Which U.S. State Straddles the Mississippi River?

Only one U.S. state has territory on both the east and west banks of the Mississippi River: Minnesota.

The river's headwaters begin at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, and the state's unique geography allows it to straddle the river for a significant stretch before the Mississippi flows entirely into other states.

No other state—despite the river forming borders for many—actually contains land on both sides.