Third Space Thursday is a community gathering in the park to share food, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the river. Join us for yoga, birding, and other outdoor activities while learning about Mississippi Park Connection programs and the importance of preserving river access.

For nearly 30 years, Big River Journey has been the flagship field trip of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, bringing more than 2,000 local students onto the river each year to learn, explore, and connect with the Mighty Mississippi. Since 1996, this award-winning program has sparked curiosity and stewardship in thousands of children. 

Now, for the first time, the journey is open to all ages. Welcome to the Bigger River Journey.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, departing from Watergate Marina in St. Paul. Led by a National Park Service ranger, this event will explore both the rich cultural and natural history of the Mighty Mississippi.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Half the park is after dark! Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection invite you to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park at night. The NPS and partners are hosting activities that engage the natural world through science and culture. Tap in to your nocturnal side to discover the magic in a floodplain forest and along the Mississippi River.

Third Space Thursday is a community gathering in the park to share food, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the river. Join us for yoga, birding, and other outdoor activities while learning about Mississippi Park Connection programs and the importance of preserving river access.

Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America's greatest river from a new perspective.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

This guided tour with National Park Service rangers and Three Rivers Park District staff starts just downstream of the Coon Rapids Dam. Free shuttle service back to Mississippi Gateway Regional Park after your paddle is provided by Three Rivers Park District.

Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America's greatest river from a new perspective.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

Pickerel Lake is an excellent location for beginners to learn about paddling. The program is also great for those who want to brush up on their paddling skills. National Park Service park rangers will be your guide on this outdoor adventure.

Third Space Thursday is a community gathering in the park to share food, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the river. Join us for yoga, birding, and other outdoor activities while learning about Mississippi Park Connection programs and the importance of preserving river access.

Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America's greatest river from a new perspective.

Dakota people call the Mississippi River "Haha Wakpa" (river of the falls). The story of Minneapolis begins at Owamniyomni (turbulent waters, whirlpool, or eddy) or St. Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the 2,350-mile length of the Mississippi River. This ranger-led tour connects archaeological sites, nationally significant historic buildings and landmarks, while moving through an abundant natural environment.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, departing from Watergate Marina in St. Paul. Led by a National Park Service ranger, this event will explore both the rich cultural and natural history of the Mighty Mississippi.

Pickerel Lake is an excellent location for beginners to learn about paddling. The program is also great for those who want to brush up on their paddling skills. National Park Service park rangers will be your guide on this outdoor adventure.

Kayak down the Mississippi River with a National Park Service ranger as your guide! Enjoy your urban national park and America's greatest river from a new perspective.

Explore a unique portion of this national park that’s reminiscent of a Louisiana bayou, with a National Park Service ranger as your guide.

A celebration of the River, from the River. Grab your paddle and join the party — Float Fest 2025 is the inaugural celebration of our river-loving community! Whether you’re kayaking the Mississippi on Paddle Share, bringing your own boat, or kicking back at Graco Park, the first ever Float Fest is your invitation to experience the river in motion and the joy of gathering riverside. 

Half the park is after dark! Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection invite you to explore Crosby Farm Regional Park at night. The NPS and partners are hosting activities that engage the natural world through science and culture. Tap in to your nocturnal side to discover the magic in a floodplain forest and along the Mississippi River.