The Mighty Mississippi (Photo: upper mississippi river - sauk rapids image by Brenton W Cooper from Fotolia.com )
The Mississippi River winds 2,552 miles from the headwaters in northern Minnesota until it empties into the Gulf of Mexico just south of New Orleans. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Lewis and Clark, paddle-wheeled riverboats and modern-day barges all famously have traveled its waters. Where are some spots you can stay to take in the beauty of “Old Man River” in Minnesota? Here are a few campgrounds on the Mississippi in Minnesota where you can enjoy the ever-flowing currents.
Itasca State Park
Walking across the mighty Mississippi River can only be done here. Each year, thousands of people travel to this popular campground to visit the birthplace of the Mississippi and wade across its shallow rush of crystal-clear water. But with 32,000 acres of forests and more than 100 lakes within its confines, Itasca State Park has plenty more to offer in addition to this photo opportunity. The park has 49 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of paved bike trails to explore during the summer. Winter visitors can enjoy 28 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 31 miles of snowmobile trails, and endless snowshoeing anywhere in the park.
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-699-7251
dnr.state.mn.us
Oak Haven Resort and Campground
A few miles downstream of the headwaters, visitors to the Oak Haven Resort and Campground can enjoy endless boating opportunities. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi, the campground serves as a base to explore the interconnected Cass Lake Chain of Lakes. With nine pine forest lakes branching off from the Mississippi, boaters and anglers will not lack for opportunity. Walleye, pike, bass, perch and bluegill are abundant in these waters. The campground features indoor and outdoor heated pools, a sandy swimming beach and a camp store. Campers can get on the water by renting a canoe, paddleboat, fishing boat or pontoon boat from the resort, or by bringing your own boat and launching right from the dock.
Oak Haven Resort Campground
14333 Roosevelt Road SE
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-335-2092
www.bemidjiresort.com
Prairie Island Campground
Located in southeastern Minnesota, Prairie Island Campground offers visitors a relaxed time on the banks of the Mississippi that is sure to be fun for the whole family. The campground features a playground, camp store, sandy swimming beach and even a deer park for up-close wildlife encounters. There is a boat launch on site so getting on to the vast backwaters and main channel of the river is easy. The campground has 195 level sites, 80 of which offer electric hookup.
Prairie Island Campground
1120 Prairie Island Road
Winona, MN 55987
507-452-4501
prairieislandcamp.com
Frontenac State Park
Perched high on the bluffs of the Southern Minnesota Mississippi River Valley, Frontenac State Park offers visitors a bird-watchers paradise and grand views of the river below. Hikers following the park’s 13 miles of hiking trails can expect to see some of the 260 species of birds that inhabit the area, including the majestic bald eagle. More than 15 miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails are available in the winter months. The campground has 58 campsites, only 19 with electrical hookups.
Frontenac State Park
29223 County 28 Blvd.
Frontenac, MN 55026
651-345-3401
dnr.state.mn.us
References
Writer Bio
Todd Roy has been writing professionally since 1984. He is a former sportswriter and journalist for two daily newspapers in Minnesota and was a featured columnist for "The Olive," a regional political-satire publication. He has a professional certificate for journalism and photography from the Rochester University Center.