Photo by Kurt Carlson
One of the world’s mightiest rivers begins as an 18-foot-wide, knee-deep river in northern Minnesota. In spring, as temperatures warm, flowers bloom, birds chirp, and water begins to rush, wading into the Mississippi River headwaters in Itasca State Park can be a quiet and powerful experience. Nature comes alive before your eyes, and the cool water around your ankles marks the beginning of the river’s incredible journey through the state’s pine forests, iron ranges, deep valley, the heart of the Twin Cities metro, and beyond.
Moments like these are one of many reasons why riverside locations throughout Minnesota are arguably best enjoyed in spring. This is the time of year when hibernation ends and nature puts on a show, setting the stage for a season of promise, renewal, and adventure.
The Mighty Mississippi
The headwaters of the Mississippi River are marked by a monument, where visitors can strike a pose next to the tall tree stump with carved yellow lettering marking the beginning of its nine-state journey to the Gulf of Mexico. After the obligatory photo, respite beckons on nearby log benches overlooking Lake Itasca and the surrounding pines.
Courtesy of Min Enterprises
The Mississippi River more closely resembles its “mighty” moniker in the Twin Cities, though, where it connects Minneapolis and St. Paul. As the winter snow and ice melt, bikers, runners, and walkers flock to the East and West River Parkways’ paved trails to enjoy movement with stunning river views. Continue on West River Parkway long enough, and you’ll bump into Minnehaha Regional Park. The 193-acre park features limestone bluffs, river overlooks, and the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, which roars to life in springtime. In April, beloved Sea Salt Eatery at the park opens its doors, serving up fresh seafood, local brews, and wine alfresco, signaling summer is just around the corner.
The Mississippi is an important habitat for fish and wildlife, and over half of all North American birds migrate along the river annually. As spring returns, so do these feathered friends. Southeast of the metro in Hastings, birding enthusiasts can attend the Hastings Area Birding Festival every year on Earth Day and join guided birding tours of the area.
Further immerse yourself in the area’s wildlife on the first Saturday in May for the Birds & Bison Bike Tour, which takes participants along the Mississippi River Greenway Trail where unique birds, prairie bison, and views of the river are in abundance.
St. Croix Sites
The St. Croix River is a tributary of the Mississippi and flows 164 miles to its confluence, mostly along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. On the Minnesota side, Stillwater is one of Minnesota’s oldest towns, incorporated in 1854 and marked by its storied 1931 lift bridge that connects the two states. Its charming, historic downtown, which is just steps from the riverfront, lures visitors with 100-plus locally owned shops and restaurants—antique stores, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and more dot Main Street.
Photo by Amanda Lathrop
River cruise tours begin in May, and trolley tours resume every year in April, where participants can learn about how the city became a booming lumber town, explore Victorian mansions, and see other notable sites. Warmer weather also marks the beginning of Minnesota’s coveted patio season, and there are a few downtown “patios” that take to the rooftops, offering sweeping views of the St. Croix, including Portside, Brick & Bourbon, and Papa’s Rooftop Eatery.
Just minutes away on the Wisconsin side of the river is Hudson, which offers its fair share of history and riverfront culture. Take a walking tour, browse shops, hop on a river cruise, or celebrate springtime with a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses, including the popular St. Croix National, which features rolling hills and forest views on every hole.
Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
Travel north along the St. Croix and you’ll find Taylors Falls, Minnesota, situated about an hour’s drive northwest of the metro. There, Interstate Park’s local claims to fame include its unique geology, clifftop river views, and hiking trails. In spring, nature shows off with beautiful wildflowers scattered across the park, birds migrating north, and rushing river rapids that pick up following the winter melt. Visitors can view the spectacle by foot and can even download birding and wildflower checklists from the park’s website to enhance their exploration.
For those who want to spend time outdoors but in a less taxing fashion, book a scenic paddlewheel riverboat tour via Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, which includes a narrated history of the region, detailing the captivating tale of glaciers retreating thousands of years ago, leaving in their wake unique rock formations. The tour company celebrates 120 years in business this year, and its tradition of returning to service each May is an unofficial celebration of spring—embark on one of its first tours of the season, and you will feel the bite in the air dissipate, the warmth from the sun return, and see color spread from the earth to the trees.
The experience harnesses that special magic that permeates throughout the state this time of year. Whether it’s cruising the St. Croix, biking along the Mississippi, or exploring the other roughly 90,000 miles of rivers and streams in Minnesota, rebirth and wonder is in abundance near the water in springtime.
May We Also Suggest…
Few springtime spectacles in the Midwest dazzle quite like the millions of tulips that blossom each April and May in Holland, Michigan. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant community welcomes spring every year with the 10-day Tulip Time festival. Tulips bloom in bold shades across town, accompanied by lively parades, nighttime festivities, and celebrations of Dutch heritage. Don’t miss a trip to the Windmill Island Gardens on the edge of downtown, featuring 36 acres of manicured gardens, over 150,000 tulips, canals, walking paths, and the authentic working Dutch windmill, De Zwaan.
Courtesy of HACVB
