Great River Road

Day 1 · <0.1 mi (<0.1 km)

1. 

   1

   Lake Winnibigoshish

   Chippewa National Forest; big northern lake the young Mississippi flows through

   Any time · 30 min

   Stop at a public landing and look across the open water the river has to cross on its way south.

Day 2 · <0.1 mi (<0.1 km)

1. 

   1

   Mississippi Headwaters

   Itasca State Park, Minnesota; the river leaves Lake Itasca as a shallow creek

   Morning · 60 min

   Wade across the shallow outlet or walk the log bridge where the Mississippi slips out of Lake Itasca.

Day 3 · <0.1 mi (<0.1 km)

1. 

   1

   Stone Arch Bridge

   Minneapolis; curving 1883 stone railroad bridge across St. Anthony Falls, now for walkers and bikes

   Any time · 45 min

   Walk out to mid-river for the view of St. Anthony Falls and the downtown skyline, then look back at the curve of the arches.

Day 4 · ~3.0 mi (4.8 km)

1. 

   1

   Minnehaha Falls

   Minneapolis; 53-foot waterfall in a city park near the Mississippi

   Morning · 60 min

   Watch the creek pour over the lip from the overlook, then follow the glen toward the Mississippi.

2. 

   2

   Historic Fort Snelling

   St. Paul; 1820s stone fort above Bdote, where the Minnesota River meets the Mississippi

   Midday · 90 min · $

   Start in the Plank Museum and Visitor Center, in a 1904 cavalry barracks, then walk the fort walls to the river overlooks.