Category Archives: Mississippi

Unique attractions along the southern Great River Road

Thursday, August 25, 2022

A trip along the Great River Road not only means great scenery, fantastic food, and engaging history—it also means a chance to discover some of the unique attractions that travelers can find along the route. Here’s a closer look at a few places to visit along the southern stretch of this All-American Road.

Kentucky

Kentucky’s section of the Great River Road is the shortest along the route, but there are still lots of interesting things to see and do along the Bluegrass State’s western edge. Columbus-Belmont State Park (part of the network of Great River Road Interpretive Centers) in Columbus offers great views of the Mississippi River from its campsites and trails and provides a glimpse at the Civil War history of the region. Visitors to the park will see a giant anchor and chain that was used (unsuccessfully, it turns out) to block Union ships from traversing the Mississippi, as well as Kentucky’s largest Civil War cannon. A museum on site educates visitors about Civil War history in the region, including the Battle of Belmont in November 1861.

Tennessee

Roadtrippers who explore Memphis will find a lot to love, from iconic attractions like Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum to world-famous barbeque and the sights and sounds of Beale Street. But two of the city’s more unique attractions are worth checking out, too. You can’t miss the Memphis Pyramid—this 300-foot-tall structure sits along the Mississippi River just north of downtown Memphis. Originally constructed as a sports arena, the Pyramid is now home to a Bass Pro Shops megastore, a hotel, two restaurants, the tallest freestanding elevator in the world, and many other attractions.

Arkansas

Big River Crossing spans the Mississippi River between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas, and is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi. It’s also a popular destination for bicyclists and connects to trails throughout Memphis, West Memphis, and the Mississippi Delta. Big River Crossing is free and open daily from 6am to 10pm. The bridge also features more than 100,000 LED lights that are programmed nightly to commemorate special events, holidays, and other causes.

Music fans shouldn’t miss the chance to learn about country music legend Johnny Cash in Dyess, about a 45-minute drive north of West Memphis. The Historic Dyess Colony and Johnny Cash Boyhood Home—another Great River Road Interpretive Center—tells the story of the Dyess Colony, a federal agricultural resettlement community that was established in 1934 as part of the Works Progress Administration. The Cash family moved to Dyess in 1935, and the Cash home is one of the few remaining homes in the community. Visitors to the site will learn about what life was like there in the early part of the 20th century and how living there affected Cash and his music.

Mississippi

Uncover more history at one of the Civil War’s most important sites as you travel along the Great River Road in Mississippi. Vicksburg National Military Park (a Great River Road Interpretive Center), located in the west-central part of the state, educates visitors about the Battle of Vicksburg, which took place from March 29 to July 4, 1863, and the campaign leading up to this key conflict.

Another glimpse into Mississippi’s past can be found at the Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson, about a 40-mile drive south of Vicksburg. The ruins sit on the site of the former Windsor Plantation, which was home to one of the largest houses in Mississippi before the Civil War. In 1890, a fire destroyed the home, leaving only the immense concrete columns behind. Today Windsor Ruins is a popular spot for photo ops along the Mississippi Great River Road.

Louisiana

Like the rest of the South, Louisiana is full of iconic historic sites, from Civil War battlefields to towering cathedrals to UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the state capital of Baton Rouge, visitors will find Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark that sits atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The castle-like Gothic-Victorian building was constructed in the late 1840s and was the home of the state legislature for nearly 90 years. Today, visitors can learn about state history at the Old State Capitol Museum and tour the unique architectural site, which includes a stained-glass cathedral dome.

New Orleans is famous for its ghost tours and other spectral attractions, but one of the most popular pastimes among visitors is touring local cemeteries. Metairie Cemetery (located in New Orleans proper, not the suburb of Metairie as one might think) is where some of the city’s most famous residents are buried, and it’s the perfect place to take a walk through history. See the graves of musicians like Louis Prima and Al Hirt, baseball Hall of Famer Mel Ott, and many local restaurateurs, like the founders of Brennan’s and Antoine’s. Learn more about New Orleans cemetery tours here.

