The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles Premieres on Channel 5 Thursday 29 February

In the brand new “The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles,” airing on Channel 5 at 9:00 PM, Thursday 29 February, presenter Nick Knowles embarks on an extraordinary adventure down the mighty Mississippi River. Starting from Minneapolis in Minnesota and following the Great River Road, which traces most of the river’s length, Nick delves into the tragic history of the river, exploring its connection to slavery and its role in the civil rights movement.

Throughout his journey, Nick encounters a range of captivating experiences. He visits a trailblazing Native American restaurant in Minneapolis that showcases authentic dishes using ingredients like white cedar, huckleberries, and elk. Continuing south along the Great River Road, he joins a motorbike gang for a thrilling ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. To his relief, he discovers that this particular gang is made up of legal professionals rather than outlaws.

As Nick travels further along the Mississippi River, he witnesses water-skiing displays by professionals and even tries his hand at it himself with comedic results. At Lake Pepin, he participates in efforts to conserve the ancient American paddlefish species by assisting with fitting tracking devices on them.

Arriving in Hannibal, Missouri—the birthplace of Mark Twain—Nick visits a museum that provides him with sobering insights into the lives of enslaved people who once lived along the Mississippi. Finally reaching St Louis, he finds himself invited to throw a ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game—an honor previously bestowed upon Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush.

“The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles” takes viewers through both history and geography as it explores one of America’s largest rivers—a vital lifeline for many communities across the nation.

Be sure to catch this first episode on Channel 5 at 9:00 PM on Thursday 29 February. Episode 2 is tomorrow night.