Sophia Barjesteh, Mississippi river
Winner: Big River Journey category, Red Rock Elementary, 4th grade student
GordonDietzman-0369, Mississippi river
Picryl description: Public domain image of railroad tracks, railway, train car, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
The Mississippi River in Autumn
Many trails run along both sides of the Mississippi River within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Canada Geese Goslings - National Parks Gallery
Fuzzy, golden Canada geese goslings spar in the green grass of late spring.
Red-winged Blackbird - National Parks Gallery
A perched red-winged blackbird shows off his red and yellow wing patches. They are one of the first migratory birds to return to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in the spring. Males arrive fi... More
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
GordonDietzman-20080528-3067 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a bridge over a water stream, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Minnehaha Falls 2 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a waterfall, water stream, cascade, nature site, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Coldwater Spring, Mississippi river
Picryl description: Public domain image of a world heritage landmark, natural or regular park, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Historic Fort Snelling - National Parks Gallery
One of our Bike-with-a-Ranger programs takes participants past the site of Historic Fort Snelling.
GordonDietzman-5417, Mississippi river
Picryl description: Public domain image of a river, water stream, lake or pond, park or forest, natural landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Ranger Helps Family with an Exhibit
One of our more interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center is to match up tracks with photos of the animals that make them.
St. Anthony Falls - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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.
Restoration planting, Mississippi river
A park ranger assists volunteers in preparing plant plugs before they are planted in a prairie restoration.
Akin Riverside Park - Boating the Rum River
Boating on the Rum River past Akin Riverside Park.
GD20070909-3583, Mississippi river
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Kayaking the Vermillion River - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
A kayaker paddles down the tree-lined bank of the Vermillion River under blue skies.
Crosby Farm Regional Park - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Winter days are fresh and a great time to get out for a hike.
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.
A Peaceful River - National Parks Gallery
The river in the vicinity of Fort Snelling State Park is a nice place for contemplation. Tows and barges add an occasional break from the quiet.
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
Katie Schroeer, Mississippi river
Winner: Journey to the Falls category, Lake Harriet Community School, 6th grade student
Towboat and Barge - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi is a hard-working river. Towboats push barges loaded with grains, fertilizer, petroleum products, and construction materials.
GordonDietzman-20160909-8403 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph of park, trees, outdoors, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
GordonDietzman-20160813-8047 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph of park, trees, outdoors, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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.
T’Kai Baker, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Winner, Caring for the River category, Como Park Elementary, 5th grade student
The Mississippi River north of Minneapolis
The Mississippi River in the northern suburbs is a prairie river characterized by genly sloping, forested banks.
Canoeist and Lotus - National Parks Gallery
A canoeist examines the beauty of a pale yellow lotus blossom while surrounded by their huge leaves. Many sights and sounds of the river's backwaters cannot be seen or heard except by making a little more effor... More
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
20111021-1957 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a deer, elk, wild animal, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
20111021-1960 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph of a deer, wild animal, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
20111021-1960 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph of a deer, wild animal, wilderness, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Historic Fort Snelling - National Parks Gallery
Fort Snelling was constructed at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers starting in the 1820s. This strategic fort controlled river traffic over a broad swath of what was to become the upper Mid... 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.
White-tailed Deer - National Parks Gallery
White-tailed deer are found throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, with the exceptions of the highly-developed downtowns. They are common, however, in the suburbs and parks. They also are common in the river... More
A Ranger Leads Kids on a Hike - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Ranger-led hikes are available in both summer and winter. Public domain photograph - American children, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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
Kids on the bank of the Mississipp River
Kids on the bank of the Mississipp River Public domain photograph - American children, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Kids using microscopes on BRJ - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Kids using microscopes on Big River Journey for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Mississippi River Challenge at FSSP
Paddlers partaking in the Mississippi River Challenge on the Mississippi River.
River User's Guide replacement images - all photos. Egrets on nest.
Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
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
Birding on Big River Journey - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Public domain photograph of educational activity, National Park rangers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Embarking - UWCA, Mississippi river
Public domain image of a sailing ship, caravel, harbor, sea, naval battle, 16th-17th century maritime seascape, free to use, no copyright restrictions - 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.
Wilderness Inquiry in the Mississippi River Gorge
Wilderness Inquiry's voyager canoes with students and kid paddeling in the Mississippi River Gorge
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.
Tourist Attraction - Cameron Eller - Washington Elementary
Watercolor painting of the Padelford. Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Adia Vega - Chelsea Hights Elementary
Catfish help the Mississippi River. How about you?
