Cruising the Mississippi

The mighty Mississippi cuts through downtown Minneapolis.

Seeing as how I've lived my whole life in the Minneapolis metro area, one might think I'd be well acquainted with the river. And I am ... to an extent.

I've crossed over it thousands of times. I've biked, hiked and dined along its shores. But I've never actually been on it. Or in it for that matter.

Well, things changed last night. No, I didn't go swimming. But I did go for a boat ride.

Good buddy Jen and I boarded the Minneapolis Queen, a refurbished old-time paddle boat, and took a cocktail cruise up and down the Mississippi.

The two-hour ride took us through the lock at St. Anthony Falls, which happens to be the very first lock and damn on the river.

We sailed underneath the Stone Arch Bridge, a classic Minneapolis pedestrian trek.

We also passed below the West Broadway Bridge, which I learned last night is built exactly on top of the 45th Parallel.

I was surprised to learn that the 45th Parallel marks the exact center between the North Pole and the equator. I had no idea that this line cut through my city.

So, as it turns out, not only did I finally get myself onto the Mississippi River, I also learned something new about this little spot on the globe that I call home.

And it was a beautiful night to boot.

Just a few of the local trees had started to turn to their autumn tones. The windless evening ensured that the river water, when it wasn't being disturbed by the spinning paddle of the Minneapolis Queen, stretched glass-like to its banks.

Plus, the passing city's lights twinkled on as the sun set.