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It’s official: June 2nd is now National Mississippi River Day – a day to celebrate, protect, and connect with our nation’s most iconic waterway!
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Every June 2nd, communities across the country come together to connect with the Mississippi River — the lifeblood of our nation and the people, land, water, and wildlife it sustains. One Mississippi, in coordination with our Mississippi River Network members and partners, launched National Mississippi River Day in 2025 to make that celebration an annual tradition.
Spanning approximately 2,350 miles from the wild rice beds in northern Minnesota to the oyster reefs in southern Louisiana, the Mississippi River is more than a waterway; it’s a symbol of connection. It touches 10 mainstem states, while draining a total of 32 states in its watershed, and provides drinking water for over 20 million people. Along its banks, it powers industries, grows food, supports tourism and recreation, and serves as the economic backbone of the region.
The Mississippi River is deeply woven into who we are. It has supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years, serving as a source of nourishment, travel, trade, and spiritual meaning. It’s also a global ecological corridor home to 260 fish species, a critical artery for 60% of North America’s bird species, and vital habitat for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants.
And yet, the River is under threat.
From pollution and habitat loss to extreme flooding and drought, degraded wetlands, and disconnected floodplains, the Mississippi faces monumental challenges. In fact, our mighty Mississippi was number one on American Rivers’ list of America's Most Endangered Rivers® of 2025. The River’s health reflects our shared choices and demands our shared commitment. No community, state, or agency can solve these issues alone.
That’s why this moment matters.
As we approach National Mississippi River Day on June 2, it’s more important than ever to find common water, coming together across differences, uniting around shared values, and in respect for the natural world we all depend on. The River can be a bridge. It always has been. Happy National Mississippi River Day!
Help Pass Proclamations!
One way One Mississippi is building National Mississippi River Day is through proclamations — official recognitions issued by local, state, and federal offices celebrating June 2nd. See which states, cities, towns, and counties have issued proclamations since the inaugural year in 2025.
Want to bring a proclamation to your community? It's one of the most meaningful ways to participate in National Mississippi River Day, and it's easier than you might think. No experience is needed. One Mississippi provides a template and supports you through the process. Typically, proclamations must be submitted by a local resident and submitted annually. You can even turn the occasion into a community event by planning a gathering around the meeting where the proclamation is read aloud! To get started, email info@1mississippi.org.
2026
Alton, IL
Baton Rouge, LA
Bettendorf, IA
Burlington, IA
Cohasset, MN
Columbus, KY
Davenport, IA
Dubuque, IA
East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
East Moline, IL
Fridley, MN
Godfrey, IL
Granite City, IL
Iowa City, IA
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Louisa County, IA
Memphis, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Moline, IL
New Orleans, LA
New Roads, LA
Prescott, WI
Rock Island, IL
St. Paul, MN
Winona, MN
The State of Illinois
The State of Louisiana
The State of Minnesota
The State of Missouri
The State of Wisconsin
Blue Pins: 2026
Green Pins: 2025
2025
Alton, IL; East Moline, IL; Godfrey, IL; Granite, IL; Le Claire, IA; Minneapolis, MN; Moline, IL; Rock Island, IL; St. Louis, MO; The State of Illinois; The State of Minnesota; The State of Missouri; The State of Wisconsin; The Tipton County, Second Chickasaw Bluff; Winona, MN
Join the Effort - Add Your Name
Cities, states, and municipalities across the watershed are proclaiming June 2 as National Mississippi River Day. Now you can too. Adding your name takes just a moment and sends a powerful message — the Mississippi River has champions from the headwaters of Minnesota to the Gulf of Louisiana, and you are one of them.
River Days of Action, June 1-15
National Mississippi River Day on June 2nd helps kick off our annual River Days of Action program, which runs from June 1–15 and features two weeks of events and opportunities to take action for your community and the people, land, water, and wildlife of our cherished Mississippi River. Whether it’s cleaning up a shoreline, attending a local event, speaking out for policies that protect water, or simply spending time by the River, you can make a meaningful difference for the River. Get involved today!
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