On Wednesday, February 20th, you will have a rare opportunity to see the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls lower than it has been for over 20 years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be drawing down the river about 13 feet between Upper and Lower Saint Anthony Falls locks and dams. The Corps is conducting the drawdown, which they do every 20 years, to facilitate a tunnel inspection. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Friends of the Mississippi River and the National Park Service will offer an interpretive tour of the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls.

John Anfinson and Dave Wiggins, from the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, will lead a walking tour of the area. Starting on the Stone Arch Bridge overlooking the river, John and Dave will discuss the site’s historical significance, provide an overview of the lock and dam’s construction, and identify important points of interest exposed by the lower water level. The tour will head across the bridge to Mill Ruins Park where participants will get a close look at the exposed river bottom. National Park Service rangers will also be in the area to answer questions throughout the day. Read more…