Mississippi River By: Tanya Rothe

Mississippi River also known as "The Great River" or "The Mighty Mississipp" creates most of Wisconsin's western border between both Minnesota and Iowa. The river is a major shipping route, a great fishery, home to a variety of wildlife and very scenic with it's bluffs.  It's the largest drainage system in the United States and is the fourth largest river in the entire world.  People come from all around to enjoy the beautiful sight and catch a delicious fish dinner.  The river is divided into three pieces consisting of the upper, lower, and middle Mississippi River.  If you would like to travel along the Mississippi to enjoy the beautiful sights, the Great River Road follows along the river through all 33 towns bordering the river from Prescott to Kieler.  The following are all of the towns it travels through.

Towns in Wisconsin along the Mighty Mississippi River

• Prescott
• Diamond Bluff
• Hager City
• Bay City
• Maiden Rock
• Stockholm
• Pepin
• Nelson
• Alma
• Buffalo City
• Cochrane
• Fountain City
• Centerville
• Trempealeau
• Holmen
• Midway
• Onalaska
• La Crosse
• Stoddard
• Genoa
• Victory
• DeSoto
• Ferryville
• Lynxville
• Prairie du Chien
• Wyalusing
• Bagley
• Glen Haven
• Cassville
• Potosi
• Tennyson
• Dickeyville
• Kieler

As you drive along the river you will get the chance to take in the gorgeous waterscapes and bluffs overlooking the watery masterpiece.  The Great River Road runs along the river for 250 miles. The Mississippi River watershed drains the river systems that are positioned between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians.  The Mississippi borders the following states: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana.  

One interesting fact to know about the river is that it once served as a border between New Spain, New France, and the early U.S.  It also helped with the expansion of the United States later on.  The Mississippi River is considered one of the most agricultural abundant areas of the entire country.  The winding river is about 2,320 miles in length and its basin is around 1,151,000 miles.  When traveling to Wisconsin for some of the greatest fishing around, make sure you travel along the Mississippi River stopping at all the historical markers, museums, and natural areas that are filled with lots of information about the history of the river and all the happenings!  

Interesting Facts about the Mississippi River!

• The great Marquette and Joliet stood in the town of Wyalusing along the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.
• The Great River Road is Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway.
• The river is home to many recreational activities including: hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and paddling.
• It is the 4th longest river in the world.
• Is the 10th largest river in the world.
• Is formed from silt deposits.
• Because of the importance of the trade route, the river’s capture of the Union Forces during the Civil War was move towards victory.
• The origin of the river’s name is misi-ziibi meaning “Great River,” which means “Big River.”