10

10

10

169

169

169

169

62

62

62

55

55

65

65

65

65

47

47

47

10610

610

5555

55

7

7

77

51

10

5

13

13

55

47

47

47

5

5

51

62

49

870

875

865

860

855

850

845

840

242

10

11

51

51

12

12

1

1

14 14

116116

18

78

78

12

12

121

121

694

94

494

494

100

100

35W

252

14

130

152130

61

156

99

153

94

94

10

494100

394394

35W

35W

35W

280

35E

35E

149

149

110

94

94

94

46

55

35E10th Ave.

I

169

169

169

62

62

55

55

7

7

77

62

121

94

494

494

100

14

130

152130

61

156

99

10

494100

394394

WWW35WW

W35WW

65

65

65

10

51

10

7

49

2422

1

51

12

12

14

116116

18

78

94

55

35E

MISSISSIPPI

RIVER

MISSISSIP

PI

RIVER

MinnesotaRiver

HaydenLake

LemansLake

MudLake

Rice

Lak

e

FishLake

EagleLake

BassLake

Medicine Lake

LakeHarriet

LakeCalhoun

Lake ofthe Isles

Swee

ny L

ake

CrystalLake

CrookedLake

LaddieLake

MooreLake

SilverLake

NicolletIsland

East RiverFlats

Lake

Nokom

is

LakeHiawatha

BaldwinLake

RiceLake

GeorgeWatchLake

MarshanLake

Resh

anau

Lake

TurtleLake

RoundLake

Long

Lake

LakeJohanna

IslandLake

LakeJosephine

LakeOwasso

Vadnais

Picker

el L

ComoLake

McCarron’sLake

Lakes

Snail Lake

SuckerLake

Pleasant L

ake

Pike Island

Elm

Creek

Shingle

Creek

Shingle

Creek

CoonC

reek

Sand

McKayLake

SpringLake

LockeLake

Bass

Cre

ek

CedarIslandLake

Bassett

Creek

Twin

Lake

s

Rice

Creek

Rice

Creek

DurnamIsland

BanfillIsland

DunnIsland

CloquetIsland

Minnehaha

Creek

Minnehaha

Creek

Minneapolis/St. Paul

International Airport

St. Paul

Minneapolis

Richfield

St. Louis Park

Edina

Hopkins

Golden Valley

Roseville

Robbinsdale

New Hope

Brooklyn Park

Brooklyn Center

Osseo

Champlin

Anoka

Coon Rapids

Lexington

Ham Lake

Spring LakePark

MoundsView

New Brighton

Arden Hills

Shoreview

St. Anthony

LittleCanada

ColumbiaHeights

Fridley

Mendota Heights

Rum

River

Shady OakLake

GlenLake

AN

OK

A C

O.

RA

MSE

Y C

O.

HENNEPIN CO.

HE

NN

EPI

N C

O.

RA

MSE

Y C

O.

RAMSEY CO.

DAKOTA CO.

MapleGrove

North MississippiPark

LakeStreet

Anoka

Mississippi WestRegional Park

PointPark

Coon RapidsDam

BrooklynPark

Hidden FallsPark

Fort Snelling State Parkfee charged

Lilydale Park

HarrietIslandPark

SchmidtW.M.A.

WelfareW.M.A.

Elm

Creek

Regional

Park

Bunker HillsRegional Park

Coon RapidsDam Regional Park

Anoka County RiverfrontRegional Park

Fish LakeRegionalPark

Clifton E. FrenchRegional Park

Eagle LakeRegional Park

Bryant LakeRegionalPark

Nokomis-Hiawatha

Regional Park

MinnehahaRegional Park

Hidden Falls-Crosby FarmRegional Park

Mississippi GorgeRegional Park

Mississippi GorgeRegional Park

Central MississippiRiverfront

Regional Park

Central MississippiRiverfront Regional Park

Theodore

Wirth

Regional

Park

MinneapolisChain ofLakesRegionalPark

North MississippiRegional Park

Lilydale-Harriet IslandRegional Parks

Como LakeRegional

ParkUpper andLower St.

