Where better to learn about the Mississippi River than on it? Since 1996, the National Park Service and Padelford Packet Boat Co. have taken about 3,000 students every May on two-hour boat rides on the Mississippi River.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Big River Journey field trips, students from Capitol Hill Magnet School in St. Paul will get a special sendoff Tuesday morning from Mayor Chris Coleman and National Park Superintendent John Anfinson, of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Field trips depart from Harriet Island and either turn around in the river or drop students off at Fort Snelling State Park. On board, students learn about river ecosystems, examine river rocks, visit the pilot house and see what kind of pollution ends up in the Mississippi.
The floating classroom involves a number of government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the St. Paul Audubon Society. About 34 schools will participate in field trips this season.