Park

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 Kellogg Blvd West

Saint Paul, MN

Directions

Type

Park

Lens

Landmarks

About this place

In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River. This a great place to start your exploration of this important river.

Website

Official Website Visitor Info

National Park Service information

Hours

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Monday: All Day
Tuesday: All Day
Wednesday: All Day
Thursday: All Day
Friday: All Day
Saturday: All Day
Sunday: All Day

We are a partnership park that overlaps many parks (regional, city, state), other public lands, museums, and historical sites. Check with the specific park site you plan on visiting for their hours. See http://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm for more information. The National Park Service does not control the visiting hours for the partner sites. Coldwater Spring (NPS) is open from 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year.

Coldwater Spring (NPS)

Monday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Tuesday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Wednesday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Thursday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Friday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Saturday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM
Sunday: 6:00AM - 10:00PM

Coldwater Spring is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, 365 days per year.

Directions

Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets near park headquarters. Several parking ramps are available nearby including the Kellogg Square parking ramp. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota (120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN).

Official directions

Weather & Seasonal Notes

Minnesota has a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Spring brings moderate temperatures and low humidity. Summer days may reach temperatures of more than 100°F (38°C), but are usually pleasant with temperatures in the low to mid-80°F (25-30°C). Autumn brings dry, warm days, cool nights and gorgeous fall colors. Winter daytime highs are around 25°F (-3°C). Rarely, winter daytime high temperatures may not get above -10°F (-23°C), sometimes with strong winds.

Activities

BikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingCompass and GPSGeocachingFishingFreshwater FishingHikingFront-Country HikingHunting and GatheringHuntingLiving HistoryReenactmentsHistoric Weapons DemonstrationFirst Person InterpretationPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlayWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum Exhibits

Courtesy of the National Park Service