Things To Do Near Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
When you plan your trip to the Mississippi River and Recreation Area, you will want to consider the season. In the spring, go on a bike ride at Coon Rapids Dam, watch the birds at Fort Snelling State Park, and see the wildflowers at Crosby Farm Regional Park. Once summer arrives, take advantage of the Paddle Share Program to go on a Mississippi River canoeing adventure or the Nice Ride Program to go on a bike tour with a park ranger. Fall is the perfect time to see the autumn colors at Battle Creek Regional Park, at Minnehaha Regional Park, or along the Windchime Trail. This park is a fantastic place to explore in the winter when you can see white-tail deer at Fort Snelling State Park and eagles at Hasting's River Flats Park.
Hiking Trails
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Winchell Trail
Start this trail where Minneapolis' Franklin Avenue meets the Mississippi River. Hike along the bluffs and through the woods on this unpaved path until you get to 38th Street. This trail becomes paved and ends at 44th street. There are some stairs along the route.
Location
Franklin Avenue at Mississippi River Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Length
5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
The trailhead at Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area is near the north parking lot. Follow the old utility road through the dunes, which is the largest intact prairie in the Minneapolis metropolitan area. You will not be on the trail long until it turns south and follows the bluff before running beside a lake and through an old railroad tunnel. You will emerge at the south parking lot.
Location
North parking lot, Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, 7501 110th Street South Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016
Length
3 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail starts at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park and follows the river 3,000 miles downstream to Venice, Louisiana. This trail is open to hikers and bikers. The 800-mile Minnesota section of this trail is relatively flat, with the steepest climb being 573 feet. In Minneapolis, hikers can choose either side of the river to hike while hikers in southern Minnesota decide to hike along the top of the bluffs or their edge. This trail often runs along the shoulder of highways.
Location
Lake Itasca, Lake Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470
Length
3,000 miles
Intensity
Difficult to Strenuous
Sightseeing
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Historic Fort Snelling
Interact with the reenacting soldiers at Historic Fort Snelling. This fort, established in 1805 at the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers' confluence, was once a vital trading post with the Dakota Native Americans. Then, it became a training post for soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. This is also a great place to go bird-watching for migratory songbirds.
Location
200 Tower Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55111
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Marshall Terrace Park
(https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks destinations/parks lakes/marshall_terrace_park/#group_1_16007) is a great place to watch nesting blue herons in the spring. There are numerous sports facilities at this park, including a basketball court, baseball diamonds, and open fields. When the weather is hot, cool off in the wading pool. There are great platforms to sit and enjoy the Mississippi River.
Location
2740 Marshall St. Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418
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Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Launch your boat at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park for some fishing fun. Hike to the observation platforms to see if you can spot osprey. This location is a terrific place to go for a bike ride. In the winter, you can rent cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment from the visitor center.
Location
9750 Egret Boulevard, Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55433
Museums
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Mill City Museum
Learn how workers made at an early mill by visiting the Mill City Museum. Enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony's Falls from this location. Bake a loaf of bread by participating in one of their special programs.
Location
704 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
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Sibley House Historic Site
Tour the four limestone buildings at the Sibley House Historic Site. The buildings that the American Fur Company used as fur trading posts are some of the oldest Euro-American buildings in the state. Learn more about the life of Henry Sibley, who became Minnesota's first governor.
Location
1356 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, Minnesota 55150
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Arway
Select a new bag or purse at Arway. This company selects the best leather and other materials from around the world to make each one. The staff also regularly travels to Liberia to bring back fashion accessories and items. Additionally, you can find casual children's clothing.
Location
274 Cesar Chavez Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55107
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Fit 1st Running
If you love running, be sure to visit Fit 1st Running. Their experts work with you to select the best running shoes based on your feet and the conditions you love to run in. They also carry some duffle bags and warmup jackets.
Location
2327 Hennepin Avenue. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
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Murray's
If you want a great steak, head to Murray's. Their family-owned restaurant has been delighting diners since 1946. The third generation of the same family now operates this downtown Minneapolis business in a building constructed in the 1880s. Holidays are occasions for special feasts at this restaurant.
Location
26 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
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Jax Café
Catch your meal in the bubbling brook at Jax Café. Choose to dine on the outdoor patio or in the elegant dining room with its stained glass windows. Come a little early so that you can enjoy a drink, like the classic Manhattan, in the historic bar. This restaurant has been delighting guests with its large prime rib servings, friendly service, and classical music since the 1940s.
Location
1928 University Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418