Explore some of the Mississippi River’s best scenery this summer with a visit to one of the dozens of parks along the Great River Road, which follows the river for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states and was recently named Best Scenic Drive for the second year in a row. Here are five state parks to discover on your next road trip on this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road.

Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Wade through the headwaters of the Mississippi River at this state park in far northern Minnesota, about a three-hour drive from the Twin Cities. The mighty Mississippi gets its start at Lake Itasca, one of more than 100 lakes in the park, and it’s so narrow and shallow at the beginning that you can wade across it (or use stepping stones if you don’t want to get your feet wet). The park is home to nearly 50 miles of hiking trails, 16 miles of paved bike routes, dozens of campsites, the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center.

Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa

This beautiful state park in Clayton County in northeastern Iowa sits in one of the most picturesque parts of the state, overlooking the Mississippi River town of McGregor. The park is home to 11 miles of trails for hiking and biking, and visitors can find amazing views atop the bluffs at the Point Ann lookout on the north end of the park or take a short hike to Bridal Veil Falls on the south end. Campers will find full hook-up and electric sites with easy access to modern restrooms and showers.

Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

Take a quick trip across the Mississippi River to Wisconsin to find this equally stunning state park at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Enjoy the views atop the 500-foot bluffs at one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks, which offers great opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, and more.

Columbus-Belmont State Park*, Kentucky

Located in southwestern Kentucky along the Mississippi River, this 160-acre park was the site of the 1861 Battle of Belmont, the opening of the Union’s Western campaign and Ulysses S. Grant’s first active engagement in the Civil War. Civil War artifacts—including artillery and a 6-ton anchor used to blockade the river—are on display in the park, which also has a museum and conference center, a 2.5-mile self-guided hiking trail, and a 38-site campground with beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

*official Great River Road Interpretive Center

Reelfoot Lake State Park*,  Tennessee

Reelfoot Lake State Park is the largest natural lake—and nearly half of the lake has a depth of just 3 feet or less. That’s because Reelfoot Lake is actually a flooded cypress forest that was created during a series of strong earthquakes in 1811 and 1812. Today, the lake is the centerpiece of Reelfoot Lake State Park, which is known for its excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities and offers camping opportunities as well as modern cabins.

*official Great River Road Interpretive Center

(Photo: Wyalusing State Park along the Wisconsin Great River Road/Travel Wisconsin)