The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and has a rich and diverse history which has designated it as an American Heritage River. Thanks to the efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers this once rampaging river was tamed by the use of several lock and dam systems spanning all the way from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, the Mississippi River is more a collection of “pools” that are inter-connected via channels, creeks, and tributaries.
Mississippi River - Pool 2 is situated in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, between St. Paul and Hastings, Minnesota. A nine-foot navigation channel was authorized in 1930 to allow commercial traffic to pass through from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN to St. Louis, MO. Pool 2 offers both the main channel for deep draft boating opportunities, as well as, plenty of backwaters to explore and fish along.
Mississippi River - Pool 2 also lies within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Corridor which means that this region is home to plenty of wildlife as well as mesmerizing views of metropolitan riverfronts and quaint riverside towns that make it the perfect destination for a quiet, romantic and serene picnicking experience.
Relax by the riverfront or take a hike along the observation platform to watch towboats and barges using the locks to pass to and fro. Being up here you might also catch sight of soaring bald eagles and other river-side sightseeing opportunities making it a truly memorable day out.
Afton State Park and William O'Brien State Park offer camping opportunities for RV lovers and lie near the St. Croix River, on the east side of the metropolitan area. Primitive camping sites are also available on some sand islands on the river.
Mississippi River - Pool 2 lock and dam is only a mile north of downtown Hastings, Minnesota. The observation platform is located just off of U.S. Hwy 61 that is also part of the simply majestic Great River Road. The lock and dam area lies adjacent to Lake Rebecca Park with plenty of popular campgrounds located close by for a comfortable and relaxing camping experience.
There isn’t a campground at Pool 2 lock and dam but plenty of RV camping opportunities are available nearby. Afton State Park has 10 available campsites for RV campers and amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings available close by. The campground is ideal from smaller RVs and trailers and offers shaded and private campsites. Two group campsites are also available for reservation.
William O’ Brien State Park has a lot more campsites (114 in total) that offer electric hookup and modern restrooms, showers, and dump station. The campground offers spacious and private campsites that make for an entertaining and exhilarating camping experience.
The Mississippi River has always been well-renowned for its rich fishing grounds. Pool 2 is one of those few regions along the river where shore fishing reaps plenty of rewards. This area comprises both the main channel as well as plenty of backwater lakes and rivers including Baldwin Lake, River Lake, Spring Lake, Mooers Lake, and Grey Cloud Slough. These backwaters are abundant with plenty of fish species including Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Northern Pike and Catfish. These river and lake waters are also home to aquatic invasive species that help support this diverse and fragile ecosystem.
If you are a boating enthusiast, you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot to take to the waters than Mississippi River - Pool 2. Boating opportunities are available all along Pool 2, with more than five boat access sites that allow visitors to take to these waters and get a chance to see barges and towboats up close. The backwaters also offer kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the wild terrain and seek out the best fishing spots devoid of noise and people.
Even though Mississippi River - Pool 2 lies only a mile away from a heavily populated city, there are still hunting opportunities available. That's thanks to the efforts of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge that have helped preserve a healthy population of waterfowl, deer and small game for hunters to track down. Deer hunting is only allowed in certain parks and during only a specific period to conserve and protect the population of wild animals living in this picturesque region.
Mississippi River - Pool 2 offers plenty of opportunities for a quiet and relaxing picnicking experience with friends and family. Parks like Schaars Bluff, Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, and Riverside Park offer excellent facilities and amenities with scenic river-side locations for an immersive and fun-filled picnic experience. Apart from just picnic tables and firepits, these parks feature unique wildlife, cooking and restroom facilities, as well as playgrounds, soccer fields, and hiking trails.
The Mississippi River is home to plenty of wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge the surrounding areas of Pool 2 and the Upper Mississippi are home to bald eagles, deer, squirrels and unique species of flora that are simply spectacular to look at during spring season. The river acts as a temporary home for migrating waterfowl including tundra swans that visit these waters in large numbers.
At Pool 2 the fun doesn’t end when summer does. In fact, during winter the land is transformed and looks just as magical as it did during the warm summer days. Winter enthusiasts will love cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area that offers plenty of ski trails to embark upon. Fishing cabins also allow for ice fishing that is a popular activity at Pool 2 during peak winter months.
