Where is the Widest Part of the Mississippi River?

The widest part of the Mississippi River is Lake Winnibigoshish near Bena, Minnesota, where it spans over 11 miles. However, when considering the widest navigable section for shipping traffic, that distinction goes to Lake Pepin.

Understanding the Mississippi's Widest Sections

The Mississippi River is a dynamic and diverse waterway, featuring various widths along its extensive course. Its widest points are often found where the river naturally expands into lakes, rather than a consistent river channel.

Lake Winnibigoshish: The Overall Widest Point

• Location: Situated in northern Minnesota, near the town of Bena.
• Width: Exceeds 11 miles at its broadest expanse.
• Characteristics: Lake Winnibigoshish is a large natural lake through which the Mississippi River flows. This expansive body of water allows the river to reach its maximum width before narrowing again into a more defined channel. It is a popular spot for fishing and recreation.

Lake Pepin: The Widest Navigable Shipping Channel

• Location: An approximately 21-mile-long lake formed by the Mississippi River, bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• Width: The shipping channel within Lake Pepin is approximately 2 miles wide.
• Significance: As a naturally occurring wide spot in the river, Lake Pepin is a critical segment for commercial navigation. It serves as the widest naturally navigable section of the Mississippi River's main shipping channel, accommodating barges and other large vessels.

Comparison of Widest Points

To clarify the distinction between these two significant points along the Mississippi River, refer to the table below:

This distinction highlights that while the river reaches its absolute broadest point in a recreational lake, its widest functional section for commercial transport is still considerably wide, ensuring efficient movement of goods along this vital American artery.