A wiggly waterway winds its way right down the middle of the United States, dividing the East from the West. The Mississippi River springs to life in northern Minnesota.
It grows stronger as it runs down the length of the country—all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. As it flows, it picks up soil from the fertile farmlands that line its banks. It carries that soil south as sediment. This turns the river brown and gives it its nickname: “Old Muddy.”
The Mississippi is full of surprises. Near its source at Lake Itasca, the river may be only 10 to 20 feet wide—depending on rain. People like to hop across the river on stones, telling friends that they walked across the Mississippi. Traveling downriver, waters are so calm they can lull you to sleep. Just around the bend, though, the current can make even a large boat lean to one side wildly. Submerged trees can tear holes in the bottom of the strongest boat. Sandbars can ground a vessel for days. Ready for an adventure? Join us for a voyage down the mighty Mississippi.
