Map 1: Lake Itasca to Cass Lake
The Mississippi River State Water Trail begins its 2,552-mile journey in Itasca State Park. Its first 50 miles are narrow, sometimes just five to 10 feet wide, and have few signs of development.
You will pass white and red pine, oaks, maples, birch and aspen that support diverse wildlife. You may also notice the past effects of glaciers, where deposited rock and sand formed hills, or melting ice flattened plains.
The riverbanks become more defined as you travel toward Bemidji, and you'll begin to notice farms and homes. Wetlands throughout this stretch have dense, maze-like vegetation, which may lead you astray or prove to be an obstacle. In most cases, follow the downstream flow to stay on the main channel.
The river falls an average of four feet per mile. You will find riffles and Class I rapids throughout this stretch. Class I rapids are usually small waves with few obstructions. Hazards include dense vegetation, log jams and large, open water, which can produce powerful waves.
Recommended day trip
Lake Itasca to Coffee Pot Landing
- Put-in location: Mississippi headwaters, river mile 1,341.6
- Take-out location: Coffee Pot Landing, river mile 1,326.2
- Length: 15.4 river miles
This stretch starts off wooded and intimate. Expect to lift your watercraft over beaver dams during lower water levels, or around road culverts during high water levels. To take a break, pull over at Wanagan. The stretch between Vekin's Dam and County Road Two has Class I rapids, which can be challenging for new paddlers.
Explore on shore
Itasca State Park, river mile 1,341.6
Stop at the park to experience the headwaters of the Mississippi or to rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Paul Bunyan State Trail, river mile 1,284
Get out at Nymore Beach and hike or bike a portion of the paved trail. Check the City of Bemidji for bike rentals and create a pedal-paddle adventure.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
2115 Birchmont Beach Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-755-3955
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-699-7251
Lake Bemidji State Park
3401 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2300
Nearest medical facility
Sanford Medical Center
1300 Anne Street Northwest, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-751-5430
The river headwaters at Itasca State Park.
The river meanders through dense wetlands.
Map 2: Cass Lake to Vermillion River
This section of the Mississippi River connects Cass Lake and Winnibigoshish Lake. These lakes have always been important to the Ojibwe of northern Minnesota, and today lie within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. These extensive public lands are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as the Chippewa National Forest.
This portion of the river is gentle enough for beginner paddlers. You'll find forested shorelines, pine-covered islands and eagles soaring overhead. The river's channel deepens below the Leech Lake River confluence and you'll see broad marshes on either side. Watch for oxbows once carved by the river and now filling with plant life.
Hazards in this section include dams and large, open water on Cass and Winnibigoshish lakes which can produce powerful waves. Paddling across these lakes is not recommended.
Recommended day trip
Cass Lake to Lake Winnibigoshish
- Put-in location: Knutson Dam Recreation Area, river mile 1,258.2
- Take-out location: West Winnie Campground, river mile 1,246.4
- Length: 11.8 river miles
Follow the river's meandering path between the two big lakes. Halfway through your trip, the river broadens at the Mississippi Meadows. Watch for migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall. Paddle along a short section of the Lake Winnibigoshish shore to reach the takeout.
Additional day trip
For day trip maps and an additional day trip in this segment, look for Bimijiwan Recreation Area to Winnie Campground on the Mississippi Headwaters Board website.
Explore on shore
Schoolcraft State Park, river mile 1,199.5
The Vermillion River joins the Mississippi River here. Camping (fee required), public access and drinking water (no showers) are available at the park. Pull into the boat landing to hike a trail and explore. The park is named for Henry Rowe Schoolcraft who charted the headwaters of the Mississippi River with Anishinabe guide Ozawindib.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
2115 Birchmont Beach Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-308-2372
Schoolcraft State Park
c/o Grand Rapids area office, 1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8982
U.S.D.A. Forest Service Chippewa National Forest
Cass Lake, MN 56633
218-335-8600
Nearest medical facilities
Sanford Medical Center
1300 Anne Street Northwest, Bemidji, MN 56601
218-751-5430
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital
1601 Golf Course Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-3401
One of many boat launches along this segment.
A calm day on the winding river.
Map 3: Vermillion River to Jacobson
This section of the river is one of transition, from the wetlands and forests of the Chippewa National Forest, through the town of Grand Rapids, to the lowland hardwood forest of Aitkin County.
Along the way you will pass hills that were once piles of glacial debris. The city of Grand Rapids lies at the center of these hills.
