Fall color hotspots along the northern Great River Road

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

Fall colors put on an amazing show along the Mississippi River every autumn, and there are lots of great views to be had along the Great River Road. There are dozens of scenic overlooks along the northern part of the river, and the Great River Road boasts an impressive array of parks and other attractions that are great locales for seeing fall color in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.

Here are a few you shouldn’t miss.

Great River Bluffs State Park – Winona, Minnesota

This state park southeast of Winona is home to nearly 10 miles of hiking trails and outstanding views of the Mississippi River. It’s a great place to go in fall, as the trails lead to several scenic overlooks along the river where hikers can see fall colors along the bluffs below and across the river in Wisconsin. 

Buena Vista Park & Overlook – Alma, Wisconsin

This great spot overlooking the Mississippi is located 30 minutes north of Winona. Better Homes & Gardens Magazine named this one of the river valley’s “finest natural balconies.” The lookout towers 500 feet above tree-lined Alma and the Mississippi River Valley. Watch the barges and boats travel through the lock & dam, do some birdwatching, and watch the sun set over the river!

Mount Hosmer Park, Lansing, Iowa

This park is located on a bluff that towers 450 feet above Lansing. It offers a panoramic overlook of 50 miles of the Mississippi River Valley and its fall foliage. There’s also some beautiful hiking and biking trails here. While in Lansing, check out one of our official Great River Road Interpretive Centers, the Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center.

Pere Marquette State Park – Grafton, Illinois

Located near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in southwestern Illinois, this scenic state park is the largest in Illinois, covering nearly 8,000 acres. In addition to awe-inspiring views of the Illinois River, the park is home to eight trails of varying lengths open for hiking, biking, equestrian activities, and winter sports.

Riverview Park – Hannibal, Missouri

True to its name, Riverview Park in Hannibal offers amazing views of the Missouri and Illinois sides of the Mississippi River during fall color season. (Fall colors in Missouri usually peak in mid-to-late October.) The 465-acre park is home to nearly 5 miles of paved and unpaved trails that wind through the park and along the river. There is also a Mark Twain statue—this is his boyhood home, after all, and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum (an official Great River Road Interpretive Center) is a must-visit.

(Photo: Great River Bluffs State Park, Minnesota/Beth Barutha)

Fall migration on the Great River Road

Travelers on the Great River Road this season may notice they have some company.

The Great River Road All-American Road follows the path of the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route used by 35 percent of North American birds. It the biggest flyway for migratory birds and is used by 325 different species. Some bids will travel a few hundred miles on the flyway, others more than a thousand as they move from vast breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to wintering areas in southern states, Central America and Mexico.

The Mississippi River Valley provides food, habitat and protection for millions of birds as they make this epic twice-yearly journey. Along the route, travelers will see birds on the move, including vast flocks of geese as well as cranes, ducks, sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes and warblers.

So what’s the best way to see these beautiful creatures?

Start by visiting one of the birding locations on the route. Locks & dams and scenic overlooks along the route offer fantastic birding. See a list of these spots here. Consider bring along some binoculars and a birding book so you can identify the birds you encounter.

There are also many parks and museums of interest to bird lovers on the route.

  • At the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota you can meet real bald and golden eagles, climb in a nest or see how your strength stacks up against the national bird’s. The museum is open but pre-registration is required.
  • The Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge stretches for 261 miles through Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota and offers some of the best birdwatching in the world during the spring and fall migrations. 
  • Charles, Arkansas is home to the White River National Wildlife Refuge. Over 300 lakes and ponds, the Bottomland Hardwood Forest and the White River make an ideal home for migrating birds. You’ll see bald eagles, wood ducks, prothonotary warblers and many kinds of birds native to the south.
  • In Louisiana, the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, you’ll find more than 200 species of birds, from herons, egrets and ibis to prothonotary warblers and painted buntings. The scenery is breathtaking here with canals, forests and swamps.

Interested in learning even more? The Great River Birding Trail has specific details on birds on the rote, including the abundance of different species, nesting locations and directions to more birding spots along then northern part of the Mississippi. Click below to see maps for some of the different segments on the route.

Cool down at these Great River Road waterparks

Monday, August 10, 2026

Beat the heat this summer with waterslides, lazy rivers, and other aquatic attractions. You’ll find fun, family-friendly waterparks along the Great River Road in several states—here are three you shouldn’t miss.

Cascade Bay, Eagan

A short drive from other attractions like the Mall of America and Historic Fort Snelling in Minnesota’s Twin Cities region, Cascade Bay is home to seven waterslides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool, and even a mini golf facility for added fun.

Raging Rivers WaterPark, Grafton

A fun family waterpark with amazing views of the Mississippi River, Raging Rivers is located just off the Great River Road near Grafton in southwestern Illinois, about an hour’s drive from St. Louis. The park features the Mississippi Monster tube slide, an endless river, swirl pools, cascade body flumes, and more.

