Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Red Wing, MN and Winona, MN. Project lands are located within the Corps of Engineers Nine Foot Navigation Project and the Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Main channel provides deep draft boating opportunities while the backwaters provide a wilderness area atmosphere for the smaller shallow draft boats. There is an observation platform for visitors to watch lock operations and see towboats and barges up close. Authorized in 1930 to provide a 9-foot navigation channel between Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN and St. Louis, MO, the Upper Mississippi River Project offers extensive opportunities for water-based recreation, ranging from backwater hunting and fishing to long-distance cruising in the main channel. In the St. Paul District, the project flows through three National Wildlife Refuges, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, many State and local wildlife and recreation areas. Designated an American Heritage River, it offers visitors many recreational opportunities, including sightseeing along the river, visiting quaint river towns, viewing the wooded bluffs along the river, and watching bald eagles soaring.