South of Grand Rapids, the river enters an ancient glacial lake bed where it twists back and forth through the soft soil. Look for white and red pines, oaks, maples, birches and aspens that create a home for diverse wildlife. This portion of the Mississippi River is flat and slow moving, offering easy paddling with no major rapids.
As you approach the town of Grand Rapids, you will need to watch for two dams about three river miles apart. One dam controls the level of Lake Pokegama, and the other provides hydropower to the Blandin Paper Company. Both must be portaged. Make sure you know what side of the dam to portage.
Recommended day trip
Steamboat Access to Blackberry Bridge Access
- Put-in location: river mile 1,178.9
- Take-out location: river mile 1,170.9
- Length: 8 river miles
Paddle past farmland and wooded river banks. Just downstream of the Prairie River, watch for swallows nesting in the sandy banks. This trip offers easy paddling with no significant rapids. You will find small sections of riffles when the water is low. Stop for a great picnic spot at Sucher's Campsite if it is unoccupied.
Additional day trip
For day trip maps and an additional day trip in this segment, look for Steamboat Park to Blackberry Bridge on the Mississippi Headwaters Board website.
Explore on shore
Schoolcraft State Park, river mile 1,199.5
The Vermillion River joins the Mississippi River here. Camping (fee required), public access and drinking water (no showers) are available at the park. Pull into the boat landing to hike a trail and explore. The park is named for Henry Rowe Schoolcraft who charted the headwaters of the Mississippi River with Anishinabe guide Ozawindib.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8980
Schoolcraft State Park
c/o Grand Rapids area office, 1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8982
Nearest medical facility
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital
1601 Golf Course Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-3401
Clouds reflected in calm water.
Changing seasons offer something new around every bend.
Map 4: Jacobson to Aitkin
This section of the Mississippi River is influenced by glacial lakes Upham and Aitkin, which once covered most of the area. You'll find a flat landscape with meandering streams and many oxbows (U-shaped sections of abandoned river channel).
The still waters of the oxbows are excellent for fish and other wildlife. You will also pass floodplain forests that offer food, shelter and habitat for muskrat, beaver, otters, turtles, herons, hawks, osprey, eagles and more.
Much of the shoreline is privately managed for forest or agriculture, with few houses due to the river's tendency to flood.
Hazards include snags, downed trees and a diversion channel dam. At the Rice River confluence, a diversion channel carries water around the town of Aitkin during high flow. There is no portage route around this diversion channel dam.
Recommended day trip
Sandy Lake Recreation Area to Wold's Ferry Crossing
- Put-in location: river mile 1,105.5
- Take-out location: river mile 1,096
- Length: 9.5 river miles
A fee is required to launch from the Sandy Lake Recreation Area. You'll paddle approximately a mile from the launch to reach the Mississippi River. This is an easy section to paddle, with riffles during low water. Fish for catfish, walleye and smallmouth. Stop for a picnic at Scott's Rapid Campsite if it is unoccupied.
Additional day trips
For day trip maps and additional day trips in this segment, look for Big Sandy Lake Recreation Area to Wold's Ferry Landing, Palisade to Waldeck Landing, Waldeck to Kimball, or Kimball to Aitkin County Campground on the Mississippi Headwaters Board website.
Explore on shore
Sandy Lake Recreation Area, river mile 1,105.5
This recreation area is a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mississippi Headwaters Project. The area offers camping (fee required), boat launches, swimming, picnicking, fishing and hiking. Be sure to visit displays about the river's past in the museum at the north side of the dam. You'll have to paddle approximately one mile up the Sandy River to reach the recreation area from the Mississippi River.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8980
Sandy Lake Recreation Area-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
22205 531st Lane, McGregor, MN 55760
218-426-3482
Nearest medical facility
Riverwood Healthcare Center
200 Bunker Hill Drive, Aitkin, MN 56431
218-927-2121
A calm day on the river.
Canoists watch for wildlife along the riverbanks.
Map 5: Aitkin to Brainerd
This section of the river offers easy paddling, great fishing and many places to stop. The good water quality supports game fish such as walleye, northern, muskie, bass and panfish.
Above Brainerd, the Mississippi River is often used by pleasure boaters and high-powered fishing boats.
Near Brainerd, the river enters a defined valley. You'll notice a change from lowland hardwoods and tamaracks to red pine and mixed hardwood. The river also passes through French Rapids, a narrow channel with hundred-foot banks. Just below this you'll find Rice Lake, an impoundment created by the Potlach Dam.
