Author Archives: Alan Hamari

6 things you might not know about the Great River Road

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

The Great River Road is America’s oldest and longest National Scenic Byway, so it makes sense that it’s also home to a lot of history and unique attractions. Here are a few things you might not know about the Mississippi River and the cities and states along the Great River Road.

It takes approximately 90 days for a raindrop to travel the length of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
There are nearly 100 official Interpretive Centers—museums, historical sites and more—along the Great River Road.
Memphis, Tennessee is home more than 100 barbecue restaurants.
The Mississippi River actually flowed backwards after a series of earthquakes that rocked the New Madrid, Missouri, area in 1811 and 1812. You can learn about it at the New Madrid Historical Museum.
Founded in 1791, the French Market in New Orleans is the oldest public market in the United States.
Waterskiing was invented on Lake Pepin—part of the Mississippi River that forms the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota—in 1922.

Bike the Great River Road this summer

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

The Great River Road is one of America’s best drives, but did you know that it’s a great route to explore on a bike as well?

From scenic road routes to paved riverside trails, biking opportunities abound along the Great River Road. Plus, you’ll find rides and races in communities up and down the Mississippi River.

Learn more about some of the biking options in each of the Great River Road states:

Travel along the Great River Road with author Gayle Harper

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Want to take an amazing road trip along the Great River Road? Order your copy of “Roadtrip with a Raindrop: 90 Days Along the Mississippi River,” the latest book from travel photographer and author Gayle Harper.

Harper’s award-winning book follows a raindrop named Serendipity as it takes the 90-day journey along the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Hear stories from the people who make their homes along the Mississippi and enjoy 200 color photos highlighting the voyage.

To order your own personalized, autographed copy, click here.

Also, every book comes with a free copy of the Great River Road 10-state travel map, which highlights interpretive centers and cities along America’s oldest National Scenic Byway.

Things we’re thankful for along the Great River Road

Thursday, November 19, 2015

It’s that time of year, so we’re thinking about all the reasons we’re giving thanks this season. Here are just a few things we’re thankful for along the Great River Road.

Beautiful scenery. We’re past peak color season, but traveling the Great River Road in spring, summer and fall offers awe-inspiring scenery. Scenic areas along the Mississippi River bluffs in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa provide spectacular views of the river and are especially picturesque in fall.

Delicious food. Farm-to-table delicacies. Mouth-watering barbecue. Fresh seafood. Whatever you have an appetite for, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find it in your drive along the Great River Road. If you’re headed south on the Great River Road, be sure to visit New Orleans—one of the best food cities in the world.

Interesting attractions. Up and down the Great River Road, you’ll find scores of interesting attractions, from fish hatcheries to art museums to science centers. Stop by one of the nearly 100 Interpretive Centers along the Great River Road to learn about the culture, heritage, history and ecology of the Mississippi River Region.

Hometown hospitality. From big cities like St. Louis, New Orleans and Minneapolis to small river towns across the northern and southern sections of the river, you’ll find friendly folks all along your drive. Spend some time exploring charming Main Streets or taking in the hustle and bustle of the big city (or give both a try).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Three antebellum homes to see along the Great River Road

Friday, April 24, 2015

Travelers along the southern portion of the Great River Road will find a bevy of historical sites and attractions, but antebellum homes—massive, ornate pre-Civil War properties that sit along the Mississippi River—are some of the South’s most interesting attractions. Here are three you shouldn’t miss.

Lakeport Plantation, Lake Village, Ark.

Lakeport Plantation is the only remaining Arkansas antebellum plantation on the Mississippi River. The home now serves as a museum and educational center teaching visitors about the Johnson family (who occupied the home until 1927), as well as the cotton industry and other historical events that affected residents in the Lake Village area.

Dunleith Historic Inn, Natchez, Miss.

Before the Civil War, the river town of Natchez, Miss., was home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Many of these wealthy residents’ impressive homes are now open to visitors for tours or even overnight stays, including the Dunleith Historic Inn. Dunleith, recently seen in the James Brown biopic “Get on Up”, was built in 1856 and sits on 40 beautifully landscaped acres. Several buildings on the property date back to the 1790s, including the carriage house and stables, and a dairy barn.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, La.

