National River & Recreation Area · MN

Things to do in Mississippi

The National Park Service lists 5 things to do at Mississippi National River & Recreation Area. 4 have no extra fee, 4 need no reservation, and 2 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (5) Junior Ranger Program (1)First Person Interpretation (1)Hiking (1)Boating (1)Museum Exhibits (1)

Earn a Junior Ranger Badge

Becoming a Junior Ranger means learning more about the history, resources, and communities within the 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

10-15 Minutes Year-round

Junior Ranger Program

A collage of different park rangers talking.
Photo: NPS/Kyle Just

Enjoy a Coffee with a Ranger!

Start every Friday right with Coffee With a Ranger! Each week brings a different subject, and park ranger, exploring the wonderful world of birds, beers, mushrooms, geology and more within the park!

Year-round Pets allowed

First Person Interpretation

Planted prairie grasses on a summer day.
Photo: NPS/Kyle Just

Go on a Day Hike at Coldwater Spring

Enjoy a nice day hike and many opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and reflection at Coldwater Spring! Trails surround a restored prairie oak savannah and wetlands in this culturally and historically significant gem that is open year-round.

Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Kayak in the park with Paddle Share

Paddle the park with Paddle Share, self-serve kayak sharing system in the Twin Cities metro area that lets you rent a boat and paddle to a destination downriver!

Summer Reservation required Fee applies

Boating

Lobby area with maps and desk.
Photo: NPS

Visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center

The Mississippi River Visitor Center provides fun activities for people of all ages as well as highlighting the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River. This a great place to start your exploration of this important river!

5-60 Minutes Year-round

Museum Exhibits

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Mississippi. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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