Where you start your journey and where you end it is completely up to you. Still, if you start in Minnesota, these are some of the best spots you’ll encounter.
Sailing down the Mississippi River was probably something you’ve dreamt of since you first read about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Now, as an adult, you have a chance to recreate this boyhood dream of yours and embark on a trip down the Great River, making stops at every interesting location along the way. Now, the very point of boating on your own is an opportunity to make your own itinerary, but here are eight places you could use as checkpoints.
1. Lake Itasca
This is the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It’s where the river starts as a small stream flowing out of Lake Itasca, and while you can’t start boating here (you can probably start somewhere around Bemidji), if you aim to explore the entirety of the river, this is where you start.
It’s also home to Itasca State Park, where you can hike and go fishing. There’s no better start to your journey. Overall, it’s a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities, and it contributes significant historic and educational value.
2. St. Cloud
Here, you’ll encounter quite scenic river stretches. It’s also where the river widens significantly and becomes actually navigable. In other words, while you can start a bit earlier (at Bemidji or even Brainerd), this is the most logical choice for those who want more of a leisure-based and less adventurous journey.
Places like Wilson Park and Riverside Park are some of the most popular boating access points for all those who want to explore the Great River by boat. There are a lot of amazing Riverside parks and trails, like Munsinger Gardens, as well as local dining places where you can stop for some rest and respite.
3. Minneapolis
When looking for boat rentals, it’s really not that far-fetched to assume that Minneapolis is where you’ll find the best boat rentals in Minnesota. It’s simply the region’s largest urban center with the largest number of amenities and services.
From the river, you have a chance to get a unique view of Stone Arch Bridge. This is a historical spot and a landmark that’s great for photography and sightseeing.
The national park, Mississippi National River, and Recreation Area are extra reasons to visit the place, and so are various waterfront attractions available in the area. In fact, you can mix a classic visit to Minneapolis into your boating tour and get the most out of it.
4. Hastings
The navigation process through the Lock and Dam No.2 needs to be incorporated into your river trail as its essential part. It’s something that will give the whole trip a completely new and unique spin.
Just keep in mind that you need to be extra cautious while sailing here, seeing as how the currents and depth, as well as traffic patterns, may be a bit too much for a newbie sailor to handle.
The place is also renowned for some of the best wildlife observation spots that you’ll encounter anywhere on the river. This is where you can spot eagles and herons, as well as all other sorts of birds.
5. Lake Pepin
This is the first spot where you’ll get an opportunity to engage in wide, open-water boating. Here, you can engage in every form of boating, from sailing to motorboating.
The place is also renowned for its sailing and fishing opportunities. This is where you can fish for species like walleye bass and northern pike.
Lake Pepin is home to some of the most scenic bluffs and landscapes, which means that if you want to take memorable photos, this is where you should start.
The marina and dock facilities are well-equipped, which means that if you want to engage in any of these activities, you won’t have to struggle to find gear.
6. Wabasha
This place is home to the National Eagle Center, which makes it a place that any true patriot or bird lover needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Riverside parks and campgrounds are some of the best places for picnicking and camping alongside the river, so if you plan to make a stop, this should be one of the potential locations.
You need to be aware of the historic downtown of the place, which you can turn into a cultural exploration with your family.
Lastly, this is also one of the places with amazing boating access, which means that you can use it as the start of your journey. Numerous boating events are hosted in this area, as well.
7. Winona
Islands and backwaters around Winona are great for exploration. You can kayak around the place, view incredible wildlife, or just go picnicking.
The place is rich with cultural and historical sites like the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which means that a stop at this place can be worth your while, even from an educational standpoint.
The list of local festivals and events is almost endless, with the Great River Shakespeare Festival drawing thousands of people every year.
Marinas and boat services here are pretty decent, as well.
8. La Crescent
If you’re looking for scenic overlook points, La Crescent is the place to go. It’s from here that you’ll have the best view of the Mississippi River Valley and be able to take some of the most beautiful photos ever.
One thing that often gets overlooked is the fact that it’s a quiet, less crowded boating area. This means that you get to enjoy your sailing in peace and quiet.
From here, you get access to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, where you can explore some of the rich biodiversity of the area.
Local orchards and markets are also a must-visit for any sailor in these parts.
Wrap up
Where you start your journey and where you end it is completely up to you. Still, if you start in Minnesota, these are some of the best spots you’ll encounter. If you have to make a stop, it would be a shame not to visit some of these places, especially when it takes so little effort and it’s so rewarding.
Photo by Justin Wilkens on Unsplash
