removed from the Mississippi River.
Sunset over St. Paul and the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River flows through St. Paul. St. Paul was once the head of navigation on the Mississippi making it an important port in the upper Midwest.
Jacob Lowry - Capitol Hill Magnet School
Winner, Caring for the River, 2011. How can you help clean the Mississippi River?
Jack Dzik - Capitol Hill Magnet School
Winner, Mighty Mississippi, 2011. An artist paints a view of the Mississippi River and skyline.
Kou Yang - Como Park Elementary
Grand Prize Winner, Mighty Mississippi, 2011. Otters are returning to the Mississippi River.
Nice Ride kickoff event - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
This is a picture of the kickoff event celebrating the installation of 30+ Nice Ride bike share stations along the Mississippi River. The twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are known for their bike-frien... More
St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis
The only waterfall on the Mississippi River, St Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis.
UWCA mussel man - National Parks Gallery
Ranger teaching students about mussels in the Mississippi River. Public domain photograph of ranger activity, National Park, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Checking water quality with TRT
Picture of a student checking water quality with a Teacher Ranger Teacher on the Mississippi River.
Indian Mounds Regional Park View-St. Paul
St. Paul has numerous city and regional parks along the edge of the Mississippi River. These parks are within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), Mississippi National River & Recr...
The trumpeter swan is the heaviest living bird native to North America and one of the heaviest animals capable of flight. Once extirpated from Minnesota and the upper Mississippi River, they are once again beco... More
Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park
James J. Hill built his Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi River through the milling district of Minneapolis. Most of the flour mills are now gone, are in ruins, are have been re-purposed.
GordonDietzman-20160813-8029 - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River above Minneapolis is a wide and often shallow river.
Bald Eagle 1 - National Parks Gallery
Bald eagles are a common sight over the Mississippi River within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Canoeing the Mississippi River - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Recreation on the Mississippi River ranges from power boats to stand-up-paddle boards. Canoeing is one favorite recreational activity.