55

110

71

14952

35E

94

35E

35E

494

52

3

55

5

5

5

13

13

77

32

71

55 56

56

56

56

494

61

61

61

61

494

55

55

56

5256

42

26

3

35E

51

5152

73

28

8263

8

8

65

61

61

6155

55

10

10

10

10

10

10

78

42

85

42

87

71

71

76

78

95

95

120

120

20

21

95

21

74

13

55

71

52

35E

494

3

13

13

77

32

71

55

55

5256

42

26

3

35E

73

8263

8

85

61

494

65

10 71

76

78

95

95

120

120

20

21

95

21

94

51

Pig’s EyeLake

Spring Lake

Baldwin Lake

Lower Grey

Cloud Island

Upper Grey

Cloud Island

Pike Island

Pig’s EyeIsland HeronRookery S.N.A.

RogersLake

AugustaLake

SnellingLake

GunClubLake

LemayLake

Blackhawk Lake

FishLake

BaldLake

Marcott

Lakes

FarquarLake

ThompsonLake

LilyLake

St. PaulAirport

South St. PaulMunicipal Airport

MISSISSIPPI

RIVER

MISSISSIPPI

RIVER

Lost ValleyPrairie S.N.A.

LakeIsabel

Hastings S.N.A.

LakeRebecca

Conley Lake

LaLake

CarverLake

Vermilli

on

River

Hastings

Nininger

Afton

CottageGrove

St. PaulPark

Newport

Woodbury

RichValley

Roseport

Pine Bend

Wescott

Eagan

Inver GroveHeights

West St. Paul

South St. Paul

St. Paul

CrosbyLake

Pick

erel

Lak

e

Mendota

Portage 80 yrds.

LilydalePark

Harriet Island Park

CAUTION:

submerged logs

Lock & Dam #2(lock on right)

AftonStatePark

Fort SnellingState Park

Hidden Falls-Crosby FarmRegional Park

Lilydale-Harriet IslandRegional Park

Battle CreekRegionalPark

Spring LakePark Reserve

Grey CloudDunes S.N.A.

835

830

825 820

815

IndianMounds

Park

RiverLake

Moore Lake

Wabasha St.

RaspberryIsland

Bruce VentoNational Sanctuary

DAKOTA CO.RAMSEY CO.

WA

SHIN

GTO

N C

O.

SouthSt. Paul

Lion Levee Park

Spring LakeHastings

KelloggMall

Robert St.Lafayette

HighBridge

Plato

840

845

portage 40 yrds.

Route Description of the Mississippi River

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 ( F o r t S n e l l i n g t o H a s t i n g s )

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. T

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 locoperation, 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

gers. 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.

TSignal 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 power and 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. Where possible, 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 where possible.

Carry-in Access

Trailer Access

Watercraft Campsite

Rest Area

Fishing Pier

Point of Interest

Drinking Water

Outfitter

DNR Office

Dam

River Mile

Rapids

Caution Area

S.N.A. = Scientific and Natural Area

1 2 3 Miles0

1 2 3 Kilometers0

Park/S.N.A. Land

829.8 (L) trailer access and rest area. 827.5-825 Upper Grey Cloud Island on the left. The

island’s shore is made of rugged limestone and dolomite cliffs.

827.2-826 River Lake on right. A couple of channels allow entry to the lake. Macalester College has a biology field station on the lake.

825.0 (L) Alternate channel takes canoeists into Baldwin and Moore lakes. This route leads to the lower end of Lower Grey Cloud Island. There is a rest area on the north side of Lower Gray Cloud Island.

824.0 (R) Pine Bend Industrial Center, a large area with a barge channel.

823-820 Spring Lake, a stump-choked lake that became part of the river when Lock and Dam 2 was constructed. Fishing and waterfowl hunting are often good.

820.2 (R) A trailer access on the downstream end of Spring Lake. Shallow launch. CAUTION: Stumpfield from RM 822.3-819.9.

