Discover the amazing flora and fauna of the Mississippi River-and the best ways to explore it, state by state!


Did you know that one-quarter of all North American fish species are native to the Mississippi? Or that it shelters 300 species of birds during seasonal migrations? The Mississippi River runs through the heart of the nation, shaping its history and identity. But few of us understand its essences. It's a life-giving force that sustains thriving ecosystems across wetlands, prairies, and bluffs.


In The Wild Mississippi, Dean Klinkenberg not only shares the wonders of the river, but he also shows you where to experience them firsthand. Pick up this must-read guide and get ready to experience the river wild!


You'll discover:
- Hiking, biking, and paddling spots
- More than 160 parks, forests, and wildlife refuges
- Natural history museums and aquariums
- Excursions from Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and more

Dean Klinkenberg is a St. Louis-based writer. Since leaving his career as an academic psychologist, he has focused much of his writing and research on the Mississippi River. He has driven virtually all of the Great River Road, hiked and canoed the river on multi-day expeditions, and cruised on the American Queen steamboat as a guest lecturer. His other books include the Frank Dodge mysteries, which explore another side of the River's world. He also served as contributing editor for Big River Magazine. His writing has appeared in Smithsonian, The National, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Dean is a longtime partner in the Mississippi River Network (MRN), a coalition of organizations advocating for healthy and resilient river ecosystems.