photo: Erin D. Carter
Mississippi River Learning Center | GATEWAY
The Mississippi River Learning Center is a city-led project combining a mixed-use, river-focused space and a National Park Service headquarters at the Crosby Farm Regional Park, serving as a national gateway to the Mississippi River with year-round river learning and outdoor recreation experiences on and along Saint Paul’s river.
Project Design
The Great River Passage Conservancy and the City of Saint Paul are working with New York-based W Architecture & Landscape Architecture to lead the Mississippi River Learning Center’s schematic design process.
Schematic design includes site analysis, exploring design concepts, providing a general overview of the Mississippi River Learning Center’s basic features and programming, and getting a general idea of the look and feel of the project. To the right is the timeline for the engagement around this process.
Community Engagement
Thanks to the 100+ people that joined us for an in-person community meeting on Thursday, June 9 at the Watergate Marina. If you were unable attend, a recording of the presentation and the presentation slides are available to review. Watch for information regarding the next community meeting that will take place later this summer.

Project Timeline
March 2022:
Focus groups
April 2022:
Virtual community meeting
Community survey #1 (now closed)
June 2022:
Community meeting to view alternative designs
Community survey #2 (now closed)
July 2022:
Final review of single concept design
Fall 2022:
Schematic design reveal and community celebration
Funders and Partners:
- City of Saint Paul
- National Park Service
- Mississippi Park Connection
- Friends of the Mississippi River
- Wilderness Inquiry
- Capitol Region Watershed District
- Shepard Family Fund
- Anonymous Individual Donors