As part of a series of stories following the path of the "Father of Waters,” aka the Mississippi River, Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this Mainstreet report on recreational growth on the river and the implications for industries that has traditionally used the water.

The Mississippi River has been carrying North American goods to markets around the world longer than Minnesota has been on the map. But while the upper Mississippi continues to serve industry, more and more people are using the river and its banks for recreation and tourism. Cities like St. Paul and Minneapolis are scrutinizing their riverfront industries with an eye toward businesses compatible with recreation.