Mississippi Park Connection

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Mississippi Park Connection

We are the nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Rivers embody change. They invite discovery. Discover your river.

Not at a distance or in the abstract. But rather, discoveries that happen when you’re so close you can touch the river and see beneath its surface. When you can smell springtime returning or hear the whistle of a wood duck or shiver on a winter’s day. Mississippi Park Connection wants everyone to experience these moments, and they can — without ever leaving the Twin Cities metro area. At 72 miles

long, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area presents an infinite number of ways to connect with the river. And in each experience, Mississippi Park Connection sees opportunity — in education, recreation, science,the arts, community engagement and more. Strengthening connections is our mission for a park that’s a national treasure and a river of global acclaim. Ever flowing, always changing, the Great River offers endless promise.

06/11/2026

☀️ Your summer plans just got easier.

We've filled the calendar with ways to get outside, explore the Mississippi River, and experience your national park.

From paddling adventures and ranger-led programs to family-friendly events and community gatherings, the summer lineup is now available.

🌿 Browse upcoming events and programs: parkconnection.org/events (link in bio)

Where will the river take you this summer?

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

06/09/2026

What the best bird photo you've ever taken in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area?

This year's Picnic for the Park celebrates the birds of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and we need your help bringing the theme to life. From bald eagles and great blue herons to migrating warblers, ducks, and songbirds, the Mississippi River corridor is home to an incredible variety of birdlife.

Whether it's a dramatic wildlife encounter or a simple backyard-like moment along the river, we'd love to see your photos of the birds that make the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area so special.

Selected images may be featured during Picnic for the Park and in future outreach and educational materials.

As a special thank-you, we'll select a favorite photo from the submissions, and the winning photographer will receive two tickets to Picnic for the Park!

📸 Submit your bird photos here (or at the link in bio): https://mississippiparkconnection.questionpro.com/2026BirdPhotos

Please feel free to share with your fellow birders, photographers, and nature lovers. We can't wait to see the birds that inspire you!

06/04/2026

🌊 River Days of Action is underway!

From June 1–15, people throughout the Mississippi River watershed are finding ways to connect with, learn about, and care for the river. Here in the Twin Cities, you can join us for a variety of opportunities to experience your national park and the Mississippi River.

🛼 Third Space Thursday: Roller Skate in Your Park — June 4
☀️ Wake Up Wednesday — June 10
🛶 Paddle with a Ranger — June 13

Whether you're exploring, learning something new, meeting others, or simply spending time along the river, every experience helps strengthen our connection to this remarkable place.

Find event details and registration information at parkconnection.org/events.

How will you connect with the Mississippi River this month?

@1.mississippi 1 Mississippi

06/02/2026

🌊 Happy National Mississippi River Day!

The Mississippi River is more than a waterway — it's a source of drinking water, habitat for wildlife, a place for recreation, and a thread that connects communities across the heart of the country.

Here in the Minnesota, the Mississippi is also a national park. Every paddle, walk, volunteer project, educational program, and riverside moment helps people build a deeper connection to this remarkable river.

Today, we celebrate the Mississippi River and the people who care for it, explore it, and help protect it for future generations.

How has the Mississippi River been part of your story? Share your favorite river memory in the comments. 💙

Learn more at MississippiRiver.org 1 Mississippi @1.mississippi

05/29/2026

May is National Historic Preservation Month, and our history lives on in more than just buildings. It lives in the stories, landscapes, cultures, and connections that shape our communities and our experience of place. When we take time to preserve, honor, and engage with these elements of the past, they continue to enrich our lives today.

Throughout the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, history is layered into the landscape—from historic locks and dams to riverfront neighborhoods, Indigenous histories, recreation traditions, and the people who continue to care for this river corridor today.

As May draws to a close this weekend, take time to explore a historic riverfront, paddle past the ruins of Meeker Island Lock and Dam, visit Mill City Museum, or celebrate the inauguration of St. Paul's Downtown Riverwalk on Saturday—a new way to connect with the river and the stories it holds.

Preservation starts with paying attention. 💙

📷Ruins of the historic Meeker Island Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River. Image courtesy of MPC. More information at nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/meekerisland.htm.

Saint Paul Parks Conservancy

05/25/2026

Tickets are now on sale for Picnic for the Park 2026! 🕊️

Join us on August 20 for An Evening that Soars — an exciting summer celebration along the Mississippi River featuring sunset views, incredible local cuisine, drinks with friends, a silent auction, and bird-inspired fun in support of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

✨ Resort casual attire encouraged — bonus points for bird-inspired touches.

🎟️ Reserve your spot today: parkconnection.org/picnic-for-the-park

05/21/2026

Summer is coming — and with it, new opportunities to experience your national park! 🌿☀️

From river cleanups to roller skating to exploring how people and parks can grow more resilient together, these upcoming events invite you to connect with the river, community, and the outdoors in the coming month.

🛶 Scrub the Lock — June 2

🛼 Third Space Thursday: Roller Skate in Your Park — June 4
(This is a BIPOC-centered event)

🌱 Roots of Resilience Tour — June 16
(This is a BIPOC-centered event)

Learn more + register: parkconnection.org/events

05/15/2026

Member presale starts now!

Join us for Picnic for the Park: An Evening that Soars — a celebration of community, the Mississippi River, and the national park that connects us all. This special evening supports the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area and the programs that help people discover their river.

Ticket sales for MPC members open today, with public sales beginning May 25. Members, keep an eye on your inbox for your exclusive presale link!

Not a member yet? Become an MPC member today for early access to tickets and other member perks! Learn more at https://parkconnection.org/membership

A special thank you to our sponsors for helping this event take flight:
The Karuna Fund
Securian Financial
National Parks Conservation Association
Xcel Energy
Point North Networks
Wilderness Inquiry
UBS
Prairie Island Indian Community
VJAA Inc.
Boston Scientific
TEN x TEN

05/12/2026

Future you is already on the water.

Plan now. Paddle later.

One pass. Unlimited “what should we do today?” solved.

Paddle Share season passes are on sale this month.

Get yours today and start planning your next adventure on the river.

Available at paddleshare.org and the link in bio.

📷Image courtesy of Lee Vue

Address

111 Kellogg Boulevard E, Ste 105
Saint Paul, MN
55101

Telephone

+16512918161

Website

http://www.parkconnection.org/

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