Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - Fall Activities (U.S. National Park Service)

Autumn is a time of transition from the sultry heat of summer to the bitter winds of winter. But despite its extremes, autumn offers some of the most spectacular weather of the year. Cool days and cooler nights, trees ablaze with fall color. It's a great time of year for hiking, exploring, fishing, photography, or taking the last paddle of the season.

Listed below are a few of our featured autumn programs and suggestions for getting outdoors. Be sure to check our Schedule of Events for other upcoming park and partner programs. Call the Mississippi River Visitor Center at (651) 293-0200 to explore more ideas.

Suggested Programs and Activities

Migrating Tundra Swans
Birders; don't put away your binoculars yet! Tundra swans are migrating through our area on the way to east coast wintering areas. Thousands stop south of the Twin Cities to rest and feed. They will be around until shallow water areas freeze. Read on to find a couple of our favorite viewing areas.
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Mississippi River Geocaches
Geocaching is an outdoor game in which participants use GPS receivers to find cleverly hidden caches. The Mississippi River Geocache is a series of caches placed in partner parks within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
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Healthy River Healthy You
The Healthy River Healthy You podcast helps take steps towards building a healthier lifestyle and river by offering health and environment tips and fun river facts and history while you walk alongside the Mississippi River.
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Go Fishing!
Fishing is great in the fall, but what if you don't have fishing tackle? Come to the Mississippi River Visitor Center and you can rent a fishing pole and other tackle for free! Be sure to ask about good fishing spots and angling tips.
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