Anthony Falls(locks on R)

Lock andDam #1

(lock on R)

Portage400 yds.

Lake St.

Ford Pkwy.

Franklin Ave.

Broadway Ave.

Island Park

Lowry Ave.

42nd Ave.

MinneapolisWater WorksKroenig Visitor

Center

St. PaulWater Works

MahnomenPark

See insetat left

BoomIsland

Plymouth Ave.

Mississippi

River

Island Park

BoomIsland

Upper andLower St.

Anthony Falls(Locks on R)

Nicollet

94

47

65Plymouth Ave.

Broadway Ave.

Hennepin Ave.

3rd

Ave

S.

35W

Ave

.

10th

123

4Cent

ral

Ave

.

Island

CAUTION:Stay alongwest bank

5

1. Father Hennepin Bluffs

2. Pillsbury “A” Mill

3. Main Street Station

4. Retail and Restaurants

5. Stone arch bridge

4th St

7th St

10th St

Portage to next access - 1.5 miles

Portage access

BohemianFlats

BassettCreek

© 2016 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources

A S TAT E WAT E R T R A I L G U I D E T O T H E M I S S I S S I P P I R I V E R ( A n o k a t o F o r t S n e l l i n g )

Route Description of the Mississippi RiverNOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of the river when facing downstream.

RIVER MILE

875.9 (L) Mississippi West Regional Park trailer access.875.6 Cloquet Island.873.4 (R) Donnie Galloway Riverside Park rest area. 873.3 (L) Mississippi River Community Park rest area. 871.8 Anoka-Champlin (Hwy 47) bridge. 871.6 (L) Peninsula Point Park rest area. 871.1 (R) Point Park, there is a trailer access and rest area.869.9 Powerline crossing.866.3 (L) Coon Rapids Regional Park trailer access. 866.3(L) Coon Rapids Dam; portage left 400 yards. 866.0 Dunn Island.865.0 Hwy 610 bridge.864.0 Banfill Island, it belongs to the University of Minnesota and is preserved as a natural area.

No camping is permitted. 862.9 (R) Trailer access at River Park. 862.8 (L) St. Paul Water Works. Machinery in this large white building pumps water to Lake

Charles. It then is distributed by the McCarron pumping station to St. Paul, Roseville and West St. Paul.

861.9 (L) Mahnomen Park. Confluence of Rice Creek. Rest area. Next to the park and accessible by foot trail is the Locke House, an Anoka County historical site.

862.2-860.7 Islands of Peace, a recreational area on the left, upstream and across the Durnam Island. It has good nature trails. Rest area and small rapids on left of the island.

860.5 Class I Rapids. 860.3 (L) Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park trailer access.857.6-860.4 North Mississippi Park river right.860.3 (R) North Mississippi Regional Park rest area and fishing pier.859.0 (L) Minneapolis Water Works. Three brown brick buildings on the left bank pump, soften,

chlorinate and filter the water for a half million people. On a peak day in the summer the plant will pump 170 million gallons.

858.5(R) Kroenig Visitor Center carry-in access.855.9 (R) Confluence of Shingle Creek.855.8 42nd Avenue bridge.855.6 Soo Line bridge. 856.5 Lowry Avenue bridge. 855.8 Railroad bridge. 855.5 Broadway Avenue bridge. Boom Island. On the left is the historic Grain Belt Brewery

building with its fanciful towers and cupola dome. The brewery has been shut down since 1976.

855.5-854.5 The St. Anthony Historic District. (see inset) The major falls was harnessed to power saw mills, grist mills and hydro-electric plants. The settlement of what is now Minneapolis

began here. 855 Plymouth Avenue bridge.854.9(L) Boom Island trailer access.854.8 (R) Bassett Creek carry-in access.854.7(L) Bassett Creek Recreation Area. Bassett Creek goes underground about 200 yards upstream

from its mouth. The creek flows through a concrete culvert underneath the city for about two miles. Island Park trailer access on left.

