Visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch can look out the observation deck windows on the west side (over the city) or the east side (over the Mississippi River). Although the river appears more “natural”, it has actually been modified substantially from its original form and has become a vital bloodstream to our nation’s economy. BargesSince the 1930s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has maintained a nine-foot channel through the Mississippi River to accommodate commercial barges. North of St. Louis, 29 artificial locks and dams facilitate river traffic. These dams are not intended to prevent floods; if the river level exceeds nine feet, excess water simply passes over the spillway. If the water drops too low, the river is dredged to ensure the channel always remains deep enough for barge traffic. Without these interventions, the upper Mississippi River would only be 3-4 feet deep. South of St. Louis, the river is deep enough that human interventions generally aren’t necessary. BridgesOver a dozen bridges cross the Mississippi River in the St. Louis metro area. The first bridge to cross the river here, the Eads Bridge, was completed in 1874 and is still used today. WildlifeAlthough the river is very different than it was when the city was founded in 1764, a wide diversity of wildlife can still be found in and around it. Our friends up at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area have wonderful webpages on Mississippi River fish species. At nearby Riverlands Audubon Center, over 300 bird species have been observed, including Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans. Even here at the park in downtown St. Louis, wildlife can be found. Learn MoreCheck out some river facts from Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. If you are planning a trip, the Great River Road website has information about attractions along the Mississippi River's length. You can also research activities at Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, which spans Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. |
Last updated: November 11, 2022