It’s official: June 2 is now recognized as National Mississippi River Day — a new annual day to honor the lifeblood of our nation and the people, land, water, and wildlife it sustains.

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 habitat for countless amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, and plant species.

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 mark the first National Mississippi River Day on June 2, it’s more important than ever to find common water — to come together across differences, around shared values, and in respect for the natural world we all depend on. The River can be a bridge, not just uniting states, but uniting people.

One way One Mississippi is establishing National Mississippi River Day is by working with local, state, and federal offices for proclamations and declarations. Here is a map detailing detailing communities that are already onboard for 2025. We are excited to see this map fill up year after year!

‍

National Mississippi River Day also helps kick off our annual River Days of Action program (June 1–15) — 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.

This is also a great time to join our community. River Citizens are a growing national movement of over 20,000 people committed to protecting the country’s greatest River. Whether in armchairs or wading boots, River Citizens protect the River by speaking up on its behalf and caring for it in simple ways that make a big difference. It’s free to join. Sign up today! 

On June 2, let’s celebrate the Mississippi River — and let’s unite to protect it. Because when we care for the River, we care for each other.