Junior Rangers Get Good Things - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Junior Rangers that participate in the Junior Ranger Day at the Visitor Center not only learn a lot, but get good stuff too!
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.
PLee BRJ (1280x834) - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Boom Island Regional Park - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Boom Island is a great place for picnics and other summertime activities.
GordonDietzman-20160909-8393 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a waterfall, water stream, cascade, nature site, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
GordonDietzman-20080528-3080 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph of a city streets, cityscape, urban environment, buildings, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The Placid River - National Parks Gallery
The river in the northern part of the park is shallow in most places and quiet as much of the heavy traffic is further south closer to the Minneapolis/St.. Paul area.
GordonDietzman-20160813-8127 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain image of an arch structure, bridge, historic place ruins, classical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description
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.
GordonDietzman-20160716-4283 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a boat in a harbor, water, fishing boat, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
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.
Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge
Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge today serve as an outdoor classroom as well as an outstanding walk through history.
A Path in the Autumn Forest - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
The Winchell Trail is a foot path along the bluff which sometimes dips down below the bluff with informal trails that lead to the river. It is a great place to have a walk among the fall color.
Green Frog, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
A green frog at the edge of the Coldwater Spring reservoir.
El Taw Bwell - National Parks Gallery
Winner, Mighty Mississippi category, Como Park Elementary, 5th grade student Public domain photograph of air pollution, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Minnehaha Falls, Mississippi river
Minnehaha Falls is a favorite destination of visitors and locals alike.
Winter at Coldwater - National Parks Gallery
Coldwater Spring provides summer hiking and winter activities as well. Public domain photograph of river bank, water, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Pine Bend Bluff SNA - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Pine Bend Bluff Scientific and Natural Area is located in the southern reaches of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Floodplain Forest, Mississippi river
The character of the southern part of the park contains much floodplain forests dominated by cottonwood and silver maple trees. In some places, such as in this photo, vast stands of wood nettle carpet the forest's floor.
Mallard Duck, Mississippi river
Mallards are the most common duck in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Savanna at Coldwater Spring - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...
Coldwater Spring is being restored to tallgrass prairie and savanna.
Canoeist in Minneapolis - National Parks Gallery
Canoeists paddle below a busy bridge in the heart of Minneapolis. Despite being in a large, busy metropolis many of the banks are lined with trees and often one is unaware of the close proximity of a major city.
Rebecca Hatfull, Mississippi river
Winner, Mighty Mississippi category, Red Rock Elementary, 4th grade student Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: IMG_3030 - public domain image
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Kids Examine a Large Satellite Photograph of Our Park
This large floor graphic of a satellite photograph stretches across the floor of our visitor center. A popular activity is for kids (and adults) to find their homes (or homes and businesses).
Veterans Memorial Levee Park Hastings
Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
GordonDietzman-9237, Mississippi river
Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
National parks: IMG_3236 - public domain image
Picryl description: Public domain image of a bridge over a water stream, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Canoeing and Boating - National Parks Gallery
Canoeing and boating are popular activities within the park. Canoes can often get paddlers back into shallow water areas while power boaters stay out in the channels and some of the deeper backwaters.
The Remains of the Meeker Dam - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
The Meeker Dam fell victim to the emerging technology of hydroelectric power. Shortly after Meeker was built Lock and Dam 1 was rebuilt downstream high enough to develop a power station there. Meeker was floode... More
Minnehaha Creek, Mississippi river
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park is located within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. It is a popular area within the park due to the falls located here.
National parks: Research - public domain image
Two canoes fastened together with cross members support four people driving a core sampler into a lake bottom to search for clues as to past vegetative cover.
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.
Blue Dasher Dragonfly - National Parks Gallery
Blue dasher dragonflies are common at the Coldwater Spring reservoir in mid-summer.
Hidden Falls Regional Park and Cottonwood Trees
The exposed roots of the cottonwood trees in Hidden Falls Regional Park--within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area--shows how durable these trees are and the erosive potential of moving water.
DGuggenberger BRJ (1280x825) - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Great Blue Heron - National Parks Gallery
Great blue herons are a common large wading bird found in spring and summer within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Sunset over Spring Lake - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Spring Lake is a wide spot in the river south of the Twin Cities. High bluffs on the east side give spectacular views over the river.
Emma Miller, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks G...
Grand Prize Winner: Journey to the Falls category, Lake Harriet Community School, 6th grade student
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.
Upper Post Restoration - National Parks Gallery
The Upper Post is a part of the military reservation established in the early 1800s in what is now the Twin Cities.
Coldwater Spring, Mississippi river
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Fox Snake, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
This fox snake was captured during a BioBlitz at Crosby Farm Regional Park, within the Mississippi National River and Recreation 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.
Canoeing in Flowers - National Parks Gallery
Large lotus beds grow in the backwaters near Grey Cloud Island, but they can be found in other still waters in the park as well.
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.
Lillian Klett, Mississippi river
Winner, Caring for the River category, Como Park Elementary, 5th grade student
A Child Inspects a Fox Snake - Public domain drawing
The docile fox snake was a big draw during the BioBlitz, although this child needed a bit of encouragement to actually touch it.
National parks: IMG_1165 - public domain image
Picryl description: Public domain image of a river, water stream, lake or pond, park or forest, natural landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Bike-with-a-Ranger - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Bike-with-a-Ranger programs mix recreation and learning about both natural and cultural history.
Railroad Bridge Crosses the Mississippi River
Railroads cross the Mississippi River at numerous locations in our highly industrialized corridor.
GordonDietzman-20160813-8133 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of an arch bridge, stone structure, architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
National parks: IMG_5072 - public domain image
Picryl description: Public domain image of a bridge over a water stream, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Otter Research, Mississippi river
Staff at the Mississippi National River conducts otter surveys to document the return of otters to the Mississippi River.
A Core Sample is Examined - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
Research is an important component of preservation. What did the landscape look like prior to settlement? How has it changed? By taking core samples from the lake bottom, college students and their professors c... More
Tree Frogs, Mississippi river - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Several species of tree frogs are common in the park. Public domain photograph related to US National Parks, Nature, conservation, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Prairie Restoration Event - National Parks Gallery
Park Rangers assist volunteers in preparing native plants to plug into an existing prairie restoration.
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 Reservoir - National Parks Gallery
The reservoir and spring house provided water to Fort Snelling. Public domain photograph of a river bank, lake, pond, reflection, water, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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.
DAnderson BRJ - Copy (1280x827)
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Mississippi River North of Minneapolis
The Mississippi River is generally calm in summer through this stretch of the river.
GordonDietzman-9257, Mississippi river
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The Windego Park Auditorium - Akin Riverside Park
The Windego Park Auditorium was the center of civic life in the city of Anoka.
GordonDietzman-20160716-4281 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Akin Riverside Park - Picnic Area
The picnic area at the Akin Riverside Park is a pleasant place to have a quiet meal and contemplate the history of the area.
Pine Bend Bluff - National Parks Gallery
The Mississippi River flows through floodplain forests in the southern part of the park. This photo was taken from the crest of the hills in the Pine Bend Bluff Scientific and Natural Area found within the boun... More
GordonDietzman-20160813-8133 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of an arch bridge, stone structure, architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
20110913-Leon Kosek IMG_6594 (22)
Public domain photograph of a city streets, cityscape, urban environment, buildings, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Leopard Frog, Mississippi river
Leopard frogs are susceptable, as many amphibians are, to contaminants in the water.
Park Rangers Canoe the Mississippi River Backwaters
Canoe day-paddles in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area are a popular activity.
one arm forks - National Parks Gallery
This catalog page features a combination knife and fork that was designed for people who only had the use of a single arm.
GordonDietzman-20080528-3047 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a river or lake, forest, trees, water stream, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Pileated Woodpecker, Mississippi river
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
GD20070909-3573, Mississippi river
Picryl description: Public domain image of a river or lake, forest, trees, water stream, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
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.
Blandings Turtle, Mississippi river
Blanding's turtles are rare in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, as they are in the rest of Minnesota.
GordonDietzman-20160716-4272 - National Parks Gallery
Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Boating along the River. - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
A paddleboat emerges from under the Stone Arch Bridge and in front of the Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis.
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
Summer at Coldwater Spring - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Restoration continues at Coldwater Spring, but summer brings a riot of colorful flowers.
Sonny Czyscon, Mississippi river
Winner: Mighty Mississippi category, Como Park Elementary, 5th grade student
Commerce in the Cooridor - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The river forms the corridor of the park, but some parts of the corridor are heavily industrialized. River traffic in the form of barges and recreational craft intersect with railroads and other traffic in busy... More
Netanya Sadoff, Mississippi river
Winner, Caring for the River category, Pinewood Community School, 5th grade student
Black-eyed Susans - National Parks Gallery
Black-eyed susans are a common species in our prairie restorations, but can also be found in prairie remnants in many places along 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.
GordonDietzman-20160813-8037 - National Parks Gallery
Picryl description: Public domain image of a river, water stream, lake or pond, park or forest, natural landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
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.