Meet Me on the Mississippi

“Meet Me on the Mississippi” is a collaboration between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Three Rivers Park District on Saturday, September 19th and 26th, bringing together Gateway Regional Park, Kroening Nature Center and Graco Park for two weekends of activities celebrating the river and the many ways to experience it.

Explore a new park, try something on the water, or enjoy an evening along the Mississippi! Come for one activity, visit all three locations, or build your own day along the river.

All activities are free and open to all ages.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH:

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM — “River Insects & Water Quality” at Gateway Regional Park:
One way to determine water quality in a river is by examining the animals that live there. Drop by anytime to spend some time in the Mississippi River catching invertebrates. You’ll learn how to identify what we catch and use a biotic index to find out how healthy our stretch of the river is. Be prepared to wade in the river. A limited number of boots are available to borrow. All ages welcome. Free.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30PM-3:00PM — “River Fishing” at Kroening Nature Center:
Join us for Big River Fishing and celebrate the 100 years of collective restoration efforts that brought the 42-mile section from the Twin Cities to Red Wing, back to life. Let’s catch some fish and celebrate our progress and inspire the next 100 years of stewardship. All fishing equipment including casting instructions, river rods, tackle and bait will be supplied. All skills levels and ages are welcomed. Children 6 and under must be accompanied with an adult. Free.

11:00 AM – 03:00 PM — “Water on the Move” at Kroening Nature Center:
Over the land, underground, in the air, and all around! Water is constantly moving and changing. Drop by the nature center to explore and experiment with how water cycles through the world and shapes the landscape.

05:00 PM – 07:30 PM — “Kayaking, Art Activities and Food Trucks” at Graco Park:
On the Water – kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and a flotilla. Along the Shore – music, food trucks and vendors. By the Fire – stories, music and a campfire feel. On the Lawn – family games, art and activities.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH:

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30PM-3:00PM — “River Fishing” at Kroening Nature Center:
Join us for Big River Fishing and celebrate the 100 years of collective restoration efforts that brought the 42-mile section from the Twin Cities to Red Wing, back to life. Let’s catch some fish and celebrate our progress and inspire the next 100 years of stewardship. All fishing equipment including casting instructions, river rods, tackle and bait will be supplied. All skills levels and ages are welcomed. Children 6 and under must be accompanied with an adult. Free.

5–7:30 pm — “Kayaking, Art Activities and Food Trucks” at Graco Park

6:30–7:30 pm — “Floating Concert” at Graco Park
Gather along the river at Graco Park for a special evening performance on the Mississippi. Musicians will arrive by water and perform from the river as the sun begins to set.

Event Locations:

Gateway Regional Park
10360 W River Rd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55430

Kroening Nature Center
4900 N Mississippi Dr
Minneapolis, MN 55430

Graco Park
810 Sibley St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55430