The Mississippi River Gallery takes you on a winding path—like the river itself. You never know what's coming around the next bend!

Gallery Highlights

• View a lush diorama of Lake Itasca and learn about the plants and animals that can be found in the park. Stand next to the state park marker from the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
• Learn about the Mississippi River environment during the Ice Age and compare that with the river valley today.
• Learn about the Native Americans who have lived along the river.
• Walk through a city sewer pipe and discover where our drinking water comes from and where it ends up.
• See fish in an aquarium that live in the Mississippi River. Count the elusive walleye.
• Test your skills as you drive barges on the River Pilot Simulator.
• Tour an authentic Mississippi River towboat. Go into the pilothouse and view the beautiful Mississippi River valley.
• Take a video tour down the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.

Pollution in the St. Croix
St. Croix phosphorus levels from lawns, farms and sewage run-off are rising. Left unchecked, they can seriously damage this beautiful river habitat.

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The Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
Why are over 7,000 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico virtually devoid of marine creatures every summer? Why are those concerned about this situation looking to the Upper Mississippi River for answers? Who is affected and why should you care? For these answers and more, explore the mysteries of the Dead Zone.