The Great River Road’s network of Interpretive Centers tells the story of the Mississippi River, its people, and its history at museums, historical sites, parks, and more. Here are some of the Interpretive Centers you shouldn’t miss in the northern Great River Road states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.

See more Interpretive Centers along the Great River Road here.

All about the Mississippi River

Looking to learn a little bit about the mighty Mississippi River as you follow it through the Great River Road’s northern states?  Start at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center at Itasca State Park (where the Mississippi River starts), where you’ll find exhibits about the park’s history, the local environment, and more—plus, the headwaters of the Mississippi are just a short walk from the visitor center. The Mississippi River Visitor Center in Rock Island, Illinois, overlooks Lock & Dam 15, and visitors can learn about the Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts to tame the river and how barges and other boat traffic navigate the waterway.

Discover the fish and other animals that make their home in and around the Mississippi River at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque. This popular attraction in northeastern Iowa is home to 14 acres of river animals, including ducks, turtles, otters, stingrays, fish, and even an alligator.

In Wisconsin, the Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road Interpretive Center features two aquariums filled with fish native to the Mississippi River and a stream aquarium including fish typically found int the state’s streams. The hatchery grounds are also a good spot for birdwatching.

Parks and natural areas

Explore everything the Mississippi River has to offer at the National Park Service’s Mississippi River Visitor Center in St. Paul, which includes exhibits on the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and river culture, biology, and history, as well as information on recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and more in the recreation area.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Refuge—which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024—stretches from Reads Landing, Minnesota, to Princeton, Iowa, and the refuge’s visitor center can be found in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The visitor center has exhibits about the river region and its wildlife, as well as an overlook frequented by bald eagles, swans, and other birds.

Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton is one of Illinois’ most beautiful parks, offering outstanding views of the Illinois River—a tributary of the Mississippi River—and great trails for hiking, scenic campsites, and excellent fishing.  Located along the Mississippi River in southeastern Missouri, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center can be found in the city’s North County Park and is a great place for birdwatching and hiking.

One of several National Park Service sites on the Great River Road, Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, features more than 200 earthen mounds, some of which were constructed 1,400 years ago. The 2,500-acre park also has 14 miles of trails, some of which offer breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and its surroundings.

A trip through history

The confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers has long been an important place of gathering, and St. Paul’s Historic Fort Snelling—situated at the meeting of these two waterways—tells a story that stretches back more than 10,000 years and includes Native American cultures like the Dakota, French fur traders, American soldiers, and many more.

Two iconic Interpretive Centers in Missouri take visitors through the history of the Mississippi River and America’s westward expansion: the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal honors one of the country’s most famous authors, and Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis includes not only the famous 550-foot-tall Arch but also the Museum of Westward Expansion, which includes artifacts from the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Speaking of iconic Americans, William F. Cody (aka “Buffalo Bill”) was born in LeClaire, Iowa, and fans of Western history can learn about his life at the city’s Buffalo Bill Museum and Lone Star Steamer, which is also home to the nation’s sole remaining wood-hulled steamboat. 

Learn about Wisconsin’s agricultural history at Stonefield Historic Site in Cassville, which is located on the former estate of the Dairy State’s first governor and boasts more than 30 restored historic businesses and Wisconsin’s largest collection of farm equipment and vintage tractors.

Did you know that Illinois’ section of the Great River Road is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville tells the story of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico, which once covered more than 4,000 acres and included more than 120 earthen mounds.

Photo: Itasca State Park/Peter Hawkins

The northern states of the Great River Road—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri—offer an abundance of natural beauty (including the headwaters of the Mississippi River), interesting attractions, and much more to explore. Here’s a closer look at the Great River Road in each of these states—what routes to drive, what towns and cities you shouldn’t miss, and what Interpretive Centers you should visit.

Minnesota

The Great River Road starts (or ends, depending on which way you’re driving) at Itasca State Park in far northern Minnesota and travels through the beautiful woodlands of northern Minnesota as it heads north to Bemidji then south to the Twin Cities before reaching the southeastern corner of the state, where it follows the Mississippi River alongside stunning limestone bluffs.  

