Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-21 to 2026-12-15; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Hunting activity
• Fall foliage scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail
• Boating water
• Fishing water
• Paddling (kayak/canoe) water

Events

• Discovery Table 01:00 PM–02:00 PM · Mississippi River Visitor Center, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
• Guided Riverfront Walk
• Paddle with a Ranger: Vermillion River Bottoms
• Ramsey Farmers Market
• Paddle with a Ranger and the City of Cottage Grove
• Park After Dark (Rain Date)
• River Cruise
• Guided Birding Walk
• Hike with a Ranger
• The Big Sit!
• Hike with a Ranger - Fall Fossils
• Hike with a Paleontologist - Fall Fossils
• Paddle with a Ranger: Fall Foliage 11:00 AM–12:30 PM · Start: Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55454 / End: Minneapolis Rowing Club, 2965 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406
• Minnesota Bat Festival
• Reading with a Ranger

Before you go

Mobility

Available in the park: mobility & stroller rentals. Confirm rental availability and pricing with the park.

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

Getting there

Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets near park headquarters. Several parking ramps are available nearby including the Kellogg Square parking ramp. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota (120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN).

Weather & when to go

Minnesota has a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Spring brings moderate temperatures and low humidity. Summer days may reach temperatures of more than 100°F (38°C), but are usually pleasant with temperatures in the low to mid-80°F (25-30°C). Autumn brings dry, warm days, cool nights and gorgeous fall colors. Winter daytime highs are around 25°F (-3°C). Rarely, winter daytime high temperatures may not get above -10°F (-23°C), sometimes with strong winds.

Visitor center

Fort Snelling State Park

Visitor center

Fort Snelling State Park

Visitor center

Fort Snelling State Park

Visitor center

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Visitor center

Mississippi River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Mississippi River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Mississippi River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Mississippi River Visitor Center

Visitor center

Mississippi River Visitor Center — The visitor center contains interactive exhibits and a ranger station, where you can find interesting things to do and see, ask questions about the history of the area, and a plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. Metered parking is available on nearby streets and in the Science Museum's parking… — Walk-up address: 120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN 55102 Parking address: 100-198 N Chestnut St, St Paul, MN 55102 GPS (walk-up to front of museum): 44.942918, -93.098497 GPS (museum parking): 44.942524, -93.100299 The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.

Visitor center

Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring)

Facilities on the park map

5 bench, 1 changing table, 1 mobility rental, 8 picnic area, 10 restroom, 10 visitor information.