PARKS Canoeing on the Mississippi-River -Photo by Mike Krivit Photography SUMMER EXPLORE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI FROM THE CITY Mississippi National River and Recreation Area spans 72 miles within Minneapolis-St. Paul and its surrounding cities. A unique partnership between the National Park system, Minnesota State Parks, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and numerous city and regional parks, it is a popular destination for anglers, boaters and paddlers. During the summertime, the park comes alive with residents and travelers utilizing the trails, shoreline and water. If you want to get out on the water, the river offers many miles to explore. If you don’t have a boat, take advantage of the Mississippi River Paddle Share, a self-serve kayak sharing system that lets you check out a kayak at one station, paddle to your destination and return your kayak at another station. An additional, less athletic option, is to book a charter cruise on one of the river’s posh paddleboat services. You can take to the water to fish for bass, catfish, walleyes, sunfish, northern pike, muskellunge and more. Fish by boat, shoreline or at a fishing pier. Some of the best shore fishing can be found at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis, Fort Snelling State Park or Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul. The walleye and sauger bite is especially hot below Lock and Dam 1 in St. Paul. Keep in mind it’s a catch-and-release fishery, so you may catch a lunker. If you’re looking for bass, the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a favorite among local anglers. River fishing in the Mississippi River on Pike Island -Photo by Zane Spang North Mississippi Regional Park MORE GREAT PARKS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER » Located on the St. Croix River, Interstate State Park is a popular spot for canoers, kayakers and paddleboat tours. » Go chasing waterfalls at Minneopa State Park, where you’ll find Southern Minnesota’s largest waterfall. » Hike along a glacial beach ridge and explore the native tallgrass prairie at Buffalo River State Park. » Plan a picnic at Como Park in St. Paul, then head to the adjacent Como Conservatory and Zoo. @l0n3n1nja @aheartfulofwander @thehikingheikkilas @comozooconservatory 18 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2021 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 18