Notable Great River Road towns & cities in Minnesota:

• Bemidji
• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Red Wing
• Winona

Notable highways that make up the Great River Road in Minnesota:

• County Highway 75 (Beltrami County – Bemidji)
• U.S. Highway 169 (Aitkin)
• Interstate 494 (Twin Cities)
• U.S. Highway 61 (Hastings to La Crescent)

Notable Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Minnesota: 

• Itasca State Park, Park Rapids
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, St. Paul
• National Eagle Center, Wabasha

See more Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Minnesota here.

Wisconsin

On the eastern side of the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin Great River Road travels for 250 miles through 33 river towns on the state’s western border, offering great opportunities for recreation on and off the river, easy-to-explore historic cities and towns, and interesting attractions throughout the region.

Notable Great River Road towns & cities in Wisconsin:

• Pepin
• Onalaska
• La Crosse
• Prairie du Chien
• Potosi

Notable highways that make up the Great River Road in Wisconsin:

• State Highway 35 (Prescott to Dickeyville)

Notable Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Wisconsin:

• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Visitor Center, Onalaska
• Stonefield Historic Site, Cassville
• Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien

See more Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Wisconsin here.

Illinois

Illinois is home to the longest stretch of the Great River Road—over 500 miles—and road trippers will discover a lot to explore along the way, including Galena (a historic town that’s often named one of the top towns in America), Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of the largest native civilization north of Mexico), and the meeting of the Great River Road and historic Route 66 in southwestern Illinois.

Notable Great River Road towns & cities in Illinois:

• Galena
• Quad Cities (Moline and Rock Island in Illinois)
• Nauvoo
• Quincy
• Alton

Notable highways that make up the Great River Road in Illinois:

• U.S Highway 20 (Galena)
• State Highway 84 (Elizabeth to the Quad Cities)
• State Highway 96 (Nauvoo to Kampsville)
• State Highway 100 (Grafton and Alton)
• State Highway 3 (Wood River to Cairo)

Notable Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Illinois:

• Mississippi River Visitor Center at Locks & Dam 15, Rock Island
• Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville

See more Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Illinois here.

Iowa

Motorists will find postcard-perfect historic towns and eye-catching riverscapes along Iowa’s section of the Great River Road, which passes through big cities and small towns alike. Stunning views abound as well—don’t miss the stunning vistas from Pike’s Peak State Park in McGregor or the views from the top of Dubuque’s Fenelon Place Elevator.

Notable Great River Road towns & cities in Iowa:

• Lansing
• Dubuque
• Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa)
• Burlington
• Keokuk

Notable highways that make up the Great River Road in Iowa:

• County Road X52 (Lansing to Harpers Ferry)
• State Highway 76 (Harpers Ferry to Marquette-McGregor)
• U.S. Highway 67 (Sabula to the Quad Cities)
• State Highway 99 (Wapello to Burlington)
• U.S. Highway 61 (Fort Madison to Keokuk)

Notable Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Iowa:

• Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry
• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque
• Putnam Museum & Science Center, Davenport

See more Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Iowa here.

Missouri

A trip along Missouri’s Great River Road is a trip through history. Stop in Hannibal in the northeastern part of the state to learn about the life of America’s most famous author, Mark Twain—the Mark Twain Boyhood & Home is a must-visit, and the historic city is home to many other Twain-themed attractions and events. St. Louis’ Gateway Arch offers outstanding views and tells the story of America’s westward expansion, and the town of Ste. Genevieve was settled nearly 300 years ago.

Notable Great River Road towns & cities in Missouri:

• Hannibal
• St. Louis
• Ste. Genevieve
• Cape Girardeau
• New Madrid

Notable highways that make up the Great River Road in Missouri:

• U.S. Highway 61 (Hannibal)
• State Highway 79 (Hannibal to St. Charles)
• Interstate 70 (St. Charles, St. Louis)
• U.S. Highway 61 (Herculaneum to Sikeston)

Notable Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Missouri:

• Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Hannibal
• Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis
• Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center

See more Great River Road Interpretive Centers in Missouri here.

Photo: Mississippi River overlook at Buena Vista Park in Alma on the Wisconsin Great River Road/Travel Wisconsin

There’s a lot more to explore along the Great River Road than just scenery and history—the cities and towns along the Mississippi River host engaging events that bring visitors back year after year. Here are some of the top recurring events you shouldn’t miss along the Great River Road in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.

