Travel through History Along Arkansas’s Great River Road

Friday, November 21, 2014

Arkansas is rich in history and there’s no better way to take it all in than a trip down the Great River Road.

Delta Cultural Center

Located in downtown Helena, the Delta Cultural Center is really two buildings. The Depot features two permanent exhibits, one telling the story of the Arkansas Delta and its people, from prehistoric days to the present and the second detailing the role the state played in the Civil War. One block away you’ll find the Visitors Center, which is home to several traveling exhibits and its permanent feature, Delta Sounds. Delta Sounds features listening stations where visitors can listen to all the music of the Arkansas Delta, including blues, gospel and rockabilly. It’s also home to the longest running daily blues radio show in the U.S. – King Biscuit Time.

Lake Chicot State Park

Lake Chicot is Arkansas’s largest natural lake. This 20-mile long oxbow lake was part of the Mississippi River until centuries ago, when the river altered its course and the lake was cut off. Now the lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to its location along the Mississippi Flyway, the birding is fantastic and the water is rife with crappie, bass and catfish. There are campsites and cabins and boat and bicycle rentals to round out your visit.

Lakeport Plantation

The Lakeport Plantation house in Lake Village is the last remaining antebellum Arkansas plantation home on the Mississippi River. Built in 1859, the home has been beautifully restored into a museum focusing on the lifestyles and relationships between and people who lived and worked at Lakeport.

Parkin Archeological State Park

Parkin Archeological State Park was the site of a former American Indian village from A.D. 1000 to 1600 which is believed to be Casqui, the village visited by explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. Archeological excavations are often underway here and can be viewed via guided tour. Exhibits and audio tours are also available. Parkin remains one of the last archeological sites of its kind in the region as many were destroyed during the settling of eastern Arkansas.

Must-see attractions on the Great River Road in Tennessee

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Tennessee is home to world-famous sights and fantastic local secrets. There’s much to see and do, and here are a few good places to start.

Graceland

The King lives on in this iconic Memphis estate. Never been? You have to, if only for the jumpsuits. Made the pilgrimage before? Welcome back to the Jungle Room. Exhibits change yearly in this National Historic Landmark so this is a destination worth revisiting. Check out the King’s 1955 pink Cadillac, admire the gold records and Grammys in the trophy room and see the piano that Elvis used to play his final songs. Before you leave, pause at the Meditation Garden and pay your respects.

Beale Street

Is the best thing about Beale Street the blues, the beer or the barbeque? Who cares? No one has to choose in this happy hub of good times. This iconic Memphis street starts at the Mississippi River and runs east into the heart of downtown fun. The Beale Street Entertainment District features a cluster of restaurants, nightclubs and shops and the party continues late into the night.

Reelfoot

See a different kind of wildlife in this northwest Tennessee lake, a migratory stop for pelicans and a nesting place for bald eagles. The shallow 15,000-acre lake was created when a series of violent earthquakes in 1811-1812 briefly caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards. The Reelfoot Lake today is a great place for boating and birding. Check out Reelfoot Lake State Park, which features a visitor center, campgrounds and picnic facilities.

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.

Three Things to See on the Great River Road in Kentucky

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Rural beauty is what you’ll find along the Great River Road as it passes through Kentucky. Here are three places you should visit on your next trip along this scenic stretch of the byway.

Traveling north along the Great River Road in Kentucky, your first stop should be Columbus-Belmont State Park. The park located on the banks of the Mississippi River and is home to an interesting Civil War Museum housed in a farmhouse that was once a Confederate hospital. During the Civil War, a fort was built at Columbus and armed with 143 canons. The park includes a snack bar, gift shop, mini golf, a picnic area and campground.

Further north, you’ll find Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. From A.D. 1100 to 1350, a Native American village occupied the site at Wickliffe Mounds. The settlement included earthen mounds and homes overlooking the Mississippi River. Today, the area is an archeological site. A museum includes exhibits displaying Mississippian-era pottery, stone tools, artifacts and artwork. Climb atop the Ceremonial Mound for great views of the area.

A short drive east from the Great River Road, you’ll find Paducah. This charming community was recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art. Stop by the National Quilt Museum and explore the city’s many shops and galleries.

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.

