The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic waterways in the United States, playing a central role in the country’s geography, history, and economy. Stretching thousands of miles through the heart of America, this legendary river has served as a natural highway, a boundary marker, a cultural touchstone, and a vital source of life and commerce.
But where exactly does the Mississippi River begin, and where does it end? Trace the river from its quiet headwaters in northern Minnesota to its sprawling delta in the Gulf of America, providing insight into its path, major cities, and significance along the way.
Headwaters: The Source of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River officially begins at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, located in northern Minnesota. At an elevation of approximately 1,475 feet above sea level, Lake Itasca is a modest, glacial lake measuring about 1.8 square miles in size. Despite its small footprint, it is recognized as the headwaters of the fourth-longest river in the world.
The designation of Lake Itasca as the river’s source was confirmed in 1832 by Henry Schoolcraft, an American geographer and ethnologist. Before Schoolcraft’s exploration, the source of the Mississippi was the subject of speculation and controversy, with various expeditions proposing other nearby lakes and rivers…