Minnesota

• Saint Paul Winter Carnival – Held in Minnesota’s capital city from the end of January to early February, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has celebrated the season for more than 135 years. This 10-day festival features a wide array of events and attractions, including an ice sculpture garden, parades, kids’ activities and much more.  
• Great River Shakespeare Festival, Winona – Enjoy the classic works of William Shakespeare under the Mississippi River bluffs in the charming river town of Winona in southeastern Minnesota every summer. The Great River Shakespeare Festival features three main stage shows during its seasonal run in June and July, as well as other activities, including free concerts and a sonnet competition.

Wisconsin

• Potosi Brewfest – Beer lovers: Head to Potosi on the Wisconsin Great River Road, and you’ll find a historic brewery that dates to the 1850s. Potosi Brewing Company was once the fifth-largest brewery in the state and is now home to the National Brewery Museum, a restaurant and brew pub, an event space, and more. Every August, more than 60 vendors (craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries and specialty food vendors) come to the area for the annual Potosi Brewfest, which features games, live music, and food.
• Oktoberfest, La Crosse – Celebrate German culture and the oncoming fall season at the Midwest’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the Midwest every September in La Crosse. Feel the spirit of Gemütlichkeit (that’s German for friendliness and good cheer) as you enjoy traditional German food and beverages, dance along to German music, or catch some of the fun events like the wiener dog races.

Illinois

• Great Galena Balloon Race, Galena – Look to the skies over the historic town of Galena in northwestern Illinois every June to marvel at the display of colorful hot air balloons. It’s all part of the Great Galena Balloon Race, an annual fundraiser that’s during the third full weekend of June and includes balloon races, kids’ activities, a car show, and live music.
• Christmas Wonderland, Alton – When the holiday season rolls around, don’t miss this impressive light display, which starts after Thanksgiving and runs through the end of December at Rock Spring Park in Alton. The drive-through display features more than 4 million lights.

Iowa

• Snake Alley Art Fair, Burlington – This annual art fair (held every Father’s Day) has taken place for more than 50 years in the welcoming river city of Burlington. Artisans and crafters from across the Midwest set up their booths on the city’s famous Snake Alley—“the crookedest street in the world”—and the event also features art activities for kids, live music, and local food vendors.
• Dubuquefest – This August festival celebrating music, art, and culture has been held in downtown Dubuque (where else?) every summer since 1979. The free event features live music, food from local restaurants, and a weekend art fair.

Missouri

• Art in Bloom, St. Louis – One of St. Louis’ signature events, Art in Bloom is held every March at the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. Dozens of local florists use their creativity to reinterpret art from the museum’s collection, resulting in stunning arrangements that spark the imagination. In addition to displays, the festival features special events, family activities, and food and drink.
• National Tom Sawyer Days, Hannibal – Head to Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal—about an hour’s drive north of St. Louis along the Mississippi River—over the Fourth of July holiday week to join the fun at this festival that’s been going strong since the 1950s. Tom Sawyer Days features and abundance of family-friendly events, from fence painting and frog jumping competitions to live music and a carnival.

Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

Spring is just around the corner, so it’s a perfect time to discover the scenic sights, historical attractions, and charming cities and towns along the northern Great River Road states. Use this itinerary for a quick trip through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri on our All-American Road.

Day 1 – Minneapolis/Saint Paul

Start your northern Great River Road adventure in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which offer tons of opportunities for recreation and fun along the Mississippi River. Explore the wonders of the river at the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, snap some photos of the iconic Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Regional Park, or hop on a river cruise and see the sights.

History lovers should check out the riverside Mill City Museum, which makes its home in an old flour mill and uses an engaging multimedia presentation to tell the story of the region. Another iconic attraction is Historic Fort Snelling, a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1825 and is located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. 

If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, head north for about 200 miles to reach Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Here, the river is narrow enough to walk across with the help of some strategically placed stepping stones.