Interesting Illinois Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss

Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River along Illinois’ western boarder for 550 miles. Along the way, travelers will find plenty of charming river towns and fun things to see and do. Here are some interesting attractions you should be sure to see while you’re touring the Illinois Great River Road this summer.

Galena – This river town is one of the Midwest’s most picturesque. Surrounded by tall bluffs and full of historic buildings, Galena has an almost storybook appearance. Treasure hunters will find shops and antiques dealers galore. Be sure to visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home.

Nauvoo – Many people don’t know about the tragic story of the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo in the mid-1800s. Learn about this fascinating chapter in American history in this now quiet river town. This is a must for history buffs.

Villa Kathrine in Quincy – See a piece of Morocco on the Mississippi River! Villa Kathrine is a unique example of Mediterranean-style architecture. Take a tour of this beautiful home that includes a breathtaking, ornate courtyard.

National Great Rivers Museum in Alton – If you want to understand ecology and commerce on the Mississippi River, this is the place to go. Through exhibits, models and aquariums, you’ll come to know the story of the river.

Cahokia Mounds – Long before Columbus arrived in the New World, a great city was thriving at this site along the Mississippi River. You’ll see some of the huge earthen structures these ancient Americans built and learn more about their society.

This summer, check out these and the many other interesting attractions you’ll find along the Great River Road in Illinois. You’re sure to make many discoveries of your own!

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.

Wisconsin: Five Must-see Attractions

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

The Wisconsin Great River Road runs for 250 miles along the Mississippi River. Along the way, the road passes through 33 unique river towns offering everything from museums to wineries. There’s a lot to see and do along this stretch of scenic highway. Here are five things you shouldn’t miss.

Dickeyville Grotto – This ornate sculpture park is one of the finest examples of folk art in America. Built by Father Matthias Wernerus from 1918 to 1931, this complex of pillars, statues, walls, fountains and buildings shimmers with glass, colored pottery, sea shells and other colorful items. You’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Potosi Brewery Museum – Housed in one of Wisconsin’s oldest breweries, this museum tells the fascinating story of how beer was made, transported and marketed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This museum includes the National Brewery Museum, the Potosi Brewing Company Transportation Museum and a Great River Road Interpretive Center.
Fort Crawford Museum – Prairie du Chien is one of the oldest communities on the entire Mississippi River. It was once the site of Fort Crawford, and important military station on the American Frontier in the early to mid 1800s. The museum includes a number of artifacts and exhibits, including an interesting exhibit focusing on Frontier medicine.
Villa Louis – Prairie du Chien is also home to Villa Louis, the elegant home of a wealthy 1800s fur-trader. The tour includes 25 painstakingly restored rooms in four different buildings. The estate includes beautiful garden paths, duck ponds and exhibits about fur trading. It’s a beautiful place you don’t want to miss.
Buena Vista Park – Located on a bluff high above the picturesque town of Alma, Buena Vista Park offers what might be the best view in Wisconsin. Gaze down at the town, watch passing barges or look far across the river into Minnesota. It’s also a good place to see eagles and other raptors soaring on the warm air that rises along the face of the cliff. Bring a camera.

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.

Spotlight LA: Plantations

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Catch a glimpse of extravagant U.S. history by visiting a Louisiana plantation. Each with its own unique history and architecture, these plantations offer an immersive learning experience that everyone should experience on their trip to Louisiana. Here are just a few you should check out, though there are plenty more to see if you’re interested.

One of the most photographed places in Louisiana lies in Vacherie. The Oak Alley Plantation is a Greek revival mansion situated at the end of a majestic alley of live oak trees.
The colorful and ornately decorated San Francisco Plantation is known as one of the most opulent plantation houses in North America. Head to Garyville to see this mansion.
Ormond Plantation is a West Indie’s style plantation originally used to farm indigo, later flourishing as a sugarcane plantation. It resides in Destrehan.
Destrehan Plantation, also located in Destrehan, hosts exhibits that capture the 1811 Slave Revolt – the largest slave revolt in U.S. history.
The Evergreen Plantation in Edgard is the most intact plantation complex in the South, hosting an astounding 37 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. This plantation was even granted landmark status – the nation’s highest historic designation – for its agricultural acreage.
Houmas House, or “The Sugar Palace,” got its nickname for once being the largest producer of sugar in the country – at one time producing 20 million pounds of sugar annually. Located in Darrow.