Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm (7:00 program start)
Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul
Come learn about the Mississippi River on the Mississippi River! Join us on Tuesday, September 16, aboard the Mississippi River Institute's floating classroom. We get to experience this unique space while learning about the past, present, and future of the river.
Did you know the river was declared dead in 1926? Cassandra Champion from the Metropolitan Council will give us an overview of this sobering history, along with how we can all commemorate the progress made since then with next year's Sacred Water, Shared Future efforts.
The story continues with Madeline Hayden from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) as she'll discuss the health of the river over time based on what types of organisms we find in and near it.
The evening will conclude with some time to discuss how we as Water Stewards can help spread the word and ensure the river continues to improve over the next 100 years.
This event is free; but space is limited so please register below.
Everyone will be required to sign a safety waiver to board the barge. See a copy here. You may print, sign, and bring your own copy; we will also have copies available at the barge.
Please wear closed toed shoes, bring a water bottle, and wear layers incase of chillier weather! The barge is unfortunately not ADA accessible. While the showboat dock has a wheelchair accessible ramp, and the actual barge space is, onboarding from the dock to the barge is not ADA approved.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm (7:00 program start)
Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul
Parking: The Mississippi River Institute will be parked at Harriet Island Regional Park, specifically at the old showboat dock that is next door, or down river, from Padleford Riverboat Cruises. Please park in the lot next to the Target Stage. Overflow parking can be found at the lot just NE. Once parked, walk towards the river and look for the barge! Helpful tip: look for the two, yellow poles that look like a ruler and pencil - that's the barge!