Explore, Learn, and Have Fun

By Staff
waterhead.com
October 15, 2011

While Native Americans adeptly engaged in travel and trade along the Mississippi several hundred years ago, many people today may be unaware of the enjoyment to be had along this great river. From the shallow waters in Minnesota to the two hundred foot depths near southern Louisiana, waterheads may be well aware of the fun on the Mississippi River that perennially awaits those who love the water. For the uninitiated, discovering this waterway for the first time anywhere along its route will likely be an experience unlike any other. Accordingly, first time enthusiasts may easily become true waterheads and make the Mississippi River a priority destination whenever they are in the mood for some genuine fun.

River towns exist all along the Mississippi, with Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin leading the way in the north by offering visitors more fun choices than may be imagined. Craft lovers may be amazed at the many unique establishments that create and offer personalized ornaments for virtually any occasion, as well as family businesses specializing in unique antiques and home goods. Garden markets noted for premium specialty foods, produce, and local crafts and stores specializing in everything that bird enthusiasts could hope to find may be easily found along the Mississippi as well.

This is perhaps most fitting, as several hundred species of birds convene at the basin of this mighty river before beginning their migratory flights each year. Art lovers will be similarly satisfied, as there are numerous places to find everything from contemporary paintings and metal artwork, as well as functional iron works and custom outdoor art.

Bird Watching on the Northern Mississippi River

True waterheads may know that hundreds of fish species make their home in the Mississippi as well as in the tributaries, and that fishing fun may be experienced at numerous points along the river. If a day of fishing leaves you wanting for more, a stay at one of the many campgrounds designed to enhance outdoor fun and relaxation may be an ideal choice. Overnight stays, long weekend getaways, or even spectacular houseboat vacations may allow visitors to fully experience the marinas and campgrounds whether they focus on fishing, boating, or simply relaxing close to the harbor. Visiting the nearby historic towns that are typically never far from marine lodging may make the fun on the Mississippi River even more extraordinary.

Water skiing was popularized in a relatively wide portion of the Mississippi known as Lake Pepin beginning in the early 1920s, and many recreation areas accordingly offer invigorating water or snow sports to keep the fun on the Mississippi River going all year long. Bemidji, a Minnesota city just one hundred miles south of neighboring Canada, offers visitors superior recreation areas that include canoeing, snowmobiling, and cross country as well as downhill skiing.

Land activities include golfing, biking, ATV excursions, and even geocaching for those who love combining current technology with their love of the outdoors. A trip to this nearly northernmost point of the Mississippi River area may justifiably feel like you have entered a whole new and wonderful world.

While summer and winter are laden with fun options, fall is an equally choice time to experience the Mississippi in full splendor. A fall cruise down the river is perhaps one of the best ways to intimately get to understand the majesty of this waterway and view the departing colorful beauty just before winter and snow descend. Afternoon cruises may be ideal for any weekend day, and visitors who are fortunate enough to be in the area in early October may get to enjoy Oktoberfest fun as well.

Charter cruises let visitors view spectacular homes along Lake Minnetonka, with the brunch, lunchtime, or sunset events that are available on weekends when the weather permits.  Even a skeptic may become a genuine waterhead after warm weather fun or a fall or winter excursion on or adjacent to the Mississippi River.

In addition to wonderful lodging, shopping, and activities, your fun on the Mississippi River would hardly be complete without experiencing exceptional cuisine and inspired beverages. Accordingly, there are enough restaurants, bars, grills, and coffee houses to make even the most diehard waterhead of your group come up for air and enjoy good food and drink. Many family owned establishments are veritable mainstays of Mississippi River towns, and provide the warm and comforting restaurant experience that many people are hoping to find as part of their time on the Mississippi. Conversely, those who can hardly bear to be away from the water for too long may grab a quick lunch or lovingly prepared carryout as they prepare to head back to their good times on the river.

Many restaurants nestled near the basin of the Mississippi offer spectacular river views, and you may dine in a lively atmosphere along with a mix of outdoor enthusiasts and local patrons as well. Many restaurants are accessible by automobile or boat, and may be fitting locations to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Other places that promise culinary good times include steakhouses that serve breakfast and lunch as well as dinner, and make great destinations when leisurely cocktails are next on your agenda.

Not to be outdone are the numerous coffee houses that serve up fresh baked breakfast goodies, cakes, and pies that are worthy of being enjoyed along with their freshly ground and perfectly brewed coffee. Fabulous seafood and beautiful surroundings may also be enjoyed from as far north as the Lake Itasca area of Minnesota to as far south as New Orleans in southern Louisiana.

You may opt to make your excursion a pure exploration of the many causeways, lumber towns, or land forms that are characteristically found up and down the length of the Mississippi. The nearly seven hundred miles of locks and dams that stretch from Minnesota to Illinois provide numerous opportunities for visitors to get views of this basin that is the third largest in the world. Getting to know the Mississippi and all that it embodies may be the most enjoyable aspect of all, as well as your favorite way to have fun.