Mississippi Views

 By Richard B. Primack

 

“What can be more impressive than to look up at noble river just at evening - one perchance that you have never explored - & behold its placid waters reflecting the woods and sky lapsing inaudibly toward the ocean, tempting the beholder to explore it & his own destiny at once.” Henry David Thoreau in his Journal.

 

Most visitors to Minneapolis will only see the Mississippi River in a highly modified state, with dams, bridges, power plants, and factories. 

Video 1: Industrial landscapes frame the falls at Minneapolis.

 

Photo 1: Several arch bridges spanning the river dominate the landscape. An abandoned flour mill can also be seen along the river. 

However, many parks lower down the river, such as Hidden Falls Regional Park and Minnehaha Regional Park, preserve beautiful river forests.  

Photo 2: Forests line the river gorge below Minneapolis.

 

Photo 3: Cottonwood trees grow in the sandy soil of the riverbank. 

 

Photo 4: Trees put out adventitious roots at ground level. 

 

Photo 5: The forest floor in spring is covered with decaying cottonwood leaves and recently-fallen red maple flowers.