Find summer fun along the Great River Road

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

There’s a lot to see and do along the Great River Road all year long, but summer offers an experience Mississippi River road trippers won’t soon forget. Here’s a closer look at some of the outdoor attractions, unique museums, and tasty summer treats you can find along the route.

Beaches, parks & boating

Just south of Wyalusing State Park in western Wisconsin, beachgoers will find the town of Wyalusing’s boat landing and beach, a popular spot for cooling off in the waters of the Mississippi River. The wide beach is also the perfect spot for a riverside picnic on a summer day. Note that there is a slight current and there is no lifeguard on duty, so beachgoers should exercise caution when swimming.

Lake Bruin State Park is a 53-acre park located between the Mississippi River and Lake Bruin in northeastern Louisiana that offers more than 3,000 acres of water to explore, making it a perfect destination for fishing, and watersports. The park also has lakeside camping opportunities, a swimming area, and a water playground.

Shelby Farms Park in east Memphis is massive—it spans more than 4,500 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in the country—and is home to more than 40 miles of trails and 20 bodies of water, as well as a zip line course, playgrounds, horseback riding and much more.

Want to get out on the Mississippi River? Hop on a Padelford Riverboats tour in Minnesota’s Twin Cities and enjoy the scenery along the Upper Mississippi River. Padelford offers several sightseeing and lunch/dinner cruises, as well as themed and holiday cruises.

Attractions & museums

Road trippers traveling along the Great River Road in Missouri shouldn’t miss one of the most iconic attractions along route—Gateway Arch National Park. In addition to the 600-foot arch, visitors can learn about the country’s growth at the Museum of Westward Expansion, which includes unique items from the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Country music fans: Make plans to stop in Dyess in northeastern Arkansas to visit the Historic Dyess Colony, a federal agricultural settlement community that was part of the New Deal and happened to be the boyhood home of a country star named Johnny Cash. 

Looking for more music? Clarksdale in northeastern Mississippi is home to the Delta Blues Museum, a facility dedicated to the history of this most American of art forms. Visitors can see the home Muddy Waters lived in as a sharecropper, marvel at the instruments played by legends like John Lee Hooker and B.B. King and learn about the Delta’s most iconic musicians.

Cool treats

Fans of old-time ice cream parlors will hit the jackpot at Lagomarcino’s in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Established in Moline, Illinois, in 1908, Lagomarcino’s is still family-owned to this day, and the store boasts delicious handmade chocolates and other treats, as well as a soda fountain that serves up classic confections and ice cream. Head across the river to find another Lagomarcino’s location in Davenport. 

Another Quad Cities institution, Whitey’s Ice Cream has locations in Moline, Rock Island, and East Moline in Illinois and Davenport, Bettendorf, and Eldridge in Iowa. Chester “Whitey” Lindgren (so nicknamed because of his white-blond hair) opened his first ice cream shop in Moline in 1933, and the franchise has expanded to eight locations throughout the Quad Cities. The menu includes more than 40 flavors of ice cream, as well as shakes and malts, sundaes, and Bostons (a malt or shake with a sundae on top). 

The twin towns of Fulton, Kentucky, and South Fulton, Tennessee, come together every year to celebrate the almighty banana at the annual Banana Festival. (Why bananas? The area was an important railroad stop in the age of refrigerated railcars, and Fulton had the only icehouse on the route to Chicago, meaning fruits like bananas could be more easily transported from New Orleans to destinations in the northern United States). If your summer travel stretches into early fall, head to the Banana Festival in September, which culminates with the creation of a gigantic banana pudding.

What to see & do along the southern Great River Road

Monday, June 06, 2022

The southern Great River Road is a region rich in history, culture, music, and outstanding food—here’s a closer look at some of the welcoming cities, towns and unique attractions you should visit as you’re traveling along the Great River Road in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Kentucky

Columbus Belmont State Park Kentucky Great River Road

Kentucky is home to the shortest stretch of the Great River Road, but there is still plenty to see and do along the route. Head to Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site to see earthen mounds created by the ancient people who inhabited the region in the 12th through 14th centuries. Take in amazing views of the Mississippi River and learn about the area’s Civil War history at Columbus-Belmont State Park.

