Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
This venue, despite being described as 'Kayaking for Kids', is primarily reviewed as a serene outdoor area offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River, easy hiking opportunities, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation. Reviews highlight scenic overlooks, specific trails like Winchell Trail, and occasional organized social events like lighted night hikes. **Crucially, none of the provided reviews mention any kayaking activities or specific programs/amenities for children.** Parents should consider this venue for general outdoor enjoyment rather than specific kid-focused activities or kayaking based on current feedback.
Key Highlights
- ✓Peaceful and calm atmosphere, suitable for quiet getaways and relaxation.
- ✓Offers beautiful panoramic views of the Mississippi River, downtown Saint Paul, locks and dams (1 & 2), and Minnehaha Falls.
- ✓Features easy hiking trails, specifically mentioned Winchell Trail.
- ✓Hosts organized social events, such as a 'lighted night hike' often concluding with shared food like chili.
Standout Features
- ⭐Breathtaking scenic views of the river and urban landscape.
- ⭐Ample free parking available at some locations (e.g., scenic overlooks).
- ⭐Opportunities for easy, accessible hikes on trails like Winchell Trail.
- ⭐A quiet environment, perfect for picnics or reading.
- ⭐Community-focused social events, like the 'Friends of the Bluff' night hike, which include a social element (chili).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Use GPS for navigation as some routes to scenic spots can be indirect.
- →Consider visiting on weekdays for hiking if you prefer fewer crowds on trails like Winchell Trail.
- →Bring your own lunch or snacks, as the venue provides scenic spots for eating.
- →Be aware that specific kid-centric activities or kayaking are not mentioned in parent reviews; plan for general outdoor enjoyment.
- →If attending night events, check seasonal recommendations, as winter might not be ideal.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The reviews provide no information whatsoever regarding kayaking activities, especially for children, despite the business description.
- ⚠Some popular areas, like the Winchell Trail, can be busy even on weekdays.
- ⚠One scenic overlook reported maintenance issues with vegetation spoiling the view, suggesting inconsistent upkeep in some spots.
- ⚠Access to some scenic spots can involve a 'convoluted route' (though GPS-friendly).
- ⚠Night hikes might not be enjoyable or recommended during winter.
Price & Value
Not mentioned in any reviews. There is no information on entrance fees, activity costs, or package deals. Parents should inquire directly for pricing information, especially concerning the presumed 'kayaking for kids' activities.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Reviews mention 'pretty easy hike' for the Winchell Trail, suggesting general accessibility for walking.
- •No specific information regarding wheelchair accessibility, stroller friendliness, or accommodations for visitors with disabilities is provided in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food appears to be permitted, as reviewers mentioned it being a 'nice place to stop and eat your lunch'.
- •Some organized events include food, such as 'chilli' offered after a night hike.
🚗Parking Info
- •Ample free parking is available at least at one of the scenic overlooks (Review 5).
👥Crowd Levels
- •The Winchell Trail was described as 'busy' even on a weekday.
- •Some scenic overlooks were found to be 'quiet'.
- •A 'lighted night hike' was described as 'calm'.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features related to children's activities or kayaking are mentioned in the reviews.
- •The general atmosphere is described as 'peaceful and calm'.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary interest is 'kayaking for kids' or any specific water-based activities for children, as these are entirely absent from the reviews.
- • If you require dedicated playgrounds, structured children's programs, or entertainment specifically for toddlers and young kids.
- • Saturday afternoons, or peak times on Winchell Trail, if you wish to avoid crowds.
- • Visiting specific scenic overlooks without GPS, as routes can be convoluted.
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Swirly T
6 months agoI'm from Mississippi, so to be able to go wayyyy up here and see it and how beautiful I loved it. So peaceful and calm, a great place to sit and read or ride a bike to. Just to have a little nice getaway! I would definitely go back and sit.
J A
2 months agoDid a lighted night hike. Very nice, calm. Afterwards can go in for some chilli n chill with friends or meet new friends..did the hike 2x with a friend..It is a golf area. I don't golf, ( dont recommend in the winter lol) but it was overall nice. " Friends of the Bluff" event..
gretchen norby
7 months agoWalked the winchell trail. For a weekday it was busy. Pretty easy hike. View was quite beautiful.
Scott Latessa
9 months agoViews of the Mississippi River at flood stage, in 2024, The closer pics are from different locations around Saint Paul, and close ups are of locks and dams 1 & 2. And Minnehaha Falls
Tim Ryan
10 months agoBeautiful view to the west of the mighty Mississippi and downtown Saint Paul. Ample free parking. Nice place to stop and eat your lunch. Quiet, likely because it's a bit of a convoluted route to get there (GPS friendly). Slightly annoyed that those in charge have let some vegetation take over, spoiling the southwest view. I love trees and all, but come on! Maintain this scenic overlook for its intended purpose. 🫤