Headwaters of the Mississippi River

For most of us, thoughts of the Mississippi river bring up images of multiple barges linked together in front of a large tug boat chugging along at slow speeds. The boats wind back and forth seeking out the main channel, trying to avoid huge sand bars. Often muddy, often between 1/2 and 1 mile in width, it is indeed the "Mighty Mississippi".

A visit to the headwaters of this great river adds another image, that of a 20 to 30 foot wide stream that is only a foot or two deep.

In fact it is so docile here you can walk across the river on stepping stones, wade across if you want to cool your feet, or walk across on a foot log positioned a couple of feet above the water.

Originating in Lake Itaska in Minnesota's Itaska State Park, the actual headwaters is just a short walk from the visitors center for the park. Wading across, then wading downstream to a bridge that crosses the path to the headwaters is encouraged and recommended. It makes for a cool and refreshing experience to your adventure.

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