Touring the SAFL Facilities - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Mississippi River Forum participants review facilities and experiments at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.
Bagging the Eaglets - National Parks Gallery
Bagging the Eaglets Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Tourist Attraction - Upper Post Barracks
These barracks once housed soldiers that fought in America's wars. Public domain photograph of a post office building, postal service, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Hannah Nesser - Capital Hill - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
Your waters flow, Mississippi. They run of strength and power. You give hope, Mississippi. Reaching out of your warm waters, kissing our chels om the gentle ripples of life.
A Horned Clubtail is Released - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Dragonflies and damselflies were surveyed along with other insects. This horned clubtail was among several species of the Odonata that were captured and released.
Waiting for the Fish to Bite - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
It was cool Minnesota afternoon for the event, but the sun was shining brightly and felt warm after a cold December and January.
Eaglet Leg Banding - National Parks Gallery
Eaglet Leg Banding Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Winner: Gaby Huepenbecker - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River is home to many animals.
Dominique Neher - Capitolhill Magnet
A Bald Eagle in the trees of the Mississippi. Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Grand Prize Winner: Gozong Lor - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Nokomis Montessori, Grade 6 Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Winner: Mai Xor Vang - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River is a great place for wildlife.
Jigging for Bluegills - National Parks Gallery
A young boy, hoping for a "big one," fishes through one of the ice holes. The poles used for ice fishing are generally inexpensive. This boy is using a homemade "jigging" stick, which will work just fine for panfish.
Katie Enzenauer - Monroe Elementary
The Mississippi seen though a pair of binoculars. Public domain photograph of a swan in a pond, reflection in the water, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Jada Dawson, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
The water takes care of you. Now it's your turn to take care of the water.
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
Honorary Mention: Abena Oduro - Public domain dedication image
Madison Elementary, Blaine, Grade 4 Public domain reproduction of illuminated book or manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
A View of the Campground - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A view of the camping area after the tents were set up.
Inspecting the Fishing Poles. - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Ranger Heather looking at ice buildup on the fishing line. The sun's rays were warm, but the air was still chilly.
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
Grand Prize Winner: Marly Prom - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Four Seasons A+, SPPS, Grade 4
Winner: Jacob Vandome - National Parks Gallery
Chelsea Heights Elementary, SPPS, Grade 4
Winner - Daphne Moua - National Parks Gallery
Daphne Moua Grade 4 Monroe Elementary, Brooklyn Park
Pondering the Past and Present - A couple of men standing over a table...
This photo was taken at the tour assembly point. Public domain photograph of educational activity, National Park rangers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Winner: Lena Alexander - National Parks Gallery
The River and its shores are home to wildlife in both summer and winter.
Tourist Attraction - FMR Canoe Challenge 2010
This is a picture of the FMR Canoe Challenge in 2010 looking towards downtown Saint Paul, MN.
Mackenzie Peeru - Hillcrest School
The Mississippi River Simple Beauty Next Door
Honorable Mention: Hannah Stenback
Polluted rivers are sad rivers; Healthy rivers are happy rivers.
Winner: Mai Xee Vang - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A tow boat pushes barges up the Mississippi River.
Junior Rangers Take a Rest - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Junior Rangers gather around Ranger Rebecca during a rest break. Public domain photograph of mountain range, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Getting "home" set up for the night.
Getting ready for the night included setting up tents and looking around the campers' new home.
A Junior Ranger Learns History!
A prospective Junior Ranger learns about history of the area from a person dressed like an early trader. This is a great classroom!
The Guardhouse, Mississippi river
The guardhouse was used for personell disciplinary actions. Public domain photograph of a post office building, postal service, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Maddy Pliska - Hillcrest School
Crayon of the many things on the Big River Journey.
Seining for Fish - National Parks Gallery
Seines were used to capture smaller species of fish. Larger fish were obtained using a boat outfitted with electro-shocking equipment. All fish were released safely once they were identified.
Winner: Martashia Turner - National Parks Gallery
The river boat prepares to embark on its river journey.
A Happy Junior Ranger - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A Junior Ranger has had a fun time learning about the Mississippi River.
Jacob Labine - Eisenhower Elementary
The mississippi is in each of us...... Pollute it - Polluted yourself!!!
Fish Collection Tank - National Parks Gallery
Fish collected during BioBlitz were kept in this tank for education purposes.
Looking for River Birds - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A USFWS person assists students in locating and identifying birds along the BRJ boat's path.
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.