Mississippi National River & Recreation Area Custom Search The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a narrow corridor of land on either side of the Mississippi River extending from Dayton, MN on the north boundary through the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and downstream to Hastings, MN.    CONTACTS Email - MISS_info@nps.gov Fax- 651-290-3214 Write to 111 East Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55101-1256 Phone Headquarters - 651.290.4160 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons A unique type of park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a partnership park. Of the approximately 52,000 acres included within the boundaries, the Park Service owns only 45, all of which are islands. Programs are developed and delivered with partners throughout the corridor. Operation hours of these facilities vary from season to season. Getting There PLANE - The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is the hub airport for Northwest Airlines but is also served by other airlines including SunCountry, Delta, Frontier and others. CAR - Interstates 35 and 94 meet in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Locally, county and state highways as well as local streets all offer ways to get to the river for either a view from above or to a local park or visitor center. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - City buses provide transportation within the corridor. Service is especially convenient to activities located near near the downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Weather & Climate Hot in the summer, temperatures typically vary from highs in the nineties to lows in the fifties and sixties. If you plan on spending much time outside, prepare by bringing along mosquito repellent, sun screen, and a water bottle. In winter, temperatures vary widely. Be prepared for temperatures as low as -20 F but more typically between 0 F and 30 F. Dressing for winter in Minnesota is best accomplished by layering your clothing. And be ready for snow; some of the best snowstorms in America happen in Minnesota. Accessibility Many visitor centers and trails are equipped for persons with vision, hearing and mobility problems. Call ahead for specific information. The National Park Service has worked with Wilderness Inquiry to post information on accessibility for visitor destinations within the park boundaries. Check the website for specific information. Getting Around If you are visiting the entire 72 mile length of the park, automobile is the most convenient. But for short hops, it is fun to bike, hike, canoe, kayak, use public transportation. During the winter months, many bicycle and walking trails are transformed to cross country ski trails. Many local parks and commercial facilities rent skis and snowshoes for use within the area. FEES/PERMITS Entrance Fee VARIOUS Because the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area does not own land or operate a visitor center, there are no fees associated with the park itself. But, some visitor centers and parks do charge entry fees. Call ahead for specific information. FACILITIES Museums MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER Open All Year Call for exact hours Phone - 651.296.6126 Location - 345 Kellogg Blvd. West St. Paul, MN 55102-1906 Special Programs - Programs and exhibits change from time to time and feature such topics as life in the Minnesota Territory 1849-1858, experiences of a fur trader and the interaction of native cultures and European settlers. Exhibits - Minnesota History Center features exhibits for adults and kids that focus on Minnesota's history, cultural diviersity and the mechanics of living in 'the good old days.' Available Facilities - There is an extensive collection of publications and photographs chronicling Minnesota's history available to reseach and enthusiasts. SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA Open All Year Call for exact hours Phone - 651.221.9426 Location - 120 Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102 651.221.9426 Exhibits - The National Park Service has collaborated with the museum to produce the Mississippi River Gallery. This special exhibit profiles the geologic, economic, social and environmental impact of the Mississippi River in and near the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area. Available Facilities - This nationally respected museum houses the Omnitheater as well as ongoing exhibits, events and collections that focus on anthropology, paleontology, science and design in our daily lives, the human body gallery, and a host of other fascinating topics. SIBLEY HOUSE HISTORIC SITE Phone - 651.452.1596 Location - 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota, MN 55150 Exhibits - Tour of the home of Henry Hastings Sibley. Sibley came to the area in 1834 as the head of the American Fur Company Post and later as a territorial representative to the US Congress and the first governeor of the state. In 1839 Jean Baptiste Faribault built the house next to Sibley's. Faribault's house is also a part of the site. Visitor Centers COON RAPIDS DAM (ANOKA) Open All Year Call for exact hours Phone - 763.757.4700 Location - 9750 Egert Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Exhibits - The Anoka County side of the Coon Rapids Dam features a visitor center with indoor interpretive exhibits including the Mississippi River Kiosk. The park has both walking trails and a bicycle trail that has connections to trails honeycombing the metro area. Available Facilities - In summer, the visitor center rents bicycles. In winter, rent skis and showshoes here. The visitor center also sells a limited selection of bait and fishing tackle. COON RAPIDS DAM (HENNEPIN PARKS) Open All Year Call for exact hours Phone - 612.424.8172 Location - 10360 W. River Rd. Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 Exhibits - Coon Rapids Dam is a park and informational center that offers many activities centered on the Dam and other natural information. FORT SNELLING STATE PARK Open All Year Call ahead for exact hours Phone - 612.725.2389 Location - 1 Post Rd. St. Paul, MN 55111 Special Programs - A part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources state park system, this park is located at the historic confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Fort Snelling State Park is the site of the Dakota Internment Camp where many of the tribe were held by the US Army during the Sioux Uprising of 1862. A memorial marks the site. Exhibits - The visitor center has exhibits featuring biological communities in and near the Mississippi River, a demonstration of watershed mechanics, and and underground peak at the root systems of native plants. Available Facilities - In summer, canoes can be rented from the visitor center. Because of its central location, Fort Snelling State Park is a hub for bicyclists and walkers from around the metropolitan area. ST. ANTHONY FALLS LOCK AND DAM Open All Year 9:00-10:00pm// Winter: 9:00-9:00pm Phone - 651.333.5336 Location - 1 Portland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55401 Closures - The observation deck and visitor center are closed until further notice. Exhibits - The St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Furthest upstream of the 29 locks between Lake Itasca and St. Louis. Also the deepest (49 feet) the lock has an enclosed observation deck, exhibits and a working Lock and Dam. Watch barges and boats 'lock through' and learn how the river's natural hydraulics make it all possible. Wilderness Information Centers MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Open All Year Call for exact hours Phone - 612.854.5900 Location - 3815 East 80th St. Bloomington, MN 55425 Exhibits - The Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge located on the southwest boundary of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor. Straddling the Minnesota River, the refuge maintains an interpretive center, living examples of native prairie, bicycle and walking trails. Available Facilities - There are several units comprising the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge from Shakopee to Minneapolis. Each is a unique environment maintained for the public enjoyment.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.   Campgrounds Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Northernaire Motel, Saint Paul, 2 miles away J Robinson Intensive Camps, Minneapolis, 10 miles away Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Circle Pines, 10 miles away Lowry Grove, Minneapolis, 10 miles away Lebanon Hills Regional County Park, Saint Paul, 12 miles away Lake Elmo Park Reserve Primitive, Lake Elmo, 12 miles away Lake Elmo Park Reserve Equestrian, Lake Elmo, 12 miles away   Marinas Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: St Paul Yacht Club, Saint Paul , 2 miles away Watergate Marina, Saint Paul , 7 miles away River Heights Marina, Inver Grove Heights , 7 miles away Kings Cove, Hastings , 19 miles away Boomsite Marina, Stillwater , 19 miles away   Hotels Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Hyatt Place St Paul Downtown, Saint Paul , 1 miles away Embassy Suites By Hilton St Paul Downtown, Saint Paul , 1 miles away DoubleTree By Hilton St Paul Downtown, Saint Paul , 1 miles away InterContinental SAINT PAUL RIVERFRONT, Saint Paul , 2 miles away The Saint Paul Hotel, Saint Paul , 2 miles away Holiday Inn ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN, Saint Paul , 2 miles away Hampton Inn And Suites By Hilton Downtown St Paul MN, Saint Paul , 2 miles away   Ski Areas Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Buck Hill, Minnesota , 19 miles away, 309 foot drop, 11 lifts, 13 runs Hyland, Minnesota , 21 miles away, 175 foot drop, 6 lifts, 14 runs Afton Alps, Minnesota , 21 miles away, 350 foot drop, 18 lifts, 41 runs Welch Village, Minnesota , 31 miles away, 360 foot drop, 10 lifts, 60 runs Wild Mountain, Minnesota , 36 miles away, 300 foot drop, 8 lifts, 25 runs Trollhaugen, Wisconsin , 37 miles away, 260 foot drop, 9 lifts, 22 runs Mount Kato, Minnesota , 78 miles away, 240 foot drop, 8 lifts, 19 runs Powder Ridge, Minnesota , 87 miles away, 290 foot drop, 7 lifts, 15 runs   Whitewater Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Whitewater Outfitter - Edina Travel Leaders, Hennepin County , 18 miles away, Whitewater outfitter Vermilion River, Dakota County , 20 miles away, Class II-III+ - 0.5 miles long (Falls to Old Mill in Hastings) Apple River, St.Croix County , 30 miles away, Class I-II - 2 miles long (Somerset)   Public Lands Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Saint Croix National Scenic River, Saint Croix Falls - WI , 38 miles away Afton State Park, Minnesota , 21 miles away Kinnickinnic State Park, Wisconsin , 24 miles away William O'Brien State Park, Minnesota , 25 miles away Willow River State Park, Wisconsin , 28 miles away   Golf Courses Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area: Fort Snelling Golf Course, Saint Paul , 1 miles away Inver Grove Heights City Inver Wood Golf Course, Saint Paul , 1 miles away Highland National, Saint Paul , 1 miles away Three M Golf, Saint Paul , 1 miles away Maple Hills Golf Course, Saint Paul , 1 miles away   Lakes Near Mississippi National River & Recreation Area Gervais Lake, Ramsey County , 3 miles away Savage Lake, Ramsey County , 3 miles away Birch Lake, Ramsey County , 6 miles away Tanners Lake, Washington County , 7 miles away Amelia Lake, Anoka County , 8 miles away