These seven National Parks are Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Vicksburg National Military Park, Natchez National Historic Park, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area protect and interpret the Mississippi river. This national park includes the river itself. This recreation area is important for the cultural, scientific and economic resources.
Also called MNRRA for short, it was established in 1988 as a partnership park because of the dozen partners who owned the land. The park has many attractions, trails and programs that visitors enjoy.
The Effigy Mounds National Monument has three prehistoric sites to preserve. It forms the cluster heart of some protected areas. It has a number of state owned wildlife. This is a point of transition from eastern hardwood forests to central prairies.
The monument has a visitor center that houses museum exhibits highlighting archaeological and natural specimens. There is also an auditorium and book sale outlet. It is interesting to note that the park has no roads despite of eleven miles of hiking trails. Even if there are great natural features in this park, they have no lodging or camping facilities. Visitors would have to lodge or camp in the nearby parks.
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park was established to commemorate historical events of the debate over slaves, the first civil government, and the Louisiana Purchase.
The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the Vicksburg campaign that preceded a historical battle, giving USA control over the Mississippi river. The park has preserved the site of this battle.
The Natchez National Historical Park consists of three distinct parts: Fort Rosalie, William Johnson House and Melrose. The fort is closed to the public.
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park was created in 1994 to commemorate the origins and evolution of jazz. It has a complete office, visitor center and concert venue. This park was designed to educate and entertain, promoting the history and progress of jazz.
The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was made to promote the natural and cultural resources. It consists of six physically separated sites and one park headquarters.
Aside from the national parks that visitors frequent, the Mississippi River is also famous for water skiing. The sport was actually invented here, first tried in Lake Pepin, a wide region located between Minnesota and Wisconsin.