Cool Zoo Waterpark, New Orleans

This waterpark, located in the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, is open from May through Labor Day (weekends only in May until Memorial Day and early August until Labor Day) and features a lazy river, a waterslide, interactive splash zones, and sandy beaches. It’s a great place to explore before or after you visit the zoo.

Photo Credit: Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Here’s what our fans love about the Great River Road

Monday, July 13, 2026

Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, we asked our fans to submit some of their favorite things about the Great River Road, an All-American Road that follows the Mississippi River for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. Here’s what they said.

See more fan submissions and submit your own favorites here.

Wading the Mississippi

People wading in the Mississippi River Headwaters at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota

“You must wade down the knee-deep Mississippi River at its source in Lake Itasca State Park in Minnesota.” –Roger D.

Windsor Ruins

Shot of columns at Windsor Ruins site in Port Gibson, Mississippi

“Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi, are must-stops on the Great River Road, but there is also an interesting stop located about halfway between—Windsor Ruins. A short drive off US Hwy 61 and close by Alcorn State University (first black land grant college established in the United States).” –Sue & Bill P.

Grandad Bluff

Bird’s-eye view of Grandad Bluff in La Crosse, Wisconsin

About 2 miles from Mississippi River is a road up to the top of granddad Bluff in La Crosse, WI. The views from the top of the Bluff are out of this world on a clear day you can see Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. –Lynn W.

America’s Best Sunset

Sunset over twin Mississippi River bridges in Natchez, Mississippi

“Best view for a sunset in the 48 contiguous states is from the Natchez [Mississippi] bluff. Watching the sun set over the Louisiana delta.” –Derick B.

National Eagle Center

Bald eagle at National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota

“Fantastic experience seeing eagles up close in a small but in-depth museum. In Wabasha, MN, beautiful location on the river. Great programs, eagle viewing cruises. Well worth a visit.” –Lynne E.

Views and Vistas

Pair of bald eagles in a tree in winter along the Great River Road

Taking a drive along the Great River Road is always an amazing adventure filled with the wonders of Natures gifts to us. The mighty Mississippi rolling along next to you, spying an Aerie of Bald Eagles scanning for a meal in the river, pausing to cast a line and wondering what might be waiting in the river to reel in from boat or shore, or Hiking the bluffs to catch a sunset or wildlife above the river or the Beautiful Colors of Fall.” –Larry K.

(Photo: Greenville Bridge along the Great River Road in Lake Village, Arkansas/Robert Goosney)

5 parks to visit along the Great River Road this summer

Tuesday, June 09, 2026

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 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)

Great River Road named the Best Scenic Drive in America–again!

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Thank you, Great River Road fans: due to your support, the Great River Road has once again been selected as the Best Scenic Drive in America in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards!

A panel of travel experts nominated 20 routes for the Best Scenic Drive distinction, including the Great River Road as well as other highways and byways like the Natchez Trace Parkway (which starts in Natchez, Mississippi—one of the cities on the Great River Road), the Blue Ridge Parkway, Route 66, and the Road to Hana.

Summer is a great time to explore the scenic beauty of the Great River Road, an All-American Road that follows the Mississippi River through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. 

Need some trip inspiration? Check out these articles to learn more about where to go and what to see along the Great River Road: 

You can also follow the Great River Road on Facebook and Instagram.

(Photo: Great River Road seen from John A. Latsch State Park in Winona, Minn./Susie Loechler)

Explore these cities on the southern Great River Road

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Whether you’re a music lover, in search of award-winning Southern cuisine, or looking for outdoor adventures on the Mississippi River, you’ll find plenty to see and do in the southern Great River Road states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Here are five cities you shouldn’t miss on your next road trip.

Learn more about the southern Great River Road here.

Wickliffe, Kentucky

Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers along the Kentucky Great River Road, the small city of Wickliffe is home to great opportunities for outdoor recreation—including fishing, hunting, and hiking—as well as Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. An official Great River Road Interpretive Center, Wickliffe Mounds is an archaeological site featuring artifacts from the Mississippian mound builder culture that made their home in the region more than 1,000 years ago.

Find more Wickliffe visitor information.

Memphis, Tennessee

Located in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is a must-visit stop along the Great River Road, offering an amazing mix of musical attractions, recreational opportunities, and delicious food. Iconic music attractions in the city include Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, the Stax Museum, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Visitors can get out and enjoy canoeing on the Mississippi River or biking, hiking, and more at Shelby Farms Park. If you’re hungry, you’re in luck: Memphis is home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants.

Find more Memphis visitor information.

