River passes through marshes, meadows and bottomland forests of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, River segment wide and muddy, with sandy, eroded riverbanks, Campsites at Lawrence and Carver Rapids waysides. Songbird and Waterfowl migratory area. Suitable for beginners, but with caution in high traffic areas near the Twin Cities. Take out at Mississippi River confluence in Fort Snelling State Park. State Designated Canoe Route.
Wooded bluffs line the river down stream from Minneapolis.
Pig's Eye Lake, largest rookery for black crowned herons down stream from St. Paul. Canoes allowed passage through the locks at St. Anthony Falls, Ford Dam and Hastings. State designated canoe route. River broadens south of the Twin Cities area, and flows through wooded bluffs and sharp cliffs, passing several historic towns. Heavy barge and boat traffic in the main channels.