The Mississippi River - Final Leg

Final Part of Our Exploration of the Mississippi River

We begin this final segment of our journey at Little Falls (KLXL), a town that developed around the natural falls of the Mississippi River. Named after these falls, the town's early growth was tied to sawmills powered by several dams built along the river. Today, the Little Falls Dam operates as a hydroelectric station, supplying power to the region. Little Falls is also notable as the boyhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Across from his former residence lies Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, named after his father, Charles August Lindbergh, a prominent Minnesota lawyer and U.S. Congressman.

Following the river north, we arrive at Camp Ripley (KRYM), a 53,000-acre military and civilian training facility operated by the Minnesota National Guard. The location was chosen in 1929 by Ellard A. Walsh, the Adjutant General of Minnesota. Today, it remains a major site for winter warfare training and is home to the training academy for the Minnesota State Patrol. The camp is also used by athletes training for winter biathlons. Most members of the Minnesota National Guard conduct their two-week annual training here.

Continuing north, we reach Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (KBRD). The city of Brainerd was founded at a railroad crossing just above the confluence of the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers. Once part of Ojibwe territory, the area was first seen by European explorers on Christmas Day in 1805, when Zebulon Pike passed through during his search for the river’s source. Nearby, Crow Wing Village, a fur trading and logging community near Fort Ripley, attracted settlers in the mid-19th century.

As the river becomes more winding and difficult to trace, we eventually reach Aitkin (KAIT). The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad brought rapid growth to the town. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavian countries settled in Aitkin, drawn by jobs in the logging and riverboat industries. These immigrants often began working before learning much English. After the decline of logging during the Great Depression and World War II, Aitkin transitioned into a farming community focused on cattle and poultry. Local industries, such as a creamery and a turkey processing plant, supported the economy until the late 20th century. However, with the fall of small-scale farming, many farms were abandoned. By the 1990s, Aitkin began to reinvent itself as a center for retirement and tourism, supported by its lakes and outdoor attractions. Today, the economy revolves around healthcare, education, human services, nonprofit work, and hospitality.

Following the river farther north, we arrive at Grand Rapids (KGPZ). The city takes its name from the 3.5-mile stretch of rapids in the Mississippi River, which once marked the furthest point steamboats could travel in the 19th century. These rapids now lie beneath a dam operated by UPM Paper Company. Grand Rapids was also the site of the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history when Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline ruptured in 1991, spilling 1.7 million gallons of oil into the area, including the Prairie River.

As the river bends westward and meanders through a series of lakes, we reach our next destination: Bemidji (KBJI). Located on the southwest shore of Lake Bemidji, this city is often referred to as “The First City on the Mississippi.” Bemidji is a central hub for the surrounding Red Lake, White Earth, and Leech Lake Indian Reservations, and is home to many Native American services, including an Indian Health Service facility. The city is also known as the self-proclaimed “Curling Capital” of the United States and is one of the places that claims to be the birthplace of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan. The river’s true origin lies just beyond Bemidji, at Lake Itasca, which we mark as Waypoint 31—the symbolic and geographical beginning of the mighty Mississippi River.

We head for Fargo (KFAR), North Dakota, to finish this flight.

The trip is 270 miles long with 5 landings. We want to cruise at about 200 knots. I will be in the A2A Aerostar, please fly what you like.

The flight plans are here.

There are three addons available:

Little Falls KLXL

Brainerd KBRD

Fargo KFAR

The package is here.

We try real weather. Please set your simulator for a 7 am departure.

Multiplayer Particulars:

Date and time: Sunday, August 10, 2025. 1600 UTC

Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.

These flights are events posted at DigitalThemePark and use DTP's Teamspeak Channel for communication.

If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!