West Memphis, Arkansas

Just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, West Memphis on the Arkansas Great River Road offers visitors a wide array of opportunities for exploration. Be sure to stop at the Delta Cultural Center, a museum and official Great River Road Interpretive Center that features educational exhibits about the people and the land in the Arkansas Delta (it’s also home to the long-running King Biscuit Time radio show). Visitors can also take a stroll (or a bike ride) across the Big River Crossing, a former railroad bridge that spans the Mississippi River between Arkansas and Tennessee and is now the longest cycle/pedestrian bridge over the mighty waterway.

Find more West Memphis visitor information.

Clarksdale, Mississippi

Visit the “Birthplace of the Blues” in northwestern Mississippi, about a 90-minute drive from Memphis along the Blues Highway (U.S. Highway 6estaurants 1). Music lovers will find lots to love, from the exhibits and history at the Delta Blues Museum to the historic Crossroads at Highway 49 and 61 historic performance venues throughout the city, where visitors can find live music every night of the year. Outdoors adventurers can explore the Mississippi River through Quapaw Canoe Company, and local restaurants serve up regional favorites like catfish, tamales, barbeque, and more.

Find more Clarksdale visitor information.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whatever you’re interested in exploring along the southern Great River Road—music, history, food, nature, or anything in between—you’ll find a place to do it in New Orleans. Visit iconic music attractions like the French Quarter (home to Preservation Hall, the Jazz Playhouse, and other iconic venues), Frenchmen Street, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum or find delicious local dishes like jambalaya, po’ boys, and gumbo at world-renowned and Michelin-starred restaurants. Great River Road Interpretive Centers like the Louisiana State Museum (which includes seven historic buildings) and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve are amazing places to discover historical and natural attractions.

Find more New Orleans visitor information.

(Photo: Elvis fans in front of Graceland in Memphis – Alex Shansky/Memphis Travel)

Vote for the Great River Road as America’s best scenic drive

Monday, April 06, 2026

We’re excited to announce that we’ve once again been nominated as America’s Best Scenic Drive in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards!

Voting runs through 11am CT Monday, May 4, so show your support for the Great River Road by registering and voting here (you can vote once a day during the voting period).

The top 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 13.

Want to learn more about what makes the Great River Road so special? Check out these articles:

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more Great River Road scenery.

(Photo: Latsch State Park, Minnesota/Susie Loechler)

What to see & do in Crawford County on the Wisconsin Great River Road

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Crawford County sits along the southern section of Wisconsin’s Great River Road the southwestern part of the state and boasts an impressive array of things to see and do for visitors of all ages, from locks & dams to Interpretive Centers to hiking trails along the Mississippi River.

Places to Stay

Crawford County has plenty of welcoming places to stay, including hotels and vacation rentals.

Check out the lodging options on the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce website. Prairie du Chien is located in the southwestern corner of the county and has a wide selection of cabins, cottages, lodges, campgrounds, and other places to stay. If you’ve got the kids along, you can even find a hotel with a swimming pool.

Ferryville in the northwestern part of the county is home to lots of vacation homes to choose from—pick one and you’ll have easy access to the Wisconsin Great River Road and excellent views of the Mississippi River.

Things to Do

Want to learn all about how massive barges transport their cargo? Take a tour of Lock & Dam #8 in Genoa or Lock & Dam #9 in Lynxville. If you’re lucky, you’ll see these massive shipping vessels go through the locks (which take barges from the higher elevations of the river to the lower and vice versa) and have a chance to chat with the lockmaster and barge workers.

Another fun attraction in Genoa is the Clements Fishing Barge, which is right offshore from Lock & Dam #8. Cast for perch, walleye, bass, catfish, and more, watch bald eagles soar overhead, and enjoy a hamburger or hot dog while you’re on board.

Also nearby is the Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road Interpretive Center, which shares the history of the land and people of southwestern Wisconsin and highlights the importance of the Mississippi River to trade and travel. There are also two aquariums where visitors can see aquatic species common to the Mississippi River.

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area just south of Ferryville offers visitors a 1.5-mile hike that ends in a panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and other birds and wildflowers in spring, summer, and fall.

Gays Mills—a small village about 20 minutes east of Ferryville in the middle of Crawford County—has a rich apple-growing history and boasts more than 1,000 acres of apple orchards, as well as fun fall events like the annual Apple Festival.

Soldiers Grove in the northeastern part of the county sits along the Kickapoo River and is a popular spot to visit for fall colors in September. It’s also home to the annual Driftless Area Art Festival, which highlights the visual, performing, and culinary arts of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.

Art lovers and antique hunters should visit Wauzeka along the Wisconsin River in the southern part of Crawford County.

Places to Eat

All that adventure on the Wisconsin Great River Road and throughout Crawford County is sure to make you work up an appetite. Here are some great restaurants you can find along the route:

Prairie du Chien

Ferryville

De Soto

(Photo: Sunset over the Mississippi River in Ferryville/Jackson Kinney)