This forward thinking, mixed-use, river-focused center will combine National Park Service Headquarters with year-round environmental, cultural, and historical learning plus outdoor recreation experiences along Saint Paul’s stretch of the Mississippi River.
Located at the Watergate Marina site at Crosby Farm Regional Park, the Mississippi River Learning Center will transform this area into an easy-to-reach hub that strengthens the community’s connection to an incredible natural resource and foster generations of park users and river stewards. The Mississippi River Learning Center builds on a 40-year legacy of reorienting Saint Paul to the Mississippi. By connecting our city’s two greatest assets—its people and the river—we can bring the river back from the edge to the center of public life and community identity.
Creating A Center
The Mississippi River Learning Center will be perfectly situated at a strategic, 25-acre city-owned site, sitting at the convergence of key cultural, historical, ecological, recreational, and developmental sites, with MSP Airport, Mall of America, and Ft. Snelling nearby.
With 17 miles of river, 26 miles of river edge, and 3,500 acres of publicly owned land, Saint Paul’s economy, ecology, and cultural identity are defined by the river. As it flows through us, the Mississippi is the lifeblood of the River Capital. As such, our history, culture, health, and wellbeing are inextricably linked to the Mississippi. In other words, we are the river, and we are committed to making the Mississippi River Learning Center a beautiful, safe, welcoming, and accessible place for all.
Designing A Gateway
The Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi is a national park, but today has few spots to safely access the river. With its two sheltered bays opening up the river in new ways to thousands of local and national visitors, the Mississippi River Learning Center will be the gateway to the Mississippi River. It is the contemporary meeting point of:
• Forward-thinking design that is small in scale, light on the land, and responds to the interplay of the site’s dynamic river conditions and sensitive riparian ecology
• Restorative landscape design
• Equity-focused design and engagement
• A true public-private partnership in ownership, funding, programming, and management
Developing Generations of River Stewards
The Mississippi River Learning Center will host year-round environmental, cultural, and historical education and recreation opportunities that are integrated into the region’s routines, traditions, and collective identity. We will build a river-centered community that values the Mississippi and will care for it in the future.
With key partners like the National Park Service, Mississippi Park Connection, Great River Passage Conservancy, Wilderness Inquiry hosting programming at the site, Mississippi River Learning Center visitors will:
• Be moved by the river, whether literally (in a kayak) or by connecting with the natural beauty and wildlife of the River Capital.
• Get in touch with the river, by trying out recreational equipment, gaining confidence in the outdoors, and exploring the landscape through the expert guidance of rangers and other river educators.
Get Involved
Project Timeline
March – October 2022
Community Engagement:
• April 2022 Presentation & Recording
• June 2022 Presentation & Recording
• August 2022 Presentation & Recording
• October 2022 Final Schematic Design Presentation
October 2022 – April 2023
Transition Period to Address:
• Partner roles and responsibilities
• Finance strategy
• Programming planning
• Bonding initiative
April 2023 – Beyond
• Fundraising
• Advanced design
• Construction
• Opening and operations
“Our Mississippi River offers enormous opportunities for our entire community. As we continue rebuilding, leveraging its full potential is vital to our city’s future.”
“The Mississippi River Learning Center will be a
tremendous local resource for Saint Paul
students and teacher. The Mississippi
River is an inspiring place for learning,
offering infinite curricular opportunities
for PreK through high school. The Center
will expand our long-standing partnership
with the National Park Service to teach
and inspire our community of learners.”
“This will be a place to connect with the river—to stand in it, float on it, touch, and hear it.”
“The Mississippi River Learning Center
will be a new landmark on the
Mississippi River, supporting our
region’s growth and transforming
Saint Paul’s identity into an
internationally renowned River
Capital.”
“International travelers visit the US
to experience the Grand Canyon,
Disney World, Las Vegas and near
the top of the list is the Mississippi
River. Minnesota is unique in that we
have an international airport located
within walking distance of this iconic
American attraction but there is no
way for visitors to easily access the
river. The Mississippi River Learning
Center will provide access to the
river not only for local visitors but
also opens the opportunity to
market to global travelers passing
through MSP International Airport.”
Leadership + Partners
The Mississippi Learning Center creates a unique opportunity to combine resources, expertise, and capacity at a signature, strategic destination on one of the three great rivers of the world. Our key partners:
City of Saint Paul
Land Owner + Project Manager
The Great River Passage Initiative is a City of Saint Paul-led endeavor supported by funding from the City and State. As such, the City is integral to the success of the Mississippi River Learning Center, owning the project, managing programming, and bringing project management expertise to the process.
Great River Passage Conservancy
Private Fundraising + Strategic Project Development
The Great River Passage Conservancy is the City’s private fundraising, advocacy, and strategic project development partner for the Mississippi River Learning Center and other capital projects along Saint Paul’s 17 miles of the Mississippi River. The Great River Passage Conservancy is leading the project through public and private fundraising, partnership management, and strategic project and program development.
National Park Service
Tenant + Programming
Since 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. As stewards of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the National Park Service is partnering with the City of Saint Paul to establish the River Learning Center as their headquarters. NPS will lead education and interpretive programming from the center and on adjoining land, water, and trails in collaboration with numerous partners.
Mississippi Park Connection
Programming + Fundraising
Established in 2007, Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is the nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, conducting a range of fundraising, philanthropic, volunteer, community engagement, and related activities to benefit the community.
MPC co-leads Mississippi River Learning Center fundraising efforts and will be a tenant at the Mississippi River Learning Center, running a range of programs from the facility, including youth education, volunteer stewardship, public programs, and events.
Wilderness Inquiry
Fundraising + Programming
Wilderness Inquiry is a nonprofit organization that connects people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to the natural world and one another through shared adventures and education.
As a Mississippi River Learning Center project partner, Wilderness Inquiry shares in the efforts to raise funds and awareness for the project. Working collaboratively with partners, Wilderness Inquiry will support program development and be one of the primary organizations offering year-round educational and recreational programs at the site.
News + Resources
Mary deLaittre: A pivotal moment to invest in the Mississippi River - December 2022
Frequently Asked Questions - March 2022
Design team selected for River Learning Center - January 2022
East metro officials ask lawmakers for $120 million for infrastructure projects - November 2021
St. Paul seeks $20M for Mississippi River learning center - August 2021
Wilderness Inquiry joins effort to bring River Learning Center to Saint Paul - March 2021
New nonprofit formed to champion St. Paul's riverfront - October 2019