Rate Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National River and Recreation Area
Operating Hours & Seasons
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
We are a partnership park that overlaps many parks (regional, city, state), other public lands, museums, and historical sites. Check with the specific park site you plan on visiting for their hours. See http://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm for more information. The National Park Service does not control the visiting hours for the partner sites. Coldwater Spring (NPS) is open from 6:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Park District
Coldwater Spring (NPS)
Coldwater Spring is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, 365 days per year.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Monday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Tuesday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Wednesday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Thursday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Friday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
- Saturday:6:00 AM-10:00 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Fees
We do not charge any fees for entrance, parking, or Ranger programs. However, some of our partner sites do and those specific sites should be contacted for more information about their fees. See http://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm for contact information.
About
Local Playground, Continental River
In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing. Other spots are excellent for birdwatching, bicycling and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers that highlight the history and science of the Mississippi River. If you are interested in the Mississippi River, this is a great place to start your exploration.
Directions
Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets near our headquarters. Several parking ramps are available nearby including the Kellogg Square parking ramp. Visitor Centers are located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota (120 Kellogg Blvd East, St. Paul, MN) and at the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam (1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN).
Visitor Centers
Mississippi River Visitor Center
Located in downtown St. Paul, in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to adventure along the mighty Mississippi. Find interactive exhibits and get advice from park rangers as to things to do and places to go. Admission is free. St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center
The visitor center is located at the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam in Minneapolis. This seasonal visitor center will open seven days a week starting on June 11, 2017 through Labor Day and on Fridays-Sundays in September. Admission is free. Free tours are available on days the visitor center is open at 11:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Seasonal closure begins at end of the day September 30, 2017.
Weather
Minnesota has a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Spring brings moderate temperatures and low humidity. Summer days may reach temperatures of more than 100°F (38°C), but are usually pleasant with temperatures in the low to mid-80°F (25-30°C). Autumn brings dry, warm days, cool nights and gorgeous fall colors. Winter daytime highs are around 25°F (-3°C). Rarely, winter daytime high temperatures may not get above -10°F (-23°C), sometimes with strong winds.
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