Mississippi Gorge Regional Park

Natural Formation and Geography

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park is a 132-acre regional park situated along the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. This unique park is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and protects the only true gorge along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

The gorge was formed over thousands of years as St. Anthony Falls eroded the soft sandstone beneath a limestone cap, creating steep cliffs and a distinctive river valley. It stretches between Mississippi River miles 848 and 852, starting near the Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9 and ending just north of Minnehaha Regional Park.

Flora and Fauna

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park offers a unique, semi-wild character despite being nestled in a metropolitan area. Hardwood forests, prairie restoration areas, and oak savannas dot the park, providing habitats for over 150 species of migratory birds and a growing population of bald eagles.

In fall, the sugar maples lining the bluffs create a vivid display of autumn colors, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts. Efforts, including prairie restoration projects, have sought to preserve native ecosystems, such as the oak savanna at 36th Street.

Trails and Recreation

Paved multi-use paths along the East and West River Parkways connect to a broader regional trail system, making the park ideal for walking, jogging, and biking. The rustic 2.5-mile Winchell Trail on the Minneapolis side offers a more rugged walking experience with access to floodplain forests and sandy river beaches.

In winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails. For water enthusiasts, designated areas within the park allow for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. While motorized boating is restricted due to closed locks and dams, chartered river cruises are available from nearby Bohemian Flats.

Historical Features

Visitors can explore early 20th-century limestone staircases constructed by the Works Progress Administration, which connect the bluffs to the riverbanks. These historical elements add to the park's charm and cultural significance.

Amenities

The park fosters community enjoyment with picnic areas, playgrounds, a wading pool, and courts for basketball and other sports at its Riverside Park segment. Dog owners can visit the off-leash Franklin Terrace Dog Park.

These amenities, combined with the park's natural features, make it a treasured site in the Twin Cities.