Day 2 – Minnesota river towns and Wisconsin

Head southeast out of the Twin Cities along the Great River Road to find a series of charming Minnesota river towns, Red Wing and Winona among them. Red Wing (yes, it’s the namesake for the famous boot brand and the iconic pottery company) has a historic downtown filled with shops, restaurants and even the flagship Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum where you’ll find the largest boot ever produced. Winona is home to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and stunning views of the river at places like Garvin Heights Park.

On the Wisconsin side of the river, you’ll find great places to explore like Perrot State Park north of Trempealeau and Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien. The La Crosse Region offers outstanding recreation along the Mississippi River Trail and fantastic views from the top of Grandad Bluff.

In the southwestern corner of the state lies Potosi, home to the historic Potosi Brewing Company (don’t miss the transportation museum and the National Brewery Museum on site, too). All along the Wisconsin Great River Road you’ll find unique roadside stops, too, like the one-of-a-kind Dickeyville Grotto.

Day 3 – Galena and Iowa

Head across the state line into northwestern Illinois and you’ll find Galena, routinely named one of the most charming towns in the country. The Galena River—which empties into the Mississippi River—passes through the historic downtown that’s home to tasty restaurants, unique gift shops, and more. And you can take in views of the Mississippi River at places like Chestnut Mountain Resort, which is home a scenic ski hill in the winter and offers an alpine slide, zip lining, river cruises, and more in the spring, summer, and fall.

Drive west across the river into Iowa on U.S. Highway 20 and you’ll hit Dubuque, which is home to several interesting attractions. Head to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a Smithsonian affiliate museum that’s home to more than 200 species of fish, mammals, reptiles, and other animals that can be found along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Just south of downtown Dubuque, you’ll find the Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B. Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center, a 1,400 acre park that offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, great recreational trails, and panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Another great view of the river can be found at Bellevue State Park, which is about a 30-minute drive south of Dubuque. The park—split into northern (Nelson) and southern (Dyas) units—is home to scenic overlooks, a nature center, a butterfly sanctuary, and more than 7 miles of hiking trails.

Keep heading south along the river and spend your night in the Quad Cities of Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side of the river and Rock Island and Moline on the Illinois side.

Day 4 – Iowa and Illinois

The Quad Cities offer a great mix of outdoor recreation (check out their bike paths along the Mississippi River), great shopping and dining, and unique attractions. One spot you shouldn’t miss is the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, which houses new and vintage equipment made by the agricultural manufacturer, as well as interactive exhibits.

Other Quad Cities attractions include the Mississippi River Visitor Center on Rock Island, where you can watch barges pass through Lock & Dam 15; Modern Woodmen Park, home to the Class-A Quad Cities River Bandits baseball team; Rock Island’s Black Hawk State Historic Site, named for the Native American leader whose tribe made their home in the area; and the architecturally stunning Figge Art Museum in Davenport.

Engaging river towns and unique attractions line both sides of the river as you head south through Iowa and Illinois. In Iowa, take a drive or walk on Burlington’s Snake Alley, the so-called “world’s crookedest street,” or learn about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Mormon pioneers who made their homes in Nauvoo along the Mississippi River in western Illinois.

End your day in Quincy, a historic city in Illinois that’s home to iconic architecture, the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail, and much more.

Day 5 – Missouri

Finish your tour of the northern Great River Road in the hometown of America’s most famous author. Hannibal, Missouri, is located about 20 miles south of Quincy—you’ll know you’ve reached it when you see the Mark Twain signs everywhere. Hannibal was where Mark Twain spent his formative years, and the city honors their native son to this day at attractions like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, the Mark Twain Cave Complex, and dozens of businesses, parks, and other attractions that bear the author’s name. 

Stay on the Missouri side of the river and head south for about 2 hours and you’ll arrive in St. Louis, home to everything from Major League Baseball to mouthwatering barbeque. Some sites you shouldn’t miss: Gateway Arch National Park, Forest Park (which is home to free attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum), and the world-famous Budweiser Brewery Experience.

If you want to head even further south on your road trip, you can visit Ste. Genevieve, the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi River for a true taste of history. The scenic Shawnee National Forest, located between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in southern Illinois, covers nearly 300,000 acres and is home to awe-inspiring attractions like Garden of the Gods.

(Photo: Travel Wisconsin)