What's so Awesome About Mississippi River Ice Piles?
Seeing Mississippi River ice piling up on the riverbank makes me a little giddy. It means spring is just around the corner. And after an especially long, cold winter, it’s a welcome sign.
While there were many piles up and down the “Great River Road” near Nauvoo, Illinois, this particularly large pile caught our eye. So, we stopped and trekked out on a soggy section of land to snap a few close-ups.
Why do we say ice piles are signs of spring? Here are 3 reasons.
Once the ice begins flowing, spring is not far behind!
It's Warm Enough to Thaw
First, it means temperatures have risen. (Yay!) Not just above freezing, but high enough for an extended period—more than a day or two—causing the ice to crack.
Catching this awe-inspiring phenomenon takes timing. Once winter’s solid surface becomes chunks of ice moving downstream, full melt is close behind.
The Sound is Awesome!
Second, as the river begins flowing freely with ice chunks going downstream, the sound is awesome!
Did you know ice makes a distinct sound as it snaps? It does…. but nothing is more unique than the crashing and scraping sound of ice running over a buoy, forcing it under water.
(This video is from a few years back while testing video capability of a new camera, so it is a little shaky but you can definitely see the ice moving down river.)
Geese squawked at us then wandered off, never getting too far away from their nest.
Waterfowl Return to the Flyway
A third sign of spring’s return is seeing flocks of geese pairing off and beginning to nest near the river’s edge. These two look like they were out for a stroll but their nest was near the ice pile we were photographing.
When waterfowl begin moving north, you can see them resting on the Mississippi River. It is a bird migration route or “flyway” between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, which is used by 40% of all migrating birds.
Most of All....It's a Sign of Spring
Even though it’s still cold, ice breaking, crashing, and scraping is a joyful sound to those of us who prefer spring.
Soon, the blues and greens found in ice piles become blue sky and green foliage.
Yes, ice piles are beautiful….especially because it means spring is near.
Taken just as the sun dropped below the horizon. This pile was huge!
Depending on the angle, ice color ranges from blue to green to white.
About the Great River Road
What do you know about the “Great River Road?” Here are a few tidbits:
- It’s 2,069 miles long and takes 36 hours straight driving to travel the full length.
- The road passes through 10 states, beginning in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico.
- It’s a collection of state and local roads following the course of the Mississippi River.
- By far, it’s the longest and most important USA Scenic Byway.
- The route was selected for historic and cultural as well as natural and recreational areas.
- There are Interpretive Centers along the byway to aid travelers experience the best parts of the trip.
- A green riverboat pilot’s wheel logo emblazoned on signs denotes the route.
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