This national river and recreation area follows one of America's largest and most historic rivers for 72 miles through Minnesota, curving through the heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul and wandering south toward the border of Wisconsin where it meets with the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Mississippi River is home to seven national parks, but this park is the only one that was specifically created to share the history and science of the river itself. This urban oasis has a bit of everything, from canoeing and bird-watching opportunities to military relics and historic buildings, just a stone’s throw from two major metropolitan areas.