Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mississippi River Greenway stretches along the length of the Mississippi River, spanning from its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota through ten states to its delta in Louisiana. This extensive greenway protects critical riparian habitats, including bottomland forests, marshes, and wetlands that support an exceptional variety of wildlife such as migratory birds, fish species, and mammals. Historically, the river served as a major transportation route for Native American tribes and early European settlers, and significant landmarks along the greenway tell stories of commerce, culture, and environmental restoration efforts. Outdoor enthusiasts find plentiful opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, birdwatching, and fishing, with state and national parks, wildlife refuges, and urban green spaces forming part of the corridor. The greenway includes iconic river towns and historic sites like the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and the bluffs of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Its combination of rugged natural areas and accessible recreational facilities makes it attractive to casual visitors and serious paddlers alike, fostering conservation awareness and outdoor education across multiple landscapes and jurisdictions.
