Agenda - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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P• ristirie natural resources dominate. Begin your journey at the Mississippi Headwaters in Lake Itasca State Park and wade in the small brook that, slowly reaches the Gulf of Mexico. The 2,000 acre park contains remnants of Minnesota's pine forest, cultural landmarks, and interpretive displays, detailing the stories of explorers and settlers who searched for and lived near the Mississippi River Headwaters. As you leave the park and continue onto county roads through miles of woods and wilderness, you'll occasionally cross the river's serpentine meanderings. The skyline is populated with dramatic tall pines, which provide a dark contrast to the vivid color of the hardwoods. The forest opens suddenly into wide marshes, rich in the sight and sounds of wildlife. As you approach small towns, the crisp, clean air, the frequent glimpses of eagles, and the low traffic volume roads embody the spirit of northern Minnesota. The City of Bemidji is a thriving regional hub offering museums, art and many waterfront activities, as well as a state park on the shore of Lake Bemidji. This community welcomes bicyclists with bicycle shops, diverse lodging, public art, wifi access at the public library, and other amenities to enhance your journey. Mississippi River Trail Bikeway - The MRT is a bikeway, largely on the shoulders of paved roads, but using significant segments of off road paths along the length of the Mississippi River through ten states, from the headwaters at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Key Themes Celebrate the beginnings of America's premier river by dipping your wheel in at the Headwaters in Lake Itasca State Park In search of the Headwaters - mimic early explorers and settlers as they search for the start of the Mississippi River. Time travelers ride - experience Minnesota's natural areas as the first settlers did in the 1800s, bicycling past pristine, untouched natural areas and forests. Play by the lakes - detour around Lake Bemidji and enjoy life lakeside, partaking in the numerous recreational opportunities available in the city. Character of the River The river, near its source, begins as a small, meandering stream that disappears into abundant wetlands and reappears as a stream. MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS ROUTE COMPOSITION: ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS: 100% On -road Route Surface: Paved 0% Off -road Trail Distance: 38 miles HERE 11475 FT ABOVE THE OCEAN THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI BEGINS -TO FLOW ON ITS WINDING WAY 2552 MILES TO THE GULF OF MEXILO Itasca State Park ITASCA STATE PARK TO BEMIDJI For more information: www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt.htm Mississippi River Mississippi Headwaters Mississippi Northwoods Paul Bunyan/Heartland Trail MRT Alternative Route Open Water Trails State Parks Interstate Highways US Trunk Highways State Trunk Highways County Boundary Beltrami Hubbard 8 10 Miles Heartland State Trail