A wiggly waterway winds down the middle of the United States, dividing the East from the West. The Mississippi River begins 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 dirt from the farmlands that line its banks. It carries that dirt south. This turns the river brown. It also gives it its nickname: “Old Muddy.”
The Mississippi is full of surprises. Near its source at Lake Itasca, the river can be only 10 to 20 feet wide. It all depends on how much rain has fallen. People like to hop across the river on stones. Then they can tell friends that they walked across the Mississippi. Traveling downriver, waters are so calm they can make you sleepy. Just around the bend, though, currents can make even a big boat lean way over. Trees hidden underwater can tear holes in the bottom of the strongest ship. Sandbars can ground a boat for days. Ready for an adventure? Join us for a trip down the mighty Mississippi.
