Upper Mississippi River Navigation Season Kicks Off

Tow boats begin passing through locks and dams, marking the start of the shipping season.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 4:48pm

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun locking tow boats through Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings, Minnesota, marking the unofficial start of the navigation season on the Upper Mississippi River. The first tow typically arrives in the St. Paul area around the third week of March, with the earliest arrival being March 4 in 1983, 1984, and 2000.

Why it matters

Keeping the Mississippi River navigation system open is critical for the nation's economy, as a 15-barge tow is the equivalent of more than 1,050 semi-trailers or 200 rail cars. Shipping commodities on the river saves money and helps reduce grocery store costs.

The details

This week, the Motor Vessel Crockett was locked through Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings, Minnesota, with two additional barges en route to St. Paul. She was immediately followed by four additional tows, marking the start of the navigation season.

  • The average first tow arrives around the third week in March.
  • The earliest date for a tow to reach St. Paul occurred on March 4 in 1983, 1984, and 2000.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for managing the Mississippi River navigation system.

Motor Vessel Crockett

A tow boat that was the first to be locked through Lock and Dam 2 this season.

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The takeaway

The start of the navigation season on the Upper Mississippi River is a critical economic event, as the river system is a vital transportation corridor for moving commodities and goods across the country.