The Mississippi River stretches for around 2,400 miles from central Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Every year, 30 to 50 paddlers attempt to travel its length.

Shawn Hamerlinck made the journey by kayak. A teacher had planted the idea for the trip in his mind years ago, as a way to see ecosystems along the length of the Mississippi River.

He started on May 24, 2025 and paddled, on average, 12 to 14 hours per day.

For him, the undertaking was personal.

Others who do it try to use it for advocacy. Five friends who took off on September 1, 2025 are traveling under the banner of the Drift South Expedition and plan to do citizen science, education and fundraising along the way.

Whatever the motivation, it’s sure to be an adventure.

“The Mississippi is an iconic river. When anyone think

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