Cities & towns to visit:

  • Wickliffe: Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, Wickliffe is the seat of Ballard County and traces its founding to the 1880s, but people have lived in this scenic region overlooking the Mississippi River for nearly a thousand years

Interpretive Centers & Other Attractions:

Learn more about the Great River Road in Kentucky.

Tennessee

Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee

Photo: Tennessee Tourism

Tennessee’s section of the Great River Road offers a trip through outstanding scenery and engaging history. In the northwest corner of the state, visitors will find a state park at Reelfoot Lake, a 15,000-acre lake that is in actually a flooded forest (violent earthquakes in the region in 1811-12 formed the lake) and is a popular fishing and birdwatching spot. And don’t miss Memphis, which has long been a hub for music and culture in the country. 

Cities & towns to visit:

  • Henning: This western Tennessee community has a strong connection to African American heritage (visit the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center to learn about the “Roots” author) and is also home to great recreation options like the Mississippi River Corridor and Champion Lake
  • Memphis: Music history (Sun Studio, Graceland, Beale Street, the Stax Museum of American Soul are just a few of the attractions you’ll find), delicious food (Memphis is famed for its barbeque), and recreation options abound in this Mississippi River hub in southwestern Tennessee

Interpretive Centers & Other Attractions:

Learn more about the Great River Road in Tennessee.

Arkansas

Lake Chicot State Park Arkansas Great River Road

Photo: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

As the Great River Road passes through the Delta, you’ll see plenty of reasons Arkansas is known as “the Natural State.” From National Forests to wildlife refuges to hundreds of lakes—not to mention the Mississippi River itself—Arkansas’ Great River Road offers plenty of recreational opportunities. Visitors will learn plenty about the Delta’s history, too, whether they’re visiting Johnny Cash’s boyhood home or learning about the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history. 

Cities & towns to visit:

  • Helena-West Helena: Formed when two existing towns merged, Helena-West Helena offers visitors a trip through Southern history; visit the Delta Cultural Center to learn more about the region and don’t miss the King Blues Biscuit festival in October
  • Marianna: This small town southwest of Memphis is not only home to the scenic Mississippi River State Park and St. Francis National Forest, but also where you’ll find Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, a James Beard award-winning restaurant that’s one of the oldest black-owned restaurants in the country

Interpretive Centers & Other Attractions:

Learn more about the Great River Road in Arkansas.

Mississippi

Mississippi River bridges in Natchez

Photo: Visit Mississippi

Take a trip through the history of the American South as you travel the Great River Road in Mississippi. Stop in Natchez—the oldest city on the Mississippi River—to tour antebellum homes and learn about the events that shaped this part of the country at Vicksburg National Military Park. Mississippi is a mecca for blues fans, too, who can find iconic attractions like Dockery Farms, the Delta Blues Museum, the B.B. King Museum and more.

Cities & towns to visit:

  • Clarksdale: This can’t-miss destination for blues lovers is home to great live music venues and festivals, the engaging Delta Blues Museum, and the iconic “Devil’s Crossroads,” where bluesman Robert Johnson supposedly swapped his soul for his otherworldly talent
  • Natchez: The oldest city on the Mississippi River was founded more than 300 years ago, and that history is evident today in its large collection of antebellum homes and traditional events like the Spring Pilgrimage and the Natchez Balloon Festival 

Interpretive Centers & Other Attractions

Learn more about the Great River Road in Mississippi.

Louisiana

Capitol Park Museum Baton Rouge Louisiana

Photo: Louisiana Office of Tourism

The Great River Road runs along both sides of the Mississippi River as it passes through Louisiana on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, travelers will encounter historical river towns like Plaquemine and St. Francisville, as well as iconic cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In the state’s far southeastern corner, you’ll find the unincorporated community of Venice, which marks the end of the Great River Road. 

