It is the world’s third-largest watershed, supporting hundreds of fish, birds, and amphibians. The Mississippi River flows north-south, passing through ten distinct states before reaching its drainage basin. Water skiing developed a sport on these waters.
For those who prefer the safety of on-land travel, there is a road that runs alongside the river where you may explore its many attractions. Discover the Mississippi River’s warmest place.
Where Does the Mississippi River Run?
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the United States. It winds and snakes through multiple states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This river receives somewhat more than 40% of the water from the continental United States.
The drainage basin is 1.2 million square kilometers, and the river runs 2,350 miles from its beginning to its end. The National Park Service (NPS) notes that there is some controversy about its actual length. However, the acknowledged range is between 2,300 and 2,552 miles. The starting point is likewise contested, but most agree that it begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota.
The river flows south till it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, about 160 miles south of New Orleans, Louisiana. Its width varies according to the part of the river you point to. It can be as narrow as 20 or 30 feet or as broad as 11 miles (the widest point being Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota).
The Warmest Point of the Mississippi River
The temperature of the Mississippi River varies dramatically. This is because the river flows from the normally cooler sections of the northern United States to the warmer regions in the country’s south. Temperatures feel cooler for half of the year, while the other half warms up with a fair likelihood of precipitation.
The absolute warmest months of the year are, unsurprisingly, the summer months, although not in the sequence you would anticipate. July is the warmest month, followed by August, and then June. In July, temperatures can reach 89 °F and rarely go below 67.7 °F. The Mississippi River’s warmest point occurs in Southern Louisiana, at the river’s tail end, shortly before it enters the Gulf of Mexico.
July is a particularly humid and steamy month in New Orleans. Temperatures average 92 °F at least 11 days per month. Although the mornings and evenings are slightly cooler, they do not go below 70 °F on average. This month is also characterized by frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. The Gulf of Mexico, where the Mississippi River ends, has an average temperature of 70 °F to 82 °F. During the summer, the water can reach temperatures of up to 90 °F.
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Recreational Activities Along the Mississippi River
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River across various states. If you want to cruise the Mississippi River and have fun along the way, this road is a must-see. It is regarded as the “Best Drive in America” and runs along the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. As you go through each state, you will have the opportunity to see hundreds of river communities. Those doing this road trip can expect to enjoy the following activities:
- Biking and Birding
- Boats and Cruises
- Sports and Gaming
- Hiking
- Hunting & Wildlife
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Agritourism
- Automobile and motorcycle tours
- Geocaching and more!
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