Mississippi Gateway Regional Park

Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is one of the most unique parks in Three Rivers. The Mississippi River defines the boundary of this 160-acre park and there are many opportunities to see our nation’s greatest river up close. From the 12-foot-wide observation walkway on top of the dam, enjoy spectacular scenery, the roar of the water and rainbows in the mist.

Follow the more than two miles of trails along the bank of the river and disappear into the beauty and quiet of nature. Look for signs of the abundant wildlife that live in or visit the park—mink, beaver, hawks, osprey, deer, turtles and river otters. In winter, snowshoeing is popular here.

Redevelopment Project

To learn more about the upcoming Mississippi Gateway redevelopment project at the park, click here.

Interactive Map of Mississippi Gateway

Mississippi Gateway PDF Map

Year-round Map

Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.

Things To Do

Bike Trail

Biking

Bikers crossing the dam

One mile of trail

There is one mile of paved trail in the park with an additional two miles of trails on the Anoka County side of the dam. Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve

The 12-ft wide walkway is a unique and popular bike path over the river.

Dog Trails - On Leash

Dog Trails

Man walking a dog on a paved trail

4.6 miles of trails

Walk your dog on the one mile paved trail, some turf trails, and on the adjoining Rush Creek Regional Trail. Dogs are allowed with a six-foot, non-retractable leash. Owners must pick-up after their dog.
 

Fishing / Fishing Pier

Fishing

Man and child fishing in the river

Mississippi River

A fishing deck is located on the west side of the dam. It is low enough to give anglers a good opportunity to ply the waters of the Mississippi River just below the gates of the dam. Spring flooding makes fishing unsafe along the shoreline and is discouraged. Water levels and current speed are variable at other times of the year. Fishing is not allowed from the Coon Rapids Dam walkway. Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
 

Geocaching

Geocaching

GPS units on table

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

Hiking

Hiking

Paved trail in the woods

5.9 miles of trails

Two turf trails follow the river downstream from the dam and offer vistas of the islands and back channels. There is one mile of paved trail in the park including a walkway across the dam. Rush Creek Regional Trail connects the park to Elm Creek Park Reserve. 
 

Nature Education

Nature Education

Children looking at minnows in a jar

The Visitor Center, located on west side of the river, is nestled in the woods above the river floodplain. The activities and exhibits focus on the natural history of the Mississippi River. Inside the visitor center, guests can find hands-on exhibits, live animals and year-round nature programming. Exploration backpacks are also available for checkout! 
 

Paddling

Paddling

A man in a red hat paddles a red kayak on the water.

A carry-in boat access is located below the visitor center. Paddlers are advised to check Mississippi River conditions before launching.

Paddle Share Program

The Mississippi River Paddle Share Program has partnered with Three Rivers to offer kayak rentals to experienced paddlers! Put-in stations are located in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and River Park (in partnership with Brooklyn Park). Plan your trip, make online reservations and see who else has partnered with this program. Learn more.

Picnic Area

Picnic Areas

Picnic table in shaded area

First-come, first-served picnic tables and grills are available for use throughout the park, with plenty of room for lawn games.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Group snowshoeing across field

1.5 miles of trails

Explore the nature trails along the Mississippi River with snowshoes available to rent online

Upcoming Events

Ongoing | Multiple Locations
Search for signs of spring with us!

Ongoing | Multiple Locations
Explore nature through hands-on activities! 

All Programs & Events

See all upcoming programs and events at Mississippi Gateway.

Nearly all of our program offerings can be adapted or modified. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request specific services or to discuss options.

Nature School is an outdoor-based preschool program for children ages 4-6. Led by Three Rivers at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, it provides the freedom to explore and play in nature, fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world! 

Watch a Video about Mississippi Gateway

Park Operations

Three Rivers Park District owns all of the land within Mississippi Gateway Regional Park plus the entire Coon Rapids Dam. Learn more about the operations of this area.

Give to Mississippi Gateway

Do you love Mississippi Gateway Regional Park? Support the park with a donation!

The Wandering Naturalist

Episodes 195–197: Women and Wilderness

Join Brandon and Angela this month as we discuss women and wilderness. Discover how rewarding pursuing a career in the outdoors can be, the role educators play in creating a more inclusive space for everyone to explore their relationship with the outdoors and how our connection with the land guides our own healing.

The Three Rivers Blog

May 02, 2023

Learn how outdoor recreation has helped nurture healing in victims of gun violence in this Q&A with Farji Shaheer, founder and director of Three Rivers’ partner organization Innovative SOULutions.

August 31, 2022

Learn what it was like to be part of the Pathways program through the eyes of Alex, Mississippi Gateway Regional Park’s outdoor education intern this summer.

February 15, 2022

Curious where you can spot different birds during our Big Year of Birds? Get tips on what species you can see in which Three Rivers parks from Wildlife Supervisor Steven Hogg.

Trails That Connect

News

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