Adventure Brief
Set sail on a 90-minute Mississippi Riverboat adventure in Saint Paul designed for kids. Discover the river’s ecosystem, geology, and conservation through hands-on learning.
1.5 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Set sail on a 90-minute Mississippi Riverboat adventure in Saint Paul designed for kids. Discover the river’s ecosystem, geology, and conservation through hands-on learning.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children aged 8-11 with basic stamina for a short, mostly seated boat ride
Wildlife
History
The Mississippi River has been a critical trade route for centuries, shaping the development of Saint Paul as a river city.
Conservation
Big River Journey promotes stewardship by educating youth on river health and conservation practices to protect aquatic habitats.
Mississippi Park Connection
Set sail on a 90-minute Mississippi Riverboat adventure in Saint Paul designed for kids. Discover the river’s ecosystem, geology, and conservation through hands-on learning.
Mississippi Park Connection connects people to the Mississippi River basin through ranger-led paddle trips, guided tours, and hands-on education. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the organization coordinates a range of public programs and school field experiences led by National Park Service rangers. Paddle offerings include Vermillion River Bottoms paddles for intermediate and advanced paddlers, a 7.5-mile Mississippi Gateway Regional Park kayak trip (shuttle included), and beginner-friendly Paddle 101 at Pickerel Lake with adaptive equipment available.
Educational programs serve elementary students with curriculum-linked experiences: Big River Journey is a 90-minute riverboat program for Grades 3–5 exploring river ecology, geology, and stewardship; Take Me to the River offers fourth-graders outdoor skills and cultural history at Hidden Falls Regional Park at no cost to participating schools; Winter River brings Grades 4–6 to Fort Snelling State Park for winter adaptation activities. Additional offerings include ranger-led Riverfront Walking Tours that highlight St. Anthony Falls and regional archaeology.
Mississippi Park Connection partners with National Park Service rangers and local parks agencies to deliver field-based learning, outdoor recreation, and conservation messaging. Programs emphasize safety, accessibility, and stewardship of the Mississippi River and its floodplain forests. Scheduling details, age recommendations, and equipment notes are provided for each trip. The organization’s mix of public paddles, school field trips, and seasonal programs offers authentic river experiences for students, families, and experienced paddlers. Booking information and program calendars are listed on partner sites, National Park Service pages. Safety briefings, life jackets, and guided instruction are standard on paddles and school programs.
Tours Offered
7
Ranger-led paddles and tours
Based In
Saint Paul, MN
Serving the Mississippi River area
Ranger-led Programs
National Park Service
Programs led by NPS rangers
School Programs
Grades 3–6
Curriculum-linked field experiences
Book Paddle 101, guided kayak trips, riverboat education, or school field programs — spaces and school slots fill quickly.
Bring Waterproof Footwear
Decks can be wet from river spray; waterproof shoes keep kids comfortable and dry.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure to ensure smooth check-in and seating.
Dress in Layers
River temperatures can vary, so layering helps manage warmth and comfort.
Use Sunscreen and Hats
Sun exposure can be strong on open water; protect skin and eyes during the tour.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the sunny river tour.
summer
Light Jacket
spring
Waterproof Shoes
Prevent slipping and keep feet dry on the wet deck.
spring;summer;fall
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing along the shoreline.