Discover the National Park that exists right in the heart of the Twin Cities Metro area. Used by American Indians for food, trade, and water long before Europeans visited the “New World,” the Mississippi River helped shape the Twin Cities’ ecology and culture. Explore the river and its history in our 24-foot Voyageur canoes, which hold 6-10 paddlers. Formed more than 10,000 years ago when glacial River Warren cut a gorge over 600 feet deep, the Mississippi River is more than the border between Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is an “urban wilderness” corridor of rich river habitat. Tucked amidst sandy beaches and towering cottonwood trees, the river provides habitat for some of the 270 different species of birds that migrate through and rest in the Mississippi’s steep bluffs. The Lakota called the river “Hah-wkpa" (River of the Falls) after what is now called St. Anthony Falls. In the 1800’s early settlers used the power of St. Anthony Falls to grind wheat, giving birth to the flour milling industry. Come enjoy the world-class river that flows though your back yard.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
The route described below is for the Mississippi River Gorge Trip from the University of Minnesota to Hidden Falls Regional Park south of the Ford Plant.
Start Time 00:00: Meet your group at Hidden Falls Park at your designated meeting time for a brief introduction to your day and to your guides. Break for one last rest stop and carpool or ride in the Wilderness Inquiry van to shuttle up river to the University of Minnesota.
00:30: At East River Flats, receive basic canoe instruction and safety tips about loading boats and paddling the Mississippi. East River Flats is just downstream of St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, the northernmost of the 23 locks on the Mississippi River. As you paddle, keep your eyes open for Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and an assortment of ducks, birds and wildlife. You will be amazed at how wild the river is--right in the heart of the city.
01:00: Settle in on the River and begin paddling. In the early 1800’s the American Fur Trade Company began working the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The first steamboat arrived in St. Paul in 1823, when loggers were beginning their work along the river’s banks. That work initiated the creation of two great cities on each side of the river.
Along the way Rangers from the National Park Service will point out sites and things of interest and significance, like the Meeker Dam, or the crumbled remains of ancient St. Anthony Falls.
Spend two to three hours passing beneath the cities’ connecting bridges (the Franklin Avenue Bridge, the Lake Street Bridge, and the Ford Avenue Bridge). Watch for soaring hawks and even the occasional deer or river otter. Peregrine Falcons live here, which is pretty amazing considering that they were once almost extinct due to the effects of DDT.
02:50: Pass through the gates of Lock and Dam #1--a definite highlight of this trip! You and your traveling companions will enter through the miters (lock doors). Sit safely inside the lock while up to eleven million gallons of water pass through openings in the floor and wall in just 20 minutes. Listen to the stories of the lock workers from the U.S. Army Corps--really cool dudes!
03:45: Bring boats out of the water at Hidden Falls Park and gather together one last time to share thoughts and reflections on the river and the day. We guarantee that you will never cross the river again without thinking about this day when you met the river up close. Drive home and tell your friends!
These trips are great as creative field trip ideas for families and friends, outdoor field trips for teens or adults, or anyone who wants to get outdoors.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The Mississippi River is a great river for both experienced and first time paddlers. You will be paddling downstream, following the river’s 3-4 mph current as it winds along the shoreline.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 24-foot cedar strip voyageur canoes. The voyageur canoes hold 6-10 paddlers. They are fast and stable boats, designed specifically for trips on big or moving water. An average day’s travel consists of 2.5-3 hours of paddling, depending on weather conditions. Travel distances is 6 miles. To protect the environment, WI uses “minimum impact” travel techniques.
WEATHER: Temperatures can vary greatly throughout the season. Percipitation can also vary so you should expect the possibility of rain.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: There is a bathroom facility at East River Flats and Hidden Falls Park. Your group will stop prior to departing and again upon completion of the trip. You can also stop during the trip if needed.
GROUP SIZE: Groups consist of 6 to 200 participants, plus Wilderness Inquiry staff for each boat. Each voyageur canoe holds up to 10 paddlers. These trips are great as creative field trip ideas, outdoor field trips for teens or adults, or anyone who wants to get outdoors.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: A detailed clothing list will be sent upon confirmation of your participation in the event. Clothing requirements for this trip are dependent upon weather and specific activities. Contact Wilderness Inquiry if you cannot secure the proper clothing for the day.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to participate in this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
Since the U.S. Congress established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988, more and more has been written on the geology and history of the river that flows through heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mississippi River National Park includes 72 miles of the Mississippi River stretching from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey to just south of Hastings.
For some interesting and entertaining reading we suggest you click on the links below.
For more information, visit these links:
Geology and History of the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
UWCA: Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures
Friends of the Mississippi River
Telling River Stories: People and Places Along the Mississippi River
Water levels at the Ford Lock and Dam #1
Don Shelby talks about the UWCA and the Mississippi River
[ Dates & Fees ]
