The water rushing around the boulders creates small waterfalls. “A lot of people try to avoid conversations with people who’ve lost someone,” Ring says. The Facebook groups Mississippi River Paddlers and Lower Mississippi River Paddlers are the best resources for planning and executing a trip like ours. Apparently the EPA is urging Missouri to make the Mississippi River, 17th Annual Post on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in St. Louis. ---this is cool,anyway~. In town you will find many shops, restaurants, and lodging options. Crisis averted. It is a swimming pool without all the frills of lazy rivers and water slides however, visitors give great reviews and it is one of the top-voted pools around St. Louis. “It had the roughest currents by far,” Ring says. Meanwhile, St. Louis presented a challenging mix of shallow and deep, choppy water. Beneath the soaring Gateway Arch and overlooking the Might Mississippi, this one-of-a-kind location in the heart of downtown has been totally reconstructed - with special events in mind. From St. Louis to the Ohio River confluence, the Middle Mississippi falls 220 feet (67 m) over 180 miles (290 km) for an average rate of 1.2 feet per mile (23 cm/km). All ages welcome. The plant drew water from the Mississippi River and prepared the water for distribution throughout the city. “Even the guys in the kayaks were talking about how bad it smelled.”. “You swallow a lot of water.”. Its mainly used for barge transportation, has dangerous undercurrents and is … -- A U.S. Navy combat veteran's planned swim from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico began Saturday morning in Itasca State Park. Share; As a non-profit, Swim Guide depends on donations to help millions of people connect to clean water. Throughout his swim, which passed through 10 states, he met with individuals who had lost family members in the Iraq war. By the end, Ring had gone through six wetsuits, lost 30 pounds and met hundreds of families of fallen service members. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest outdoor news. On 26 October 2016, the web site React365 published a photograph purportedly supposedly showing two great white sharks in the Mississippi River near St. Louis. The Middle Mississippi is relatively free-flowing. Tourist Opportunity. I know it seems appealing on this balmy 70 degree day, but I've been told otherwise. The Clark Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi River between West Alton, Missouri and Alton, Illinois.Named after explorer William Clark like the bridge it replaced, the cable-stayed bridge opened in 1994. Just ask the residents of Alton, Illinois located north of St. Louis. Grand Center's Surroundings Continue to be Wasted Away, Update Your Links and Feeds, This Blog Has Moved, Secret Identity (mY Life wHile i'M nOt beiNg a SuperHero). His crewmembers would alert the Coast Guard and other large freighters by radio, but not all boats were tuned to the same frequencies. For Ring, this meant climbing up the guide wall and then taking a ladder down on the other side. Find more newsletters on our. With a variety of sightseeing, dinner, and specialty outings to choose from, a riverboat cruise makes a unique and relaxing way to experience the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. Or maybe not! On Sept. 8, 1937, fishermen caught a bull shark in the upper Mississippi River north of St. Louis near Alton, Illinois. You’ll be washed away and drown. That's it, there's no way I'm going for a swim in that river. If You Didn’t Know About These 10 Swimming Holes In Mississippi, They’re A Must Visit. awesome! Though Ring swam for two years at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, he didn’t have much experience with distance—his longest swim before the challenge was seven miles. Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. ... Waterskiing on the Mississippi River for a good cause Video. Although his shoulders and hips are battered, he says the physical beating was worth it for the people he met along his journey. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. Everyone you meet on the Upper Mississippi will tell you all hell is going to break loose once you hit St. Louis. It is the northernmost river crossing in the St. Louis metropolitan area.. St. Louis is a landlocked city, but that doesn't mean its visitors can't enjoy an afternoon at the beach. “The Mississippi isn’t like swimming in a pool,” he says. RiverGator.org is a mile-by-mile paddler’s guide covering Saint Louis to the Gulf. Managed by The Swim Guide. The park is home to the state’s tallest waterfall and has grills, picnic areas, and barbecue grills, making it a … Your best bet … On the basis of physical characteristics, the Mississippi River can be divided into four distinct reaches, or sections. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Thanks for signing up! “There are undercurrents, whirlpools, large swells, a lot of things you can’t predict.” These three obstacles gave him the most trouble: Just north of St. Louis, the Mississippi winds through a section of rapids and drop-offs known as the Chain of Rocks. Maryland Heights Center and Aquaport (2344 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043) Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: Built in 1929 as part of Route 66, the historic bridge closed in 1967. Report Pollution; Swim Guide is supported by * The RBC Foundation. Gateway Arch, monument in St. Louis, Missouri, that sits along the west bank of the Mississippi River.The Gateway Arch takes its name from the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West” during the westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century. Thank you to Mississippi for a great bike ride, thank you to our donor, and thank you Forest. Raptor Saturdays is offered from January 16, 23, 30, and February 6 and 13 from 10am-2pm. You can hike the trails, take a kayak out on the water, go birdwatching, or bike around the area. Bloody Island was a sandbar or "towhead" (river island) in the Mississippi River, opposite St. Louis, Missouri, which became densely wooded and a rendezvous for duelists because it was considered "neutral" and not under Missouri or Illinois control. Louis. Castor River Shut-Ins / 1 hour 44 minute drive Missouri’s only known pink granite shut-ins are located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, just east of Fredericktown. The Shaw Park Aquatic Center is an awesome place to go swimming in St. Louis. The closest island to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Deer Island is believed to be named for the deer that swim there for safety during hunting season. Chris Ring swam an average of 14 to 20 miles a day for six months. Unless they were crossing the river at a particularly narrow point, and that location was also free of dangerous currents, it would be difficult and likely quite dangerous for an average swimmer to swim across the Mississippi. “Occasionally, I’d swallow it,” Ring says of the sewage. One thing I can be thankful for is that this gentleman reminded me of my irrational fear of bodies of water and that I can now project that onto the Mississippi River! Apparently, despite the swift moving current and spattering of debris, one may be tempted into jumping in for a swim. During his first few weeks in Minnesota, Ring was surprised by the river’s low depth. Resources. (see? Subscribe to our What You Missed newsletter for the top headlines from the outdoor world, in your inbox six days a week. (Heck, in the middle of summer, I’d settle for a puddle.) If you average going down river at 9 mph it will take you Nasty suckers.http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=garfish&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2. What a high! It is 184 miles from the Chain of Rocks to the Ohio River. Only Martin Strel, a Slovenian long-distance swimmer, has completely conquered The Big Muddy. Above this height, the U.S. Coast Guard will consider closing the Mississippi River to all vessel traffic between downtown St. Louis and Chester, Illinois. Crisis averted. The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers can be great places to paddle if you have the necessary equipment and training. It's extremely dangerous to swim in the Mississippi River. Ten locks and dams are located along the western boundary of Wisconsin between Prescott, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa. It was a Twain-esque voyage down the heart of America, only Ring didn’t have a paddle or a boat. And the Center has two great FREE events to help you see eagles. The river froze over at St. Louis at least 10 times from 1831 to 1938, when completion of the Alton Lock and Dam corralled much of the ice from the upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Ring’s closest call happened when a pleasure craft nearly sideswiped him. The major river that flows into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis Missouri is the Missouri River. A brief history of the river… The Mississippi River has its humble beginnings at place called Lake Itasca in Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy the beach, search for ancient arrowheads, swim and fish - all located just minutes from the mainland. It's also just as fickle as the Mississippi.Cheers. “Coming up for a breath it just reeked,” Ring says. It's got its own mad currents. Rivergator has borrowed some portions of this report. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: Historical Status. The Mississippi River is a great fishing hole where anglers can fish for nearly 200 different types of fish species, including the trophy catfish that are synonymous with the river. Apparently the EPA is urging Missouri to make the Mississippi River swimmable. The subadult shark weighted 84 pounds (38 kg) and was more than 5 feet long. The major river that flows into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis Missouri is the Missouri River. Favorite Answer. South to St. Louis. Looking for something else? Downstream, it opens to a large swimming hole where you can wade, swim, and enjoy nature. This is made even greater by the fact that the Mississippi River is personified by an imaginary (probably) gentleman named Old Man River. 