Cities & towns to visit:

  • Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s capital city was founded more than 300 years ago and its central location in the state still attracts legions of visitors who seek out the city’s great food, iconic history, and unique arts and culture
  • New Orleans: No trip along the southern Great River Road is complete without a visit to New Orleans—whether you’re looking for historical sites, mouthwatering food, classic cocktails, great recreation options or pretty much anything else, you’ll find it in the Big Easy

Interpretive Centers & Other Attractions:

Learn more about the Great River Road in Louisiana.

Estimated travel times along the southern Great River Road:

  • Wickliffe, KY to Tiptonville, TN: 1.25 hours
  • Tiptonville, TN to Memphis, TN: 2 hours
  • Memphis, TN to Clarksdale, MS: 1.5 hours
  • Clarksdale, MS to Lake Village, AR: 1.75 hours
  • Lake Village, AR to Vicksburg, MS: 1.75 hours
  • Vicksburg, MS to Natchez, MS: 1.5 hours
  • Natchez, MS to Baton Rouge, LA: 1.5 hours
  • Baton Rouge, LA to New Orleans, LA: 1.75 hours
  • New Orleans, LA to Venice, LA: 1.5 hours

Can’t-miss parks and natural areas along the Great River Road

Thursday, March 31, 2022

It’s a great time to get out and explore the Great River Road. Here’s a state-by-state look at parks and natural areas you shouldn’t miss on your next Mississippi River road trip.

Minnesota: Itasca State Park

While it’s most well-known as the location of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota has a lot more to offer, including nearly 50 miles of hiking trails, hundreds of campsites, historic lodges, and four lakes to explore (including Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River).

Wisconsin: Wyalusing State Park

Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, Wyalusing State Park is one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most scenic state parks. Visitors will discover outstanding views from the 500-foot-tall bluffs overlooking the river, as well as 14 miles of hiking trails, more than 100 campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, great fishing, and much more.

Iowa: Effigy Mounds National Monument

This National Park Service site, located just north of Wyalusing State Park on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, preserves more than 200 American Indian mounds that were constructed thousands of years ago along one of the most scenic stretches of the river. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area with a hike along the trails or go on a ranger-led tour to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the region.

Illinois: Pere Marquette State Park

This scenic state park–Illinois’ largest–is located just north of St. Louis at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Pere Marquette State Park is a popular destination in all seasons, known for its great views of the Illinois River and plentiful recreational opportunities, including camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Missouri: Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park

Also located just north of St. Louis, this small Missouri state park can be found at the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, where the Lewis & Clark Expedition began their famous voyage at the turn of the 19th century. A short trail that takes visitors to the confluence point is also a great place for birdwatching in the spring.

Kentucky: Columbus-Belmont State Park

Overlooking the Mississippi River in western Kentucky, Columbus-Belmont State Park is s home to an interesting Civil War museum located in a farmhouse that once served as a Confederate hospital. The park also includes a campground, hiking trails, and a picnic area.

Tennessee: Reelfoot Lake State Park

Reelfoot Lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and is home to great fishing and birdwatching (especially during the spring and fall migrations along the Mississippi River Flyway). Three hiking trails along the lakeshore are great for waterfowl viewing. The park’s nature center includes captive raptors and other wildlife from the area.

Arkansas: Mississippi River State Park

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the St. Francis National Forest in central Arkansas, this park features dramatic and beautiful scenery. Explore the park’s trails or go fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. The park is part of the Audubon Great River Birding Trail and offers a diverse array of birds and wildlife. 

Mississippi: Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge

The Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is the oldest wildlife refuge in Mississippi and is a popular spot for wildlife observation and birdwatching. Visitors are encouraged to check out the refuge’s two dedicated wildlife observation areas–the Holt Collier Boardwalk and Observation Tower on Lizard Lake and the open-sided observation tower at Alligator Pond.

Louisiana: Barataria Preserve

Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in and around New Orleans, the Barataria Preserve covers 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands, hardwood forests, swamps, bayous, and marshes. Visitors will encounter a variety of wildlife, including alligators and more than 200 species of birds, as they