Hazards include dams. Be aware of their locations and know which side to portage.
Recommended day trip
Highway 6 to Trommald
- Put-in location: river mile 1,030
- Take-out location: river mile 1,018.3
- Length: 11.7 river miles
Wind through hardwood forests on this wide section of the Mississippi River. The Pine River State Water Trail will intersect the Mississippi midway through your paddle. This is an easy route with no rapids, though the current can be quite strong after a rain. This trip typically takes about four hours of paddling. Boat ramps and ample parking can be found at both the put-in and take-out locations, which are nine miles apart by road.
Explore on shore
Crow Wing State Park, river mile 997
Explore the park for hiking trails and historic sites along the river. You'll find a boat ramp one mile upstream from the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers. Camping (by reservation) is also available at the park.
Paul Bunyan State Trail, river mile 997
This trail travels over a hundred miles from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park. It is the longest of Minnesota's state trails and the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8980
Crow Wing State Park
3124 State Park Road, Brainerd, MN 54601
218-825-3075
Nearest medical facilities
Riverwood Healthcare Center
200 Bunker Hill Drive, Aitkin, MN 56431
218-927-2121
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
320 East Main Street, Crosby, MN 56441
218-546-7000
Essentia Health - Saint Joseph's Medical Center
523 North Third Street, Brainerd, MN 56401
218-829-2861
Aerial view of the river.
A designated campsite in Crow Wing State Forest.
Map 6: Brainerd to Little Falls
In this section, the Mississippi River flows out of forest and wetlands and into a narrow valley surrounded by sandplains. Below the confluence with the Nokasippi River, the Mississippi flows through a flat valley bordered by hills. You'll see vegetation along the shoreline and farmland beyond.
Riffles are present at Pipe Island and downriver to the State Highway 115 bridge. These riffles are made by rock bars that create small standing waves. Navigating the riffles is difficult for even the smallest boat's motor.
On the west side of the river, the Camp Ripley Military Reservation extends 18 miles downstream of the Crow Wing River confluence. The land is owned by the State of Minnesota and managed by the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. Islands along the river corridor owned by Camp Ripley are open to public recreational use. Access to the Camp Ripley Training Center is not allowed from any point along the Mississippi or Crow Wing rivers.
Hazards include dams. Be aware of their locations and know where to portage.
Recommended day trip
Fort Ripley to Fletcher Creek
- Put-in location: river mile 982.3
- Take-out location: river mile 972.7
- Length: 9.6 river miles
Paddle past numerous islands and wooded shoreline with farmland beyond. This easy paddle also offers scenic backwaters as you paddle between islands and the shore. River levels can be fairly shallow, especially late in the summer. Anglers, be sure to pack a fishing pole!
Additional day trip
For day trip maps and additional day trips in this segment, look for Kiwanis Park to Crow Wing State Park Landing or Belle Prairie Park to LeBourget Park on the Mississippi Headwaters Board website.
Explore on shore
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, river mile 964
This state park is upstream of the Mississippi's confluence with Pike Creek. You'll find boat access, hiking trails and camping (reservation required). A historic site is downstream of the confluence.
Crow Wing State Park, river mile 997
Explore the park for hiking trails and historic sites along the river. You'll find a boat ramp one mile upstream from the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers. Camping (by reservation) is also available at the park.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1201 East Highway Two, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-328-8980
Crow Wing State Park
3124 State Park Road, Brainerd, MN 54601
218-825-3075
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
1615 Lindbergh Drive South, Little Falls, MN 56345
320-616-2525
Nearest medical facilities
Essentia Health - Saint Joseph's Medical Center
523 North Third Street, Brainerd, MN 56401
218-829-2861
Saint Gabriel's Hospital
815 Second Street Southeast, Little Falls, MN 56345
320-632-5441
One of many islands on this river segment.
High water on the river.
Map 7: Little Falls to Saint Cloud
This section of the Mississippi River connects Minnesota's forests to its prairies. Shorelands are covered in mixed hardwood forest and nearby grassland prairie supports wildflowers.
Watch for deer, muskrat, otter, fox, red-tailed hawks, eagles, kingfishers and turtles along your trip. Water quality here is very good and boasts a premiere fishery for walleye, muskie, northern pike and smallmouth bass.
Expect more motorized boat traffic north of the Sartell Dam to the Highway 2 Bridge.