44.1 : Chouteau Island Pump Station begins to flood. Please report your pollution concerns so Affiliates can help keep other beach-goers safe. The Mississippi River’s main tributaries include the Missouri River, Ohio River, St. Croix River, Wisconsin Rover, Rock River, Illinois River, Kaskaskia River, Minnesota River, Des Moines River, White River, Arkansas River, and the Red River.. Check out our entire suite of free newsletters here. Officially, bull sharks have made it up the Mississippi as far as Illinois. Not on the St Louis riverfront but just north of it. You can access this section of the Mississippi River Greenway at several points via Bike St. Louis. canal takes you safely past the hazardous chain of rocks reach of the Mississippi River. You’ll be in the heart of the action by staying right in the park. We hope you’ll support us. The Mississippi close to St Louis is not where you would want to go swimming. Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. Most experts believe the Matawan shark was a bull shark. The Mississippi close to St Louis is not where you would want to go swimming. Tongay followed in a boat while his children swam along the river. Its mainly used for barge transportation, has dangerous undercurrents and is not the cleanest. At its confluence with the Ohio River, the Middle Mississippi is 315 feet (96 m) above sea level. Swimming in the Mississippi River like Tom Sawyer, in great company, hot weather and good spirits. Facts to know about the Mississippi River A Minnesota Boat Club eight-man scull plies the waters of the Mississippi River on a training row in St. Paul early Aug. 19, 2009. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. SOUTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO – Shortly before 6:30 pm Sunday night, a call went out for a drowning at Cliff Cave Park in South St. Louis County. What a douchebag that guy is. The Brule-St. Croix option would have to contend with the lack of water at … To inspire active participation in the world outside through award-winning coverage of the sports, people, places, adventure, discoveries, health and fitness, gear and apparel, trends and events that make up an active lifestyle. To Tunics Resorts, 85 miles. At a place where you can walk across from five steps down." Wow! Take Stock of Higher Quality Stock (please). It's not far out to the West of you now that you're in St. Louis. Swimming through St. Louis, Ring dodged between passing cargo ships and other watercrafts. our entire suite of free newsletters here. Thank you. The St. Louis River linked Lake Superior with trading posts on the Mississippi River and Vermilion Lake. With more than 30 million pounds of toxic chemicals dumped into it in 2012, according to Environment America, the Mississippi River is the country’s third-most polluted watershed. Or maybe not! This is simply untrue. The Chain of Rocks in Granite City, Illinois. Now I will warn you, the St. Louis port itself is a bit hairy. Dude, you know about the Missouri too right? But evangelicals interested in “swimming” to a different tradition should consider traversing a body of water much closer to home: the Mississippi River, on which is located St. Louis, Missouri, and the headquarters of the premier conservative Lutheran church body in America, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Mississippi is a massive river, more than 2,300 miles long. Bring your fishing pole to this area to fish Lake Itasca itself. The major river that flows into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis Missouri is the Missouri River. White settlement of the area began with the La Pointe Treaty of 1854. There are no beaches that you could access for swiming but there are some areas that people do fish from the banks north of the city close to the Baden area. The scale of the Mississippi River is so different from that of an ocean or a lake. Whether you can swim in it will depend greatly on where along the River you are. In the town of Alton, Illinois, which is above St. Louis, two commercial fisherman caught a bull shark in the river. He swam. In 1937, two fishermen (pictured above) managed to capture a five-foot 84-pound bull shark. No. Amazon to open new sort center in Berkeley, creating hundreds of jobs We had some of the best views and campsites once we got south of the port. On Sept. 8, 1937, fishermen caught a bull shark in the upper Mississippi River north of St. Louis near Alton, Illinois. “I just want to keep their memory alive.”. The Mississippi River, looking south toward the city of St. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The St. Louis River linked Lake Superior with trading posts on the Mississippi River and Vermilion Lake. You bet. A half-mile portion of Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. In 1950, Tongay staged a swimming performance by his children in the Mississippi River, 22 miles (35 km) away from St. Louis. “They’re not paying as much attention,” he says. This beach is located in the city of Bay St. Louis along the Gulf of Mexico. Leading up to the Chain of Rocks, locals gave Ring plenty of advice to chew on, but a thunderstorm and unpredictable water levels threw a wrench in those plans. Only advanced paddlers should attempt paddling on the Missouri or Mississippi Rivers. It’s a popular section marked by its eponymous bridge that for a time was used by U.S. Route 66. (courtesy USGS) The Mississippi drains most of the area between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, except for the area drained by the Great Lakes. In case you missed it in a, Now all this "swimming in the Mississippi" talk has me wondering how often they pull people out of it here in St Louis. St. Louis news, weather, and sports. Should the thought of dead bodies ever stop being enough to keep you from swimming in the Mississippi, there's a backup plan:garfish-J, Yup. There are several area organizations that would love to assist you to get on the larger rivers like the Missouri or Mississippi. Don't. That's a tip I just received from a gentleman upon learning I was new in town. I think its crazy to swim in the Mississippi River my uncle Dave tried it when he was a teen for a dare and I do live in STL my self he was swiped at least one or two miles away and finally got to shore in the south county area and your hearing this from a 10 YEAR OLD!!!' “I’d throw up here or there.”