National River & Recreation Area · Minnesota
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
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.
Things to do
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Compass and GPS
- Geocaching
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- First Person Interpretation
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snow Play
- Wildlife Watching
Weather & when to go
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.
Operating hours
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
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)
Coldwater Spring is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, 365 days per year.
FAQ
- Is Mississippi National River & Recreation Area free to visit?
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Mississippi National River & Recreation Area?
- 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…
- Do I need a reservation for Mississippi National River & Recreation Area?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Mississippi National River & Recreation Area. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.