Finding Nature in the City: Twin Cities' Best River Adventures | River of Ideas, Episode 03

River of Ideas

🌊 Dive into the Heart of the Twin Cities! 🌿
In our latest River of Ideas podcast, hosts Nick and Abby share their favorite places to explore and things to do along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul. From biking scenic trails, hiking rugged paths, and kayaking peaceful waters, to immersing yourself in the rich natural beauty of the one and only Mississippi River Gorge, this episode is packed with inspiration and insider tips.
Highlights:
🏞️ Hidden gems like Crosby Farm Park, the Winchell Trail, and Longfellow Beach.
🚴‍♂️ Biking routes with breathtaking views along West River Parkway and the Stone Arch Bridge.
🛶 Paddling adventures via the easy-to-use Paddle Share program.
🐶 The joy of off-leash fun at Minnehaha Dog Park.
🦉 Wildlife spotting, nature immersion, and all things flora and fauna.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, this episode will ignite your adventurous spirit and help you see the Mississippi River in a whole new light. Tune in for fun, laughter, and plenty of travel tips that will make your next river outing unforgettable!
Links:

• Plant Sales, Cleanups, and Workshops (MWMO Blog) — https://www.mwmo.org/news/mwmo-annual-spring-guide/
• Spring Maintenance for Native Plants (MWMO Blog) — https://www.mwmo.org/news/spring-maintenance-native-plants/
• Spring Ecology in the Mississippi River Gorge with Carolyn Carr — https://youtu.be/9Agrm6f6ndc
• iNaturalist — https://www.inaturalist.org/

Credits:
Nick Busse — Host, Video Production
Akadia Johnson — Audio Production
Abby Moore — Host
About River of Ideas:
River of Ideas is a podcast about greener cities and cleaner water through science and urban planning. We cover topics like green infrastructure, water quality, landscape design, ecology, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
River of Ideas is produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, a Minneapolis-based joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Learn more at mwmo.org.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - Plant Sales, Spring Yard Care & No-Mow May
06:53 - Biking the Twin Cities Riverfront
12:44 - Hiking and Exploring the River Gorge
21:10 - Finding Nature & Adventure in the City
30:28 - Paddling via Mississippi River Paddle Share
38:58 - Favorite Beaches and Places to Relax
45:39 - Minnehaha Dog Park
52:00 - Favorite Places and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening! Check us out at mwmo.org.

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Plant Sales, Spring Yard Care & No-Mow May (00:01:38)

3. Biking the Twin Cities Riverfront (00:06:53)

4. Hiking and Exploring the River Gorge (00:12:44)

5. Finding Nature & Adventure in the City (00:21:10)

6. Paddling via Mississippi River Paddle Share (00:30:28)

7. Favorite Beaches and Places to Relax (00:38:58)

8. Minnehaha Dog Park (00:45:39)

9. Favorite Places and Final Thoughts (00:52:00)