NPS Mississippi River Visitor Center

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. There is a wide variety of programming at the Visitor Center, including videos about the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and other parks within the National Park system, interactive exhibits, reading nook, and Junior Ranger program. Exhibits also explain Mississippi River culture, biology, and history.

Visitors may also seek advice about the many recreational opportunities within the park. Hiking, biking, canoeing, and boating, fishing, watching wildlife and birding, or skiing and snowshoeing are all popular activities.

The visitor center has free admission, but the Science Museum of Minnesota charges an admission fee to visit their exhibit areas and the theater.

An associated site, The St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Visitor Center is open seasonally. It provides panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the surrounding mill district in downtown Minneapolis, exhibits about the falls and its place in Minnesota history, and Ranger led tours.