Mississippi Headwaters

What are the longest rivers in the world? Before you answer…know that this question poses several problems. First of all, you have to determine where the river begins. Then, you’ll need to know its delta. Finally, you’ll have to determine which potential tributary is the original river.

Well, I’m proud to say the longest river according to the display I visited says…the Nile in Egypt. But…skipping all the way to number four, you’ll find the mighty Mississippi.

The Mississippi River flows through (or borders) 10 states and extends 2,340 miles:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• Louisiana

As I researched information for this post, I discovered interesting facts. Itasca State Park provides the beginning of the Mississippi River as Itasca Lake is its origin story.

I discovered Itasca State Park became the second state park in the US on April 20, 1891? Once I discovered this, I asked the most popular next question—what’s number one? The answer, dear reader, is Niagara Falls State Park (1885). Apparently, big bodies of water necessitate state parks.

I arrived early to Itasca State Park, and the gift shop had not yet opened. The cafe and restroom were ready for service though. I decided to stop quickly and read up on the area. Beautiful scenery led me to my first sign.

To sum it up (or read the sign for the best details) a man named Schoolcraft led an expedition to negotiate a peace treaty between the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes. During this expedition, mosquitoes provided plenty of entertainment as bonds of peace were forged. In addition, the Native American chief led the expedition to this site—the head of the Mississippi River.

Plenty of children bounded from rock to rock, and I took off on the bridge to get in a hike.

My hike only took me about a mile from the trailhead as construction and repair efforts superseded my ability to travel the distance. However, I enjoyed the wildlife and caught glimpses of the Itasca Lake from different vantage points.

By the time I finished exploring, the gift shop opened. I sampled their homemade fudge and I bought a magnet. While the adventure didn’t fill my day, I loved exploring Minnesota in a new location. I also love knowing I’ve been where the Mississippi began.