854.6-854.1 Nicollet Island. The channel runs to the right and beneath a railroad bridge and the Hennepin Avenue bridge. There is a channel to the left, and you go under three railroad bridges. Hennepin Avenue forks to form the First Avenue bridge and the Hennepin Avenue

bridge.CAUTION: The left channel takes you within 50 feet of the upper falls. STAY AWAY!

854.4 (R) Portage access around lock and dam closures, 1.5 miles. 854.0 Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam. CLOSED JUNE 10, 2015. Exit the river

at an access upstream of the lock.853.7 The Stone Arch Bridge. This is the second oldest railroad bridge on the Mississippi and the

only one of stone arch construction. It is a National Engineering Landmark. 853.5 Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam. Lock is to the right. On the left are the University

of Minnesota Hydraulic Laboratory, the Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant, and the University of Minnesota Steam Plant.

853.4 Interstate 35W bridge.853.4 Tenth Avenue bridge. 853.1 Railroad bridge. Bohemian Flats carry-in access, river right.852.6 Washington Avenue bridge.852.5 (L) University of Minnesota flats.851.7 Interstate 94 bridge. 851.5 Franklin Avenue bridge. 851.5-850 Mississippi River sand flats on the left, a popular sunning beach run by Minneapolis. 850.6 Railroad bridge.850.5 (R) Meeker Locks remnants. 850.0(R) Minneapolis Rowing Club, a river access for non-motorized craft. 849.9 Lake Street bridge. 847.6 Ford Parkway bridge. 847.5 Lock and Dam 1 (Ford). Lock is on right. Stay away from the dam on the left. 847.5-846.5 Minnehaha Park. You can beach at the mouth of Minnehaha Creek. 847-845.7 Hidden Falls Park. On the left there are picnic tables and a trailer access.845.6 State Highway 5 bridge. 845.5 Old Fort Snelling sits on the bluffs to the right. You can pull out at the low point of land

across from Pike Island. A trail leads up to the fort. 846.5-844 Fort Snelling State Park. You can paddle around Pike Island. Confluence with the Minnesota

River on river right. 847-844.3 Crosby Park, run by St. Paul. Many trails lead through the floodplain. There is a public

trailer access, rest area and drinking water river left. Fee Charged.843.2 I-35E bridge.842.1 (R) Trailer access in Lilydale Park.841.5 Railroad bridge.840.3 Hwy 149 (High) Bridge.840.1 (R) Harriet Island Park, carry-in access and drinking water.

Carry-in Access

Trailer Access

Rest Area

Watercraft Campsite

River Mile

Rapids

Dam

Drinking Water

Outfitter

Fishing Pier

Regional/State Parks

NORTH

PROCEDURE FOR USING NAVIGATIONAL LOCKS

1. Lockage Signals

Upon approach to lock, signals are provided. Small boat operators may signal for a lockage by pulling signal cord located at midpoint on upper and lower guide walls as shown above.

2. Traffic Signals

RED - Stand clear, do not approach

YELLOW - Approach lock under full control

GREEN - Enter lock

*NO LIGHT - Lock not in use, approach guide wall and signal for lockage

3. Locking Through

4. Departing the Lock

Upon completion of the lock filling or emptying operation, and when the gates are fully open, a signal will be given by the lock operator that it is safe to depart the lock. The signal will be either one short toot of the signal horn or a hand signal by the lock operator. Leave the lock at a slow speed assuring that you are well clear of the lock structure before gaining speed. The approaches to the locks are considered no-wake zones.

Upon receiving green light, proceed slowly into lock and observe mooring lines spaced along lock wall. The lines should be held by hand and not tied to the boat while in the lock chamber. Do not tie a line to a recessed ladder. Insure that passengers remain seated at all times and keep hands inside the boat to avoid the chance of crushed fingers. If construction of craft requires handling lines while on deck, a life jacket should be worn. Do not leave motor of craft running during lockage, do not climb ladders of lock structure.

