Is the tour suitable for children outside Grades 3-5?

While designed for Grades 3-5, younger or older children may enjoy the experience but should be accompanied by adults.

Are snacks provided on board?

No, snacks are not provided; bringing light snacks is allowed but meals should be eaten before the trip.

Is the riverboat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible with prior notice to accommodate special needs.

What wildlife might we see?

Common sightings include bald eagles, river otters, herons, and diverse fish species.

Are restrooms available on the boat?

Yes, fully accessible restroom facilities are available onboard.

Can parents accompany the students?

Yes, parents and guardians are welcome to join and support the educational journey.

Mississippi Riverboat Eco Tours for Kids in Saint Paul | Boat Tour | Eco Tour

Big River Journey offers an immersive 90-minute eco-adventure on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, Minnesota, designed specifically for Grades 3-5 students. This modern riverboat experience invites young explorers to witness the living river firsthand, uncovering its ecosystem, geology, and the conservation efforts that sustain it. As the largest freshwater system in North America, the Mississippi’s dynamic flow shapes the surrounding landscape with towering limestone bluffs, lush hardwood forests, and a diverse array of wildlife including eagles and river otters. Floating past these natural features, participants engage in hands-on activities that illuminate the delicate balance sustaining this vital river corridor.

The journey is more than a boat ride—it’s an educational partnership with top environmental organizations fostering outdoor stewardship from a young age. The riverboat itself is equipped for both comfort and learning, providing a safe, stable platform for students and educators alike. Along the way, guides highlight geological layers revealing the region’s glacial past and cultural landmarks that trace the river’s role in Minnesota’s development.

Saint Paul, the capital city, offers an ideal launching pad with convenient access and rich cultural history, yet Big River Journey remains unique for its exclusive focus on youth education amid authentic river landscapes. This combination creates an engaging gateway for children to understand why the Mississippi River is precious, why it needs protection, and how they fit into its future.

The program’s hands-on approach, pairing natural science with community stewardship, distinguishes Big River Journey as a standout river adventure tailored to inspire the next generation of environmental guardians in the heart of the Upper Midwest.

About Mississippi Park Connection

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.