Celebrating 100 years of protecting the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a special resource that we are proud to have in the county. Over the last 100 years, the river has gone through quite a transformation.

A century ago, the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities was an ecological dead zone. In 1926, a water quality survey found only three living fish in the 42-mile stretch from Minneapolis to Red Wing, confirming that the river had become little more than an open sewer for a growing metropolis.

Today, the river is a thriving national park, a haven for wildlife, and a cherished recreational destination. The Sacred Water, Shared Future campaign marks this miraculous turnaround, celebrating 100 years of recovery and inspiring the next century of stewardship.

The next 100 years starts now

Hennepin County is committed to the continued restoration of the Mississippi River. We work with our watersheds, cities, and partner organizations to reduce pollution and improve water quality in lakes and streams throughout the county that flow downstream into the Mississippi River.

You can contribute by taking everyday actions that protect our waterways.

• Adopt a storm drain near you to keep litter and debris out of our streams and lakes
• Plant native shoreline plants to prevent erosion
• Pick up after your pets
• Keep leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste out of the street

Each small step reduces pollution and helps improve the water that ultimately flows into the Mississippi River.

We are looking forward to the next 100 years of protecting our sacred river. Share your story of the river and find an event near you at Sacred Water Shared Future.