. Several lakes and rivers with beaches sit within driving distance of St. Louis. Increasing settlement and the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad westward to the Red River valley required huge quantities of timber, much of which was cut in the St. Louis River valley. Where to Stay . In fact, you will race past the St Louis Arch. Local reports in 2016 and 2017 claim bull sharks are still in lakes and waterways around St. Louis, more than 1,000 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. The first one on the list just happened on, I could find more I'm sure but one is enough for me. Take a load off and take in the views on a relaxing daytime cruise that shows St. Louis from the river that built it. Kathy, aged 2, swam 5 miles (8.0 km) and Bubba, aged 4, swam the entire 22 miles (35 km) to St. Louis. While farther south, strong currents and fertilizer-based pollution make swimming in the Missouri River less appealing, there are a few safe beaches. You didn ’ t have a paddle or a boat he recalls crawling logs! The La Pointe Treaty of 1854 the list just happened on, I ’ throw! Shark in the Mississippi River north of Enterprise is Dunn ’ s a storm ’... 9 mph it will depend greatly on where along the western boundary of between... Swallow it, ” but for Ring, it opens to a large swimming hole where you would to! Close permanently the Center has two great free events to help millions of people to! ( 2344 McKelvey Rd., maryland Heights, MO 63043 ) south to St. Missouri! Just as fickle as the Mississippi.Cheers Stock ( please ) an afternoon at the moment you ask for.. Find many shops, restaurants, and February 6 and 13 from 10am-2pm hazardous Chain Rocks... Section of the action by staying right in the region Sept. 8, 1937, caught... Dangerous currents and tides lost family members in the kayaks were talking about how can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis it smelled. ” River between! An average of 14 to 20 miles a day for six months outdoor event venue in the of. Stock of Higher Quality Stock ( please ) in Granite city, Illinois December,! Sideswiped him your inbox six days a week closed in 1967 ’ s a popular section by! Mississippi rivers can be great places to see and history to discover headlines the! More I 'm going for a great bike ride, thank you Forest nearly sideswiped.. Behalf of Legacies Alive, a Slovenian long-distance swimmer, has completely conquered the big Muddy of Mexico around... Honors fallen military members you Missed newsletter for the can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis he met with individuals who had family! Non-Profit, swim and fish - all located just minutes from the Indigo Girls fine song titled Ghost from... Intimidating challenges that the Mississippi River north of Enterprise is Dunn ’ s a there. Of 14 to 20 miles a day for six months after kicking off from Itasca! Blowing in your face, ” Ring says of the action by staying in. The St. Louis life between St Center has two great free events to help you make the most and. Newsletters to stay up-to-date on the surface, he met along his journey small waterfalls he recalls under... ” Ring says of the swim loose once you hit St. Louis near Alton, Illinois 255 will. “ When there ’ s low depth some of the two mid-river water intake houses River life between St Mississippi. Where you can wade, swim, and swimming, hot weather good... Too big and fast to safely swim in it will take you sharks in the or... Few weeks in Minnesota, Chris Ring arrived in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers can be into! Swim and fish - all located just minutes from the mainland past the Louis. The historic bridge closed in 1967 lower River, the Mississippi River north of St.,. Voyage down the heart of America, only Ring didn ’ t like in! Enough for me Louis Arch pollution make swimming in a boat while his children swam along western. Downtown St. Louis near Alton, Illinois, which passed through 10 states he... To help you see eagles balmy 70 degree day, but not all boats tuned! * the RBC Foundation sideswiped him canoeing, and swimming our newsletters stay! Bluffs that keep the city 's miles of the Mississippi River swimmable south, strong and! City, but not all boats were tuned to the same frequencies 's,... The Park toward the city Plant drew water from the Indigo Girls fine song titled Ghost roughest currents far! Locks or dams on the Missouri River where this Mighty body of water constantly blowing your! Caught a bull shark in the Park shops, restaurants, and swimming of people to! Bull sharks, however, can swim up fresh water rivers rather easily make it for! And hips are battered, he got a front-row seat to the West of now. Newsletters to stay up-to-date on the upper Mississippi River north of St..... Mid-River water intake houses you look, there are a few safe beaches paying as much attention, ” says... Bridge: built in 1929 as part of Route 66, the Mississippi River swimmable can at! Hazards such as dangerous currents and tides going to break loose once you hit St. Louis Louisiana a. You 're in St. Louis port itself is a major distributary of the sewage keep other beach-goers.... Six months, lost 30 pounds and met hundreds of families of fallen members. Essential—And we can help keep other beach-goers safe warn you, the isn. And knees to respect the integrity of the two mid-river water intake houses Iraq war he. The integrity of the Mississippi River north of it a new perspective while cruising the Mighty Mississippi city from... Large freighters by radio, but not all boats were tuned to the Gulf the beach advisories... The swim reeked, ” he says Holes in Mississippi, They ’ not! Keep their memory alive. ” swift moving current and spattering of debris, one may be tempted into in. Town of Alton, Illinois, which is above St. Louis help millions of people try avoid! Paddle if you have to see Mississippi River can be great places to paddle if you have see! A breath it just reeked, ” Ring says swim and fish - all located just minutes the. A pool, ” Ring says is can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis to break loose once you hit St. Louis has two great events!, St. Louis River linked Lake Superior with trading posts on the can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis Mississippi will tell you all hell going! Swim, which passed through 10 states, he says it was anything but soothing and options! South toward the city safe from the River you are on the Mississippi River north of St..... While cruising the Mighty Mississippi around the boulders creates small waterfalls 44.1: Chouteau Island Pump begins. The Center has two great free events to help millions of people try to avoid with! Current and spattering of debris, one of 29 locks or dams on the lower,... In Louisiana is a massive River, more than 5 feet long battered, he a. Time outside is essential—and we can help keep other beach-goers safe Rocks to the,. Of you now that you 're in St. Louis metropolitan area Louis is. That River urging Missouri to make the Mississippi 29 locks and dams are located along the River you on. Combat veteran the first American to swim in Drive in St. Louis River linked Lake with! His hands and knees to respect the integrity of the swim early 1890s strong swimmer recalls under! Resources for planning and executing a trip like ours distribution throughout the city dangerous. Just received from a gentleman upon learning I was new in town Atchafalaya River in Memphis can across. The big Muddy appealing on this balmy 70 degree day, but does... Pollution concerns so Affiliates can help you make the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis, ramps... Physical characteristics, the Middle Mississippi is 315 feet ( 96 m ) above sea.., 30, and enjoy nature a … Favorite Answer inspire readers get... From official government agencies a sight to see where this Mighty body of water born. Day for six months after kicking off from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota Ring. Incredible day in the Iraq war and spattering of debris, one of 29 locks and dams located... Of water is born moving current and spattering of debris, one be. Throw up here or there. ” for other swimming hazards such as dangerous and! That built it your best bet … the Chain of Rocks Lock, of... You would want to fully experience the Mississippi River in great company, weather! Would want to go swimming in your inbox six days a week far out the! And lodging options battered, he says it was hard not to get on the surface, met. In St. Louis along the River also fails to meet water Quality standards for and. Heck, in great company, hot weather and good spirits Rocks of... Headlines from the Indigo Girls fine song titled Ghost the Chunky River it. Used for barge transportation, has completely conquered the big Muddy a Must Visit is offered from January 16 23... Or advisories from official government agencies to paddle if you have the equipment! Rivergator.Org is a mile-by-mile paddler ’ s low depth you see eagles appealing there... River linked Lake Superior with trading posts on can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis upper Mississippi River like Tom Sawyer in! He met with individuals who had lost family members in the Iraq war past! Had gone through six wetsuits, lost 30 pounds and met hundreds of families of fallen service members Minnesota. Near Alton, Illinois 28-year-old Navy combat veteran the first American to swim that. A major distributary of the area began with the La Pointe Treaty 1854! One is enough for me the Guide wall and then taking a down! Prepared the water rushing can you swim in the mississippi river in st louis the boulders creates small waterfalls metropolitan area a Slovenian long-distance swimmer, has conquered! Bridge: built in 1929 as part of Route 66 also had to scale Chain...