Discover the Amazing Flora and Fauna of the Wild Mississippi River—and the Best Ways to Explore it, State by State

Did you know one quarter of North American fish species are native to the Mississippi River? Or that over three hundred species of birds migrate along the Mississippi River? The Mississippi River is an icon, yet few of us really understand its fundamental essence: its natural world. Its wetlands, prairies, and bluffs support mammals, birds, and insects. Diverse plant communities thrive because of the river.

In The Wild Mississippi, Dean Klinkenberg shows you how and where to experience this natural world. The book begins with the major ecosystems along the Mississippi. It shows you where to engage with the river’s stunning natural wonders, with the best places to hike, paddle, and bike, primarily on public lands open to all. It also highlights natural history museums, aquariums, and best places for food and lodging. Packed with vibrant photos and useful maps, The Wild Mississippi is the best source for understanding and enjoying this historic river.

Centuries of Mississippi River History

From Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River travels 2,340 miles across ten states. With centuries of history and a rich culture, the river is a true American icon. But did you know one quarter of North American fish species are native to the river?

Or that over 300 types of birds migrate along the river each year? The natural world of the Mississippi River is immense—it spans wetlands, prairies, and bluffs, supports a wide range of wildlife, and allows diverse plant communities to thrive. In The Wild Mississippi, author Dean Klinkenberg guides readers through the life of this mighty river, the people and habitats that define it, and the flora and fauna that make it their home.

Traveling state-by-state, Klinkenberg shares accessible ways to learn about and engage with the river’s stunning natural wonders. In addition to sharing the best places to hike, paddle, and bike on public lands, The Wild Mississippi highlights natural history museums, aquariums, and places for food and lodging.

Packed with vibrant photos and useful maps, this beautiful guidebook is the best source for understanding and enjoying this historic river. A tribute to all the life the river supports, from the smallest microorganisms to the biggest fish and even bigger birds, The Wild Mississippi as Klinkenberg says, “Showcases the diverse and abundant life supported by the Mississippi and how all that life is connected.

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.

The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders
By Dean Klinkenberg
Timber Press
On Sale: May 21, 2024
Price: $29.99
Pages: 340
ISBN: 9781643261799