The source of the Mississippi River, Lake Itasca, is a spring-fed bowl-shaped basin of lakes and bogs deep in the pine forests of northern Minnesota. The Headwaters of the Mississippi River can be a crowded place, especially in summer, but the surrounding area can be surprisingly tranquil. Bear still roam wild; gray wolves bay
Rivers naturally rise and fall, a natural cycle that is necessary to sustain the variety of life in its ecosystem. Some plants need high water to do well, while others won’t grow until some of the river dries out. Different kinds of wildlife rely on these plants for their diet and well-being. Periods of
The Mississippi River cuts a thousand mile path through the middle of the U.S., running through a variety of climates and micro-climates. In spite of this, there’s a lot of similarity in the types of plants and animals that live in or near the river. While you may not see Spanish moss in Minnesota,
The Mississippi River begins in northern Minnesota and travels about 2,350 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty percent of its length is in Minnesota. Measurements of the river’s length vary depending upon when they were taken. Before the river was channelized for navigation, the Mississippi would regularly cut new paths and
