Thank you and farewell, John

Over the last six years in his position as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area’s superintendent, it often felt like John Anfinson was simply born for this job. His deep interest in the river’s history and his passion for the health and wellbeing of the park’s future has been a driving force behind many projects. From the restoration of Coldwater Spring to the transformation of a decommissioned lock into the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center, and with the salvaging of the Upper Post at Fort Snelling on the horizon, John’s leadership has guided this unique National Park Service unit to great accomplishments. 

John retired in December, 2020, but the Superintendent John O. Anfinson Fund for the River Learning Center will further his vision of centering the Mississippi River as a community gathering space as well as an international tourist destination. This legacy fund will support the next phase of design to create a new National Park Service headquarters and River Learning Center on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul.