Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mississippi River Corridor is a vast, multi-state protected region that follows the course of the Mississippi River through ten states. This corridor includes multiple federal and state-designated areas such as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area near Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and several Wild and Scenic River segments. The geography varies dramatically, including the river’s origin at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, expansive floodplains, river bluffs, bottomland hardwood forests, and southern delta marshes near its mouth. Ecologically, the corridor supports diverse habitats attracting bald eagles, river otters, waterfowl, migratory fish, and numerous plant species. The corridor has significant historical importance, with Native American heritage sites, early American exploration landmarks, Civil War sites, and river port towns showcasing the nation’s expansion and commerce history. Recreational opportunities include paddling world-class kayak and canoe routes, fishing for bass, walleye, and catfish, birdwatching along migratory flyways, hiking scenic bluff trails, and seasonal hunting. The corridor also features iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Quad Cities lock and dam systems, Great River Road scenic byways, and historic river towns like Natchez and Vicksburg. Visitors can enjoy both quiet natural settings in wilderness refuges and vibrant cultural experiences in riverside communities, making the Mississippi River Corridor a nationally significant outdoor destination.