817.5 (R) Town of Nininger.815.3-815 Lock and Dam 2; lock passage to the right of

the dam. To get to Lake Rebecca Park, portage 40 yrds. to the right over the dike into Lake Rebecca and park. To re-enter the river downstream of the lock and dam, portage 80 yrds. into the channel at the other end of the lake.

814.2 (R) Jaycee Park. 2 trailer accesses, rest area, fishing pier (in Lake Rebecca) and parking.

814.2-813.9 Hastings, one of the historic Mississippi River towns in Minnesota.

813.9 U.S. Highway 61 bridge. 813.7 Railroad trestle swing bridge.

845.6 State Highway 5 bridge. 845.5 (R) Old Fort Snelling sits on the bluffs. You land

across from Pike Island. 846-845 (R)Fort Snelling State Park. You can paddle

around Pike Island. Confluence of the Minnesota River.

846-843.5 Hidden Falls/Crosby Farm Regional Park, river left, run by St. Paul. Many trails leadthrough the floodplain.

843.3 Interstate 35E bridge. 843-840.5 Old townsite, now Lilydale Regional Park.

There is a boat ramp on the right. In the park below the bluffs is Pickerel Lake. Fountain Cave, across the river, was buried in the construction of Shepard Road. It was here that Pierre Parrant, called Pig’s Eye because of a defective eye, set up a saloon in 1838. He later was forced to move his business downstream.

842.1 Lilydale Park trailer access.841.5 (L) Two Northern States Power Co. plants. Also

a railroad bridge. From here to beyond Pig’s Eye Lake the river is industrial and urban. Barge traffic is heavy.

840.4 High Bridge, Highway 149. 840.1 Harriet Island Park. Carry-in access, rest

area and drinking water. 839.5 Raspberry Island (formerly Navy Island), was

once used by the Navy and Coast Guard. The building on this island is used by the Minnesota Boat Club.

839.5 Wabasha Street bridge passes directly over Raspberry Island.

839.4-839.2(L)Kellogg Mall; not accessible from the river. This park lies between the Wabasha Street bridge and Robert Street bridge. Pig’s Eye Parrant relocated here after leaving Fountain Cave. Father Galtier built the Chapel of St. Paul here, and the area became St. Paul’s Landing, and later, the city of St. Paul.

839.3 Chicago and Great Western Railroad lift Island and under the Robert Street bridge.

839.3 Robert Street bridge. 838.8 Lafayette/Highway 52 bridge. 838.3 (L) Confluence of Phalen Creek. All that remains

of this creek is a culvert. The old creek bed has been overlaid with railroad tracks and the creek channeled underground for three miles from Phalen Lake. On the bluff above Phalen Creek is the site of buried Carver’s Cave.

838.0 (L) Bruce Vento National Sanctuary.838-836(R) Holman Field. It is the site of the St. Paul

Downtown Airport, which serves private and business planes.

837.8 (L) Indian Mounds Park, high on the bluffs and not accessible from the river.

837.4 (L) DNR Office, Warner Road. 837.4-36(L) Port Authority Barge Terminal 1 and coal

docks.836.2 (L) Metropolitan Waste Water Treatment Plant.

This plant was started in 1938. 835.8 (R) South Port Industrial District of the St. Paul Port

Authority. A 1,500-foot barge channel has been dredged into the bank.

835.8 Chicago and North Western railroad bridge.837-833.5 Battle Creek Regional Park on left.834-833(L) Pig’s Eye Island Heron Rookery S.N.A.. 833.2 (L) Barge fleeting area and entrance to Red Rock

Industrial District and Pig’s Eye Lake on the left. Pig’s Eye Lake is a 500-acre flood plain lake and is the largest rockery for black-crowned night herons in the country.

832.5 Interstate 494 bridge. trailer access (river right) managed by DNR & South St. Paul, south of bridge.

830.3 Rock Island railroad bridge. 829-828(L) Complex of small islands. An alternate canoe

channel lies behind them.

RIVER MILE

NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of the river when facing downstream.

NORTH

The Mississippi River

This stretch of the river begins in the heart of the Twin Cities. Where the Minnesota River flows into the Mississippi, the valley widens. Spectacular bluffs line both sides of the river and sometimes rise more than 150 feet above the river.