Traffic SignalsSignal Device(pull signal cord)

Flow

Mooring Lines

BARGE TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS

1. Stay clear of moving barges. They have a blind area directly in front of the barge.

2. Stay clear of the stern of tow boats. They may suddenly turn on a burst of powerand overturn a canoe.

3. Turn your bow into the wake of barges and boats.

4. The sides of the navigation channel are marked with red and green buoys. Wherepossible, stay outside the channel. RED ON RIGHT RETURNING UPSTREAM.

5. When meeting a barge at a bend in the river, move to the inside of the bend wherepossible

1 2 3 Miles0

1 2 3 Kilometers0

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONUpper St. Anthony Lock closed permanently June

10, 2015. Exit the river at an access upstream of the lock. Do not approach the lock or the adjacent dam, which is extremely dangerous. Portage information

is available on the DNR’s website. The locks at Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock and Dam #1

(Ford Dam) may have reduced hours of operation. Call 651-290-5936 for more information.

The Mississippi River

The beginning of this stretch of the Mississippi is bounded by rolling, sparsely wooded farmland, though houses, other buildings and bridges become more numerous as the river approaches downtown Minneapolis. Nonetheless,many of the city’s buildings are set high on bluffsso that a strip of natural land survives along the river.

This stretch of the Mississippi River is “young.” A series of seas covered the region until 400 million years ago, when the Ordovician Sea retreated from this area. Each of these seas left behind the deposits that now form the sedimentary layers of limestone, sandstone and shale through which the river has cut. These layers are clearly exposed in the river gorge from St. Anthony Falls to Fort Snelling.

The river is silty and, in places, contaminated with sewage and industrial chemicals. Unless it is extensively treated, the water is undrinkable. According to the most recent Minnesota Department of Health Advisory, children under 6 and women of childbearing years should eat no fish, except panfish from above St. Anthony Falls. Below St. Anthony Falls, no fish species should be eaten by the above group. Others may eat one meal a month.

Paddlers should watch for dams and know which side portage or lock through. Stay close to shore as you prepare to get out or enter a lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams.

The construction of Fort Snelling began in 1819, and soon white men displaced the Dakota and Ojibway Indians. European technology quickly harnessed St. Anthony Falls for milling textiles and flour. Steamboats brought goods, settlers and tourists to the blossoming towns of St. Anthony Falls and Pig’s Eye, which later became parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

As the vast forests of white and red pine were cut along the upper reaches of the Mississippi and its tributaries, rafts of logs arrived at local mills. In the 1900s the river again changed as man built locks and dams for barges. This stretch of the river has two locks at St. Anthony Falls and one at the Ford Dam above Fort Snelling. Navigating these locks can be an exciting experience for canoeists and small-boat operators. It can also be dangerous. Use caution.

Some paddling skills are required to avoid snags, sweepers and boulders. The rapids are all Class I or riffles. Motorboats and barges often throw large wakes that can swamp unsuspecting canoeists. These wakes should not be taken broadside. Because the river is so wide, the current can be deceptively swift. Use caution in approaching shore.

Wildlife

All along this route it is possible to spot species of wildlife that are able to coexist with man. Mallards, coots, muskrats, beavers and several species of turtles often are sighted. Along the shore you may see racoons, deer, or fox; you certainly will see their tracks. During spring and fall migrations many species of birds follow the river, including bald eagles, ospreys, warblers and kinglets.

Fishing

Popular game fish in this stretch are smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleyes, saugers, northern pike, muskies and panfish.

The DNR is not stocking the river. All of the species currently present are maintained by natural reproduction. Reproduction and survival of smallmouth bass is especially good during

years of low spring flows in the river, which happens 3 to 4 years out of 10. The smallmouth bass in the Mississippi River grow to 12 inches by age four and 17 inches by age seven. Regulations allow anglers who are fishing smallmouth bass between the St. Cloud Dam and the confluence of the Crow River to possess three fish. The limit can only include fish under 12 inches, except that one fish over 20 inches may be taken.

The river holds a variety of secrets just waiting for you to explore. Bring your binoculars, a field guide or just your curiosity and enjoy the river’s magic.

Planning A Safe River Trip

A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe journey, you should be prepared by doing the following:

• Get acquainted with your route. Plan your tripwith a map before you depart and advisesomeone of your plans including planneddeparture and arrival times.