The Mississippi River drops six and a half feet for every river mile between Little Falls and Royalton. Two dams operated by Minnesota Power obscure the falls today. You'll see less development along this section of the river due to local and state protections.
Downstream of the Highway 23 bridge, the river is designated as a State Wild and Scenic River.
Hazards include rapids (near Sauk Rapids) and several dams. All dams must be portaged.
Recommended day trip
Royalton Sportsman's Club to Stearns County Park
- Put-in location: river mile 953.6
- Take-out location: river mile 942.2
- Length: 11.4 river miles
Launch from the Royalton Sportsman's Club (fee required). You'll pass numerous islands - some on private land - and shorelines with a mix of forest and farmland. If it's unoccupied, stop at the Seven Islands Campsite to camp for the night or for a quick picnic. A private campground is located halfway through this trip. You'll paddle past undeveloped shoreline along the Michaelson Farm Wildlife Management Area. Anglers will want to pack a fishing pole for this trip. Watch for rocky riffles during low water levels.
Additional day trip
For day trip maps and an additional day trip in this segment, look for Maple Island Park to Blanchard Dam on the Mississippi Headwaters Board website.
Explore on shore
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, river mile 964
This state park is upstream of the Mississippi's confluence with Pike Creek. You'll find boat access, hiking trails and camping (reservation required). A historic site is downstream of the confluence. The park is named for the Minnesota congressman who was also the father of aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Local contacts
DNR area office
1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-223-7878
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
1615 Lindbergh Drive South, Little Falls, MN 56345
320-616-2525
Nearest medical facilities
Saint Gabriel's Hospital
815 Second Street Southeast, Little Falls, MN 56345
320-632-5441
Saint Cloud Hospital
1406 Sixth Avenue North, Saint Cloud, MN 56303
320-251-2700
One of the many campsites along this segment.
Tree-covered riverbanks.
Map 8: Saint Cloud to Elk River
Between Saint Cloud and Anoka, the Mississippi River flows through a broad valley with tall bluffs and diverse plant communities. You'll discover over a hundred islands varying in size from sandbars to over a mile long.
Although this portion of the river borders one of the fastest growing areas in the state, much of the natural character of the river corridor remains. This section of the river was designated and protected as a State Wild and Scenic River in 1973.
Small boats can maneuver this entire stretch, although shallow areas may be difficult during low river levels. Paddlers will find mild rapids and a moderate current perfect for a family trip. Anglers may enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Nearby outfitters offer shuttling.
Hazards include Class I-III rapids (near Sauk Rapids) and dams. Be sure you know which side to portage on.
Recommended day trip
Beaver Island Trail Access to Clearwater
- Put-in location: river mile 925.8
- Take-out location: river mile 913.7
- Length: 12.1 river miles
Paddle narrow channels through the Beaver Islands at the start of your trip. The islands are a mix of public and private land. The river then widens through a mostly undeveloped landscape with bluffs. You'll find several public boat launches and campsites perfect for a picnic lunch stop or to stretch your legs along the way. Expect some riffles when the river levels are low, and fast moving water when they are high. Local outfitters offer shuttling services in this section.
Additional day trips
Other favorite day trips include Saint Cloud to Clearwater, Clearwater to Monticello and Monticello to Elk River. Plan a weekend trip by combining stretches. You'll encounter many rest stops, camping areas and access points.
Explore on shore
Primitive DNR campsites, river miles 922.8, 916.6, 906, 890.3
In this section you'll find several primitive campsites on properties managed by the Minnesota DNR. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a fee. Most of the campsites offer a picnic table, fire ring and rustic toilet. Camp during a longer trip or simply stop for a picnic lunch (if unoccupied). Putnam's Pasture and Boy Scout Point campsites provide access to many acres of public land.
Local contacts
DNR area office
1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-223-7878
Nearest medical facility
Saint Cloud Hospital
1406 Sixth Avenue North, Saint Cloud, MN 56303
320-251-2700
Watch for shallow areas during low river levels.
The natural character of the river remains.
Map 9: Elk River to Minneapolis
This stretch begins with rolling farmland that transitions to buildings and bridges as you near downtown Minneapolis. Many of the city's buildings are set high on bluffs with a natural strip of land along the river.
Long ago, a series of seas helped form layers of limestone, sandstone and shale that the river flows through today. See these layers in the gorge from Saint Anthony Falls to Fort Snelling.
Hazards include snags, sweeps, boulders, small rapids and dams. Know which side to portage or lock through. Stay close to shore as you prepare to get out or enter a lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams. Watch for two locks at Saint Anthony Falls and one at the Ford Dam above Fort Snelling. The current in this segment can be deceptively swift. Use caution when approaching shore. Motorboats and barges create large wakes that can swamp unsuspecting paddlers.
The river is silty and, in places, contaminated. The water is undrinkable unless treated. Eating fish caught in this area of the river is not advised. Check the Department of Health advisory for current recommendations.
Barge traffic safety
- Avoid moving barges. They have blind areas directly in front and sides of barge.
- Stay clear of the stern of barges. They may suddenly turn on a burst of power and overturn small boats.
- Turn your bow into the wake of barges and boats.
- The sides of the navigation channel are marked with red (left) and green (right)buoys. Where possible, stay outside the channel.
- See the map for this section for more barge traffic tips.
Recommended day trip
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park to Riverfront Regional Park
- Put-in location: river mile 866.4
- Take-out location: river mile 860.3
- Length: 6.1 river miles
Below the Coon Rapids Dam, the Mississippi River corridor allows you to experience nature inside the city. Pass scenic islands and look for wildlife. Great blue herons, bald eagles and white-tailed deer are commonly seen. The river is wide and the current is swift in this stretch - take extra care when paddling. This route takes the average paddler about two to three hours.
Explore on shore
Mississippi River Islands Scientific and Natural Area, river miles 893-887.8
Birds abound along the shores of these protected islands. Watch for wood ducks, hooded mergansers, geese, bald eagles, otter, mink and beaver. You may even spot a deer swimming between the islands. There are no trails or facilities on the islands, but they make a lovely spot to pull up to and watch wildlife. Keep an eye out for shallow areas near the islands.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1200 Warner Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5748
National Park Service
111 East Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 105, Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-293-0200
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E1500, Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-290-5807
Three Rivers Park District
3000 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441
763-559-9000
Islands and wooded shorelines near Coon Rapids.
The city as seen from the river.
Map 10: Minneapolis to Hastings
This stretch of the river begins in the heart of the Twin Cities. The valley widens where the Minnesota River flows into the Mississippi. Spectacular bluffs line both sides of the river and sometimes rise more than 150 feet above it.
The river's width ranges from one-tenth mile below Fort Snelling to two miles at Spring Lake.
In the fall and spring, the river is used by numerous migrating birds. Amid barge traffic and development, Pig's Eye Lake supports rookeries of egrets, great blue herons and black-crowned night herons. These birds can often be spotted in the shallow water or perched in trees.
Hazards include dams, snags, sweeps and boulders. Know which side to portage or lock through. Stay close to shore as you prepare to get out or enter a lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams. The current in this segment can be deceptively swift. Use caution when approaching shore. Motorboats and barges create large wakes that can swamp unsuspecting paddlers.
The water is undrinkable due to sewage and industrial pollution. Eating fish caught along this section of the river is not recommended.
Barge traffic safety
- Avoid moving barges. They have blind areas directly in front and sides of barge.
- Stay clear of the stern of barges. They may suddenly turn on a burst of power and overturn small boats.
- Turn your bow into the wake of barges and boats.
- The sides of the navigation channel are marked with red (left) and green (right)buoys. Where possible, stay outside the channel.
- See the map for this section for more barge traffic tips.
Recommended day trip
Hidden Falls to Harriet Island
- Put-in location: river mile 846.6
- Take-out location: river mile 840.1
- Length: 6.5 river miles
View the Ford Dam as you look upriver from the Hidden Falls put-in site. You'll paddle past the Highway Five bridge with historic Fort Snelling in the distance. This segment will also take you along Fort Snelling State Park. Notice the changing water color as you pass by the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River. Downtown Saint Paul will come into view before your takeout at Harriet Island.
Explore on shore
Fort Snelling State Park, river mile 845
Located in the heart of the Twin Cities, this park offers hiking and biking trails that link to an extensive regional trail system. You'll also find boat launches, a picnic area, restrooms and a swimming beach close to where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet within the park. Interpretive exhibits at the visitor center offer an introduction to the history and resources of the area. This is a day-use only park; there is no camping.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1200 Warner Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5748
Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road, Saint Paul, MN 55111
612-279-3550
National Park Service
111 East Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 105, Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-293-0200
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E1500, Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-290-5807
Boat traffic along an urban stretch of river.
A kayaker explores scenic backwaters.
