Photograph by Dilip Vishwanat
Describing the river, Mark Twain once wrote: “The great Mississippi, the majestic, the magnificent Mississippi, rolling its mile-wide tide along, shining in the sun.” The river is magnificent—not just in size, but in scope, fostering an array of life and lore for centuries. There are so many aspects to consider: the wildlife that roams its banks and populates its waters; the hardworking laborers and easygoing subcultures along its shores; the wealth of attractions and adventures; the fine art and folk songs the river’s inspired; the rich history and staggering potential. Indeed, if you look beyond the river’s murky surface, you will discover a world that Twain carried with him for a lifetime. —J.M.
- Web Exclusive: View a timeline of river milestones
- Read Matthew Halverson's poignant story from July 2008, looking back on the Great Flood of '93.
- Web Exclusive: Check out a playlist of river-inspired songs
- Web Exclusive: Get a Mississippi-related reading list.
SUBCULTURES
The unseen riverfront, and its citizens
By Stefene Russell
NATURE
Wildlife roams its banks, swims, through its currents, and soars high above.
By Jeannette Cooperman
TECHNOLOGY
It takes a wide range of jobs to keep traffic moving on the Mississippi.
By Jarrett Medlin
HISTORY
In their golden age, riverboats were our nightclubs, our theater district, our parade ground...
By Jeannette Cooperman
DEVELOPMENT
Reconnecting with the Mississippi
By Nancy McMullen
A look at other Midwestern riverfronts
By Nancy McMullen
ART
By Jeannette Cooperman
DEVOTEES
St. Louis' grown-up Huck Finn has made the river an intellectual project.
By Jeannette Cooperman
ATTRACTIONS
Tours, Attractions, Overlooks, In Case You Wondered...
MAP & SITES
Bridges, Websites, Shipwrecks, Islands, The Gauge, and Secret Places
By Jeannette Cooperman, Christy Marshall, Nancy McMullen, Jarrett Medlin, and Stefene Russell