• Travel with a companion or group.• Choose a distance that is comfortable for you,

most people paddle two to three river milesper hour.

• Wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personalflotation device that state law requires be onboard the boat for each person.

• Bring a first aid kit that includes waterproofmatches.

• Bring an extra paddle in your canoe.• Be cautious of river obstructions, such as

overhanging and dead trees in the river.• You must pack out all trash.• Leave only footprints; take only photographs!

Water levels can speed or slow you down. You can get information about water levels from the

regional DNR office, or check the DNR website, or the DNR Information Center. Remember that much of the shorelands are privately owned. Respect and protect the water and shorelands.

BIBoating Information

your state of residence.

• Not all portions of this water trail are suitablefor motor use.

Canoeing on Large Rivers

The wide variety of waters can provide an equally wide variety of hazards to canoeists. Although the Mississippi is often very placid, the current can be quick and powerful when the river is near or at flood stage. But most dangers can be anticipated and avoided. Start your trip with the proper safety equipment. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices (PFD) should be worn at all times.

The wind can often be deceiving. The bluffs often "tunnel" the wind, increasing its velocity. Waves on open stretches can easily fill or flip an open canoe.

Hypothermia, a rapid loss of body heat, has killed many people who have swamped or tipped. Swimming soon becomes impossible in freezing water. Wear a PFD and stay close to shore if there is a possibility that your craft will swamp. Don't overload your canoe. Snag-ridden waters often are trickier to negotiate than whitewater. Underwater obstacles can easily tip a canoe. Watch carefully.

Rest Areas and Camping Sites

• Public rest areas are available along the routeto rest, picnic and explore.

• Camp only in designated campsites, whichare available on a first-come, first-serve basis

• Bring drinking water. It is only available at alimited number of rest areas. Drinking riverwater is not recommended, but if you do itmust be treated.

• Respect private property. Stop only atdesignated sites; much of the shoreland isprivate property

• Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities orbury human waste away from the river.

Sustainable Ecosystems Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors without negative impacts on the environment. Communities working together can improve water resources by promoting environmentally sensitive land use practices along rivers and throughout watersheds. Natural shoreline buffers improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and sediments. Healthy and diverse native shoreline plant communities are attractive and provide important shoreline habitat for birds and wildlife

All photos: MN DNRCover Photo: Marshall Terrace Park view of Lowry Avenue

© 2016 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota State Parks and TrailsRegional Unit

WISCONSIN

61

Stra

ight

Mississippi

Canno

n

Minnesota

Crow (N. Fork)

Rum

Snake

St. Croix

Kettle

River

River

River

St. Cloud

Mille LacsLake

MinneapolisSt. Paul

169

169

9412

12

35

359090

71

52

23

2371

94

1200 Warner RoadSt. Paul, MN 55106

651-259-5841

Natural Shorelands

40% evaporation

10% runoff

50% infiltration

Altered Shorelands

30% evaporation

55% runoff

15% infiltration

The river holds a variety of secrets just waiting for you to explore. Bring your binoculars, a field guideor just your curiosity and enjoy the river’s magic.

IN B

RO

OK

LYN

CE

NTE

R

MIN

NE

APO

LIS

WA

TER

WO

RK

S

STO

NE

AR

CH

BR

IDG

E, I

N M

INN

EA

POLI

S

EN

TRA

NC

E A

T FO

RT S

NE

LLIN

G

MIS

SISS

IPPI

RIV

ER

BO

TTO

MS,

BE

LOW

ST.

TH

OM

AS

A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER (Anoka to Fort Snelling)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This information is available in alternativeformat upon request.

Online water trail information and maps can be found at mndnr.gov/watertrails

DNR Information CenterThe DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free

publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota.

The DNR Information Center500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040651-296-6157 Metro Area1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free

mndnr.gov

Mississippi RiverAnoka to Fort Snelling - Map 8 of 9

STATE WATER TRAIL MAP

•• Register yourwatercraft. All watercraft more tthan 9 feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or