Winter in Minnesota – what can there possibly be to do? PLENTY, if you’re up for the fun outdoor activities available at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! Hardy souls who are willing to brave the snow and low temperatures have a range of pursuits to choose from throughout the park’s 72-mile corridor.  

For wildlife lovers, there’s no shortage of opportunities to see eagles roosting in trees or fishing for prey along the Mississippi River, especially below Lock and Dam 2 near Hastings, MN. Observation platforms make bird-watching easy. You can also spot a variety of waterfowl that tend to congregate in open waters below the river dams, including the elegant tundra swan.

Of course, there’s always a bracing hike in the snow, either by taking advantage of groomed paths or by striking out across the untouched landscape. The park also serves as a vast winter playground for snowshoers. 

Or how about a little ice fishing, a quintessential Minnesota sport? Both adults and kids can sign up for one of the park’s ice fishing workshops, where they’ll learn how to drill a hole through the ice, handle the equipment, and haul up the catch. Among the fish they might catch are sunfish, northern pike, crappies, and largemouth bass.

Experienced ice anglers and National Park Service rangers offer instruction, and provide poles, tackle, and bait. Participants can even warm up in a heated shelter or peer into the mysterious under-ice world through an underwater camera and learn about the challenging conditions faced by life beneath the ice. Of course, safety is a priority, so the park staff always checks the ice thickness before each event.

No matter where you wander this winter, be sure to make time to enjoy the outdoors. And remember, our national parks are waiting for you.