General Information
Located in downtown St. Paul, just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to adventure along the Mighty Mississippi. Operated by the National Park Service and staffed with park rangers, the Visitor Center is free and open to the public.

Visitors may be surprised to discover recreational resources right in their own backyard -- from canoe trips to riverboat excursions, from birding to biking to hiking. Planning a trip? The wide variety of parks, historic sites, wildlife refuges, and other related destinations within a day's drive of the Twin Cities are featured. Park rangers can assist with travel information on any of the units within the National Park System.

To make the Mississippi River Visitor Center a reality, the National Park Service has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Science Museum of Minnesota for space in its building. The Jefferson National Parks Association, which has extensive experience with educational merchandising in National Park Service settings, has also contributed to the design.

Funding to complete the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area's first visitor center has been made available through the generous support of The McKnight Foundation, the National Park Foundation and other donors.

Hours and Contact Information: The Mississippi River Visitor Center is usually open seven day a week and has extended evening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For exact hours please call the visitor center at (651) 293-0200.

Directions to the Mississippi River Visitor Center