The Mighty Mississippi
Down by the River: Guide to the Mighty Mississippi
Did you know Saint Paul has more shoreline than any other city along the entire Mississippi River? Take advantage of all that riverfront with these activities.
Harriet Island Regional Park Area
Raspberry Island Bandshell
Saint Paul’s last true island is home to the oldest athletic club in the state (Minnesota Boat Club, built in 1885), as well as numerous paths, a plaza and bandshell. Learn to row on the Mississippi River with classes offered at the club for various skillsets throughout the summer.
Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast
You can’t stay any closer to the Mississippi River than the Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the river from the glorious deck of this floating B&B before returning to one of four distinctly unique rooms for the evening. A delicious made-to-order breakfast awaits you in the morning.
Festivals & Events
Harriet Island is home to some of Saint Paul’s most popular events, including the Irish Fair (August) and various 5k runs.
Upper Landing Area
Upper and Lower Landing Parks
Enjoy gorgeous views of Harriet Island behind the Science Museum from Upper Landing Park. Play in the fountains or continue down the Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail to Lower Landing where you can access an extensive network of biking and hiking trails.
City House
Once slated for demolition, the iconic City House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City House facility, formerly know as the Saint Paul Municipal Elevator and Sackhouse, has been restored as a seasonal restaurant, park pavilion and interpretative center situated on piers and cantilevered out over the Mississippi River. Located in downtown Saint Paul at Mill St. and Walnut St. along the Sam Morgan Regional Trail, City House serves a variety of food and drink, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Enjoy unprecedented Mississippi River views while watching the boats go by.
Mississippi River Visitors Center
Located in downtown St. Paul, just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to adventure along the mighty Mississippi. The visitor center has free admission, while the Science Museum of Minnesota charges an admission fee to visit their exbibit areas and the theater.
Hidden Falls Park
The Falls
The park’s namesake proves that a waterfall doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful. The small, spring-fed falls tucked into the Mississippi River bluffs are absolutely worth exploring.
Boat Launch
Make use of the Hidden Falls boat launch and explore the river on your own skiff. Spend the day on the water fishing or just cruise around, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous scenery either way.
Paddle Bridge
If you're looking for more than a river shuttle service, look no further. Paddle Bridge's guides take care of the details from start to finish to provide you with a context-rich, memorable paddling experience with all of the necessary equipment including kayaks, paddles and life preservers.
Paddle Share
The National Park Service-led kayak-rental service offers three-hour kayak rentals for one-person or tandem. The Paddle Share Saint Paul route starts at Hidden Falls and ends at Harriet Island.
Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling State Park
A state park located at the intersection of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, Fort Snelling links Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge through extensive hiking, biking and skiing trails.
Pike Island
Hike the Pike Island Loop, a 4-mile trail around the island where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet. Park near the visitor’s center, head east past the fort until you reach the footbridge to the island.
Historic Fort Snelling
After spending time by the water at the state park, hike up to Historic Fort Snelling. The Minnesota Historical Society operated site dates back to 1820 and features tours and reenactments.
Crosby Farm Regional Park
Crosby Farm Trail
Enjoy constant river views as you walk, run or bike along the Crosby Farm Trail. The 3.7-mile route will take you through Crosby Farm Park to Hidden Falls.
Bird Watching
At 736 acres, Crosby Farm is the largest natural park in the Saint Paul parks system—meaning there is plenty of wildlife to be encountered. Grab your binoculars and scope out the bird scene during the spring and fall migrations.
Everywhere Along the Mississippi
Fitness in the Parks
Get physical at free outdoor exercise classes, held throughout the summer at Saint Paul’s various parks. Check the schedule for riverside classes at Harriet Island and Raspberry Park.
If you’re still unsure where to start your Mississippi River adventure, stop into the river’s visitor center located in the Science Museum of Minnesota.
We’d love to see how you’re enjoying the Mighty Mississippi! Share your photos with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.
More to Explore
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Covington Inn
Irish Fair of Minnesota