The floodplain is dotted with typical bottom land trees, such as cottonwood, elm, ash and soft maple. Willows are often thick. Flowers and flowering shrubs are prolific—from the wild plum of spring to the wild sunflowers of fall. The river is a ribbon of nature winding through a frenzy of commerce and development.

The Mississippi upstream from the confluence with the Minnesota River was once just a tributary of Glacial River Warren. At the end of the last glacial period a lake covered western Minnesota, eastern North Dakota and southern Manitoba. Lake Agassiz, as it was called, covered a greater area than all of the present Great Lakes combined. It drained to the south and carved the Minnesota River valley.

The volume of water in Glacial River Warren can hardly be imagined unless you stand on a bluff and look across the half-mile to two-mile expanse to the opposite bluff and visualize the whole valley filled with water. Warren’s valley was probably 100 feet deeper than the present sediment-filled Mississippi River valley.

This stretch of the “Great River,” which is a loose translation of the Ojibway name, has been and remains an important water course for humans. Prehistoric “mound builders” used the river. Later the Dakota and the Ojibway lived along this majestic and powerful waterway.

Evidence of the mound-builders is found at Indian Mounds Park in St. Paul. The Dakota, too, inhabited the bluffs at Indian Mounds Park and used a large cave there for burials. The cave, in which there was a lake, was observed by Jonathan Carver in 1766. A century later, however,

Carver’s Cave was blasted and buried to make way for a new transportation system—the train. Just downtown from Indian Mounds Park is Battle Creek Regional Park, which in 1844, was the site of one of the last battles between the Dakota and Ojibway.

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

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

The river’s width ranges from one-tenth mile below Fort Snelling to two miles above Lock and Dam 2 at Spring Lake.

Wildlife Woodchucks, beavers, muskrats, raccoons and deer can be found here. Bald eagles, ospreys, red-tailed hawks and several species of falcons are some of the large birds of prey present.

During fall and spring migrations, the Mississippi River is used as a flight corridor by ducks, geese and many other species of birds. Amid all the commercial barge traffic and industrial development, Pig’s Eye Lake supports rookeries of egrets, great blue herons and black-crowned night herons. These birds often can be seen in the shallow water or perched in trees.

Fishing

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

Common rough fish are carp, sheepshead, bullheads, catfish and dogfish.

The water has been rendered undrinkable by sewage and industrial pollution. According to the most recent Minnesota Department of Health advisory, children under 6 and women of childbearing age should eat no fish from this stretch of the river. Others may eat no more than one meal a month. 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 trip with a map before you depart and advise someone of your plans including planned departure and arrival times.

• Travel with a companion or group.

• Choose a distance that is comfortable for you, most people paddle two to three river miles per hour.

• Wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that state law requires be on board the boat for each person.

• Bring a first aid kit that includes waterproof matches.

• 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.

Boating Information

• Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9 feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your state of residence.

• Not all portions of this water trail are suitable for 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 route to rest, picnic and explore.

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

• Bring drinking water. It is only available at a limited number of rest areas. Drinking river water is not recommended, but if you do it must be treated.

• Respect private property. Stop only at designated sites; much of the shoreland is private property.

• Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury 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.

Photos provided by: MN DNRCover Photo: the river at Fort Snelling

© 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

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

Natural Shorelands

40% evaporation

10% runoff

Altered Shorelands

30% evaporation

55% runoff

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.

FORT

SN

ELL

ING

VIS

ITO

R’S

CE

NTE

R

“MISSISSIPPI QUEEN” FROM THE ROBERT STREET BRIDGE IN ST. PAUL

RA

ILR

OA

D B

RID

GE

AT

SHE

PAR

D A

ND

RA

ND

OLP

H

MA

RSH

MA

RIG

OLD

S; L

ILY

DA

LE

TOWARD THE CONFLUENCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI AND MINNESOTA RIVERS

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

Mississippi RiverFort Snelling to Hastings - Map 9 of 9

STATE WATER TRAIL MAP

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.

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4040651-296-6157 Metro Area1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free

mndnr.gov