Explore the river
At any given spot along the metro river, our staff could point to something — a riverbank, a confluence, a forest — and tell you a story. So we made guides to three of our favorite river routes in the Twin Cities, each with a dozen notes from FMR staff.
These guides include access info and a map marked with tips on wildlife, geology and plants, plus stories of real change brought about by our work with supporters like you. As you paddle, hike, bike or roll along the river, you’ll be able to witness the effects of the advocacy and restoration work we do together.
This one-way paddling route wends through lesser-known backwaters that braid and meander around islands off the main channel of the Mississippi River south of the Twin Cities. Steep, short bluffs define this stretch of riverfront from Lion's Levee Park in St. Paul Park to Hazen P. Mooers Park in Cottage Grove.
Walking the Winchell Trail from West River Parkway and 44th Street to 34th Street in Minneapolis brings you through the only river gorge on the entire Mississippi River. The gorge formed over the course of 12,000 years and is now an oasis of steep limestone and sandstone bluffs, rugged ravines and natural springs in the heart of the Twin Cities.
Follow two greenways in Hastings, public trails that match two habitat corridors along the Mississippi River and the Vermillion River, to experience firsthand the value of connected natural areas. On this out-and-back route, you can find an oxbow lake, a dry river, the ruins of an old mill, a prairie demonstration garden and a must-see waterfall.
More special places
We've featured more than 30 of our favorite spots to explore the metro Mississippi River on the map below.
What do you want to do?
See waterfalls
When the snow melts, cold spring waters trickle down our yards, driveways and gutters, ultimately swiftening our creeks, swelling our rivers and making our waterfalls roar. We suggest visiting two waterfalls — one famous, one not so much, during their spring peak:
- Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
- Vermillion Falls, Hastings
Explore prairie wonderlands
Enjoy the popping colors and buzzing pollinators in a few of our favorite metro prairies. Spanning from Elk River to North Minneapolis to Hastings, they're located in many of our favorite parks and natural areas. Learn more about these prairies that FMR has helped protect and restore:
- Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, Cottage Grove
- Sand Coulee SNA, Hastings
- Ole Olson Park, North Minneapolis
- Pine Bend Bluffs SNA, Inver Grove Heights
- River Oaks Park, Cottage Grove
- Spring Lake Park Preserve – Archery Trail, Rosemount
- William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Elk River (our largest prairie restoration yet)
Dine by the river
While there are many tasty restaurants and dining options near the Mississippi, there are only a few right beside the Mississippi. Here are two favorite spots to grab a cocktail (or mocktail) and watch the river flow by:
- Red River Kitchen at City House, St. Paul
- Mississippi River Pub, Inver Grove Heights
Enjoy stunning river overlooks
Want to see the river wend its way through floodplain forest, past our Twin Cities or through bluff country? Check out these stunning river overlooks:
- Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area, Inver Grove Heights
- River Oaks Park, Cottage Grove
- Wic̣aḣapi, St. Paul
- Ole Olson Park, Minneapolis
Visit major river confluences
Over its entire journey from Itasca headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi collects 7,000 tributaries. Here are two confluences you can visit in the metro where major rivers alter our Mississippi and make it the mighty river it is:
- Where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi in St. Paul
- Where the St. Croix River meets the Mississippi in Hastings
Paddle the river and its backchannels
If you've never paddled the Mississippi River, it can seem intimidating. The river is already pretty mighty by the time it reaches the metro. But with some caution and education, many local stretches are safe to canoe and kayak. Check out a few routes we love:
Protect the river while you enjoy it
Time on or near the water rejuvenates so many of us, inspiring us to continue the work of protection and restoration. Check out our guide to ways you can protect water and wildlife while you're enjoying the many beautiful places or river stretches here in the metro.
Stay connected
There are countless more places to explore along this stretch of the Mississippi River. To learn more about these places and related projects, opportunities and river news, subscribe to our e-newsletter, Mississippi Messages.