The Might Mississippi River "Father of the Waters" For thousands of years, humans have tried to describe the Mississippi River. In legend, song and image - we've attempted to capture the majesty and gradeur of this incredible natural wonder. The Mississippi River is the third largest river system of the planet and it travels 2,400 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It has been an economic lifeline, an artistic inspiration, a haven for wildlife and a trophy of battle. No words can prepare you for the experience of actually casting your eyes upon the Father of Waters for the first time. And it is never more beautiful than when it flows along the towering bluffs of western Vernon County. Visitors from across the country and around the world come here to relax, create and play. You can take a leisurely drive along the Great River Road (HWY 35), walk the decks of a classic paddle-wheeled steamboat, join a community celebration in a historic river town, paddle a canoe in the quiet backwaters teeming with wildlife and enjoy the view of three states from a bluff-top outlook. Watch eagles soar through the sky, as they join ducks, geese, tundra swans, pelicans and millions of other migratory birds on their journeys up and down the Mississippi Flyway. Some of America's finest artists draw inspiration from the river and their masterpeices can be found in local studios and galleries. Vernon County is world-class destination for anglers. you can cast for big-river bass and walleye one day and lay down a fly in a Class A trout stream the next. The area is also renowned for hunting, especially ducks, geese, wild turkey and whitetailed deer.