Enjoying the River

The Mississippi River has been a source of recreation for many generations, drawing people to its beauty and power. Boating, hiking, and bird watching bring people to the river, and in 1988 the federal government recognized its recreational importance by designating a 72-mile stretch as the Mississippi River and Recreational Area. Because the Mississippi is large and powerful, boaters should take safety precautions, and responsible boating can help reduce wakes that contribute to shoreline erosion and disturb river habitat, preserving the river for people as well as for plants and wildlife.

Hastings, Minnesota · United States