starting point..lake itasca, MN elevation 1475 ft
About the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, 4th longest in the world at approx. 2,300 miles, drains all or parts of 31 U.S. states. Rising from Lake Itasca, MN, the Mississippi River borders or passes through 10 U.S. states before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico below Venice, LA. These states are: MN, WI, IA, IL, MO, KY, AR, TN, MS, & LA. For Navigational purposes, the Mississippi River is divided into 3 sections; Minnesota, Upper and Lower.
Minnesota section-Part one
The MN section begins at the river's source in Lake Itasca State park, MN and continues for approximately 488 miles to Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN. Over the course of this section, there are 12 dams without locks that have to be portaged around. This section has many state provided campsites. Also, this section contains some long lake crossings that will require attention to safety and water conditions. Cities & Points of Interest along this section include Lake Itasca State Park, MN, Grand Rapids, MN, St. Cloud, MN, & Minneapolis, MN.
Upper Section-part two
The Upper section begins at Minneapolis, MN at about River Mile (RM) 854 and continues downstream to RM 0.0/953.0 at the confluence of the Ohio River. This 854 mile long section consists of fairly slow moving water backed up by several dams. Most of the dams have locks for boat traffic to pass through. Cities and Points of Interest along this middle section include St. Paul, MN, La Crosse, WI, Dubuque, IA, Clinton, IL, Davenport, IA, Moline, IL, Nauvoo, IL, Quincy, IL, Hannibal, MO, St. Louis, MO, Cape Girardeau, MO, & Cairo, IL. Also, La Claire, IA, home of American Pickers T.V. show, borders the Mississippi River in this section.
Lower Section-Part Three
The Lower Mississippi River section begins at RM 953 and flows down to the Gulf of Mexico at RM 0.0 at Head of Passes, LA. While there are no dams or locks along this 953 mile section, heavy barge traffic makes this section interesting for the river traveler. Cities and Points of Interest along this lower section include Hickman, KY, Memphis, TN, Helena, AR, Greenville, MS, Lake Providence, LA, Vicksburg, MS, Natchez, MS, Baton Rouge, LA, New Orleans, LA & Venice, LA (last town before RM 0.0).
finish point..venice LA elevation 0 ft.
midway point..st louis MO. evelation 465 ft.
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