The largest remaining antebellum home in the South, the Nottaway Plantation House is a staggering 53,000 square feet and contains 64 rooms, seven staircases and five galleries. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River in 1858, the home also features an impressive ballroom painted in all white (including the floor). The plantation has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation now features a resort with 40 overnight rooms, a restaurant, and more.

Don’t miss these stops in the Pelican State

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Louisiana state Capitol, Baton Rouge

Looking for some fun along the Great River Road in Louisiana? Be sure to check out these can’t-miss locations.

Baton Rouge. Louisiana’s capital city sits along the shores of the Mississippi River, and you’ll find an abundance of fun in the “Red Stick.” Visit area plantations, stop by the zoo or museum with the kids, take in an LSU football game or try your luck at the L’auberge Casino—it’s all available to you in Baton Rouge. Plan your Baton Rouge visit here.

Plantation country. All along the Great River Road in Louisiana, you’ll find beautiful, historic antebellum homes, many of which have lodging opportunities available. Be sure to visit the iconic Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Houmas House in Darrow or—if you’re brave—St. Francisville’s Myrtles Plantation, reputedly one of the most haunted spots in America.

New Orleans. If you’re ending your trip at the southern terminus of the Great River Road, well, there’s no better city to spend a well-deserved break. From Mardi Gras to live music on pretty much every corner to delicious food (don’t forget the beignets!) and intriguing history, the Big Easy offers something for every traveler. Learn more about visiting New Orleans here.

Looking for more Great River Road attractions in Louisiana? You can find them here.

Celebrate Drive the Great River Road month

Thursday, September 04, 2014

September is Drive the Great River Road Month, a great time to explore America’s longest and oldest National Scenic Byway.

Fall is the perfect time to drive the Great River Road. Vibrant colors paint the trees from Minnesota to northern Mississippi, and you’ll find festivals, farmers markets and fun activities all along the Mississippi River corridor.

Looking for a few things to see and do in each of the 10 Great River Road states? We’ll head north to south with our suggestions:

Minnesota: Want to see where the Mississippi River starts its journey to the Gulf of Mexico? Visit Itasca State Park in Minnesota, where you can walk – yes, walk – across the headwaters of the Mississippi.
Wisconsin: A perfect stop to see fall color, Grandad Bluff in La Crosse gives you a 600-foot-high view of the city below and the Mississippi River beyond.
Illinois: Make a stop in the charming community of Galena, where you can find historic sites, tempting shopping, and toast-worthy wineries.
Iowa: Want a great view? Hop aboard Dubuque‘s Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. Ride to the top for an astonishing panoramic view of the Mississippi River and three states.
Missouri: This stop isn’t really more of a where, it’s a what: St. Louis barbecue. St. Louis has dozens of delicious barbecue options, including perennial favorite Pappy’s Smokehouse.
Kentucky: Learn about the Mississippi River’s role in the Civil War at Columbus-Belmont State Park, where you can find a six-ton anchor that – along with a mile-long chain – was used to blockade the river during battles between the North and South.
Tennessee: Students of American history should visit The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, an educational experience built around the preserved Lorraine Motel. Learn about the struggle for civil rights in America and see the preserved hotel rooms where Martin Luther King, Jr., spent his last hours.
Arkansas: Don’t miss the The King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, which welcomes tens of thousands of blues fans to the Mississippi Delta every year. Don’t miss this year’s festival Oct. 8-11.
Mississippi: Traveling through the Mississippi Delta? Stop by the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum on Highway 61 in Tunica. There, you’ll find valuable travel tips and advice from area experts. The museum is scheduled to open later this year.
Louisiana: You might recognize this place from numerous movies and TV shows — Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie welcomes visitors with an awe-inspiring canopy of 300-year-old oak trees leading to a pristine antebellum plantation.

Find more attractions in each state here.

What to see on the Great River Road in Missouri

Friday, July 11, 2014

Saint Louis Art Museum

Traveling along the Great River Road in Missouri? Here are a few “musts” to put on your itinerary.

1. Get to know Mark Twain’s hometown. Hannibal, Mo., which sits about two hours north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, was once home to a young lad by the name of Samuel Clemens. Now, you can visit this quaint river town and see how it celebrates the life and stories of Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. See where Twain lived and learn about his time here at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. And, if you’re in town on the Fourth of July, be sure to catch National Tom Sawyer Days, which features a fence-painting competition, a frog-jumping contest and more.

2. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum. If you’re exploring St. Louis’ Forest Park (which you should, because you can get into great free attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum), be sure to take some time to take a look around the Saint Louis Art Museum, housed in one of the only surviving buildings from the 1904 World’s Fair. The museum (admission’s free here, too) boasts more than 33,000 works, covering everything from ancient Egypt to contemporary American art.

3. Travel to the top of the Arch. You can’t miss the opportunity to travel to the top of St. Louis’ Gateway Arch when you’re in town. A trip to the top of the 630-foot Arch will put you at the highest point in downtown St. Louis, and, if it’s a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view. (Be sure to take in the exhibits at the Arch to learn more about the history of St. Louis and the Arch itself, too.)

4. Learn about Missouri’s earthquake history (really). In 1811 and 1812, the river town of New Madrid in Missouri’s southeastern corner experienced three significant earthquakes, all with magnitudes of 7.5 or above. The temblors were felt as far away as New York City, Boston and in Washington, D.C., and caused the Mississippi River to run backwards for several hours. You can learn more about this unique seismic event and more at the New Madrid Historical Museum.

Plan your Iowa Great River Road itinerary

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Traveling the Great River Road in Iowa? Be sure to add these stops to your list.

Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor. Come see why this northern Iowa state park is one of the most photographed areas in the entire state. Trek to the top of the 500-foot bluffs for a breathtaking view of the meeting of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Pikes Peak is a fantastic spot to see fall colors in October.

Pikes Peak State Park

Dubuque. Sitting across the Mississippi River from the Wisconsin/Iowa border, the city of Dubuque offers something for every traveler, whether you’re interested in dining, shopping, gaming, recreation or anything else. Ride the historic Fenelon Place Elevator or visit the Mines of Spain Recreation Area for a great view over the Mississippi River. Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium to learn about the river and the animals that populate it. Try your luck at Diamond Jo Casino or Q Casino.

Putnam Museum, Davenport. Visit the largest museum in central Iowa to learn about everything from ancient Egypt to outer space. Don’t miss the Spark! Learning Lab, which offers hands-on exhibits on science and technology, including electrical circuits, chemistry and construction engineering.

Snake Alley, Burlington. Did you know that Iowa is home to the “crookedest street in the world”? Don’t miss Burlington’s Snake Alley, which was built in 1894 with locally fired bricks and hosts a bike race every Memorial Day weekend. See a full list of Iowa Great River Road attractions.

Don’t miss these Minnesota destinations

Monday, March 10, 2014

Itasca State Park

Traveling along the Great River Road in Minnesota? Here are four destinations you shouldn’t miss.

The headwaters of the Mississippi River. When the Mississippi River starts out – way up in northern Minnesota at Itasca State Park – it’s only about knee deep and not much wider than a city street. Hop across the rocks to get to the other side or just take in the beautiful northwoods scenery along 49 miles of walking trails or 16 miles of paved bike trails. Learn more about Itasca State Park here.
Bemidji. Head north (yes, the Mississippi flows north briefly) from Itasca State Park to Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi. Offering abundant recreation opportunities, family fun and postcard-worthy natural beauty, Bemidji is a great stop along the Great River Road. And, don’t miss the photo opportunity with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox outside the visitor center! Learn more about Bemidji here.
The Twin Cities. Minneapolis and Saint Paul boast and outstanding array of activities for any visitor, whether you’re looking for enlightening arts and culture, award-winning restaurants or the nation’s largest shopping center. Winter, spring, summer or fall – you’ll find four seasons worth of fun in the Twin Cities. Learn more about Minneapolis and Saint Paul here.
Red Wing. Heading south from the Twin Cities, you’ll encounter quaint river towns on the banks of the Mississippi River. One destination that should make your list is Red Wing, home to the famous shoemaker of the same name. Explore the shops, restaurants and hotels in the historic downtown and take advantage of some true Midwest hospitality. Red Wing is also a popular eagle-watching destination in the winter. Learn more about Red Wing here.

Want to know more about the Minnesota Great River Road? Find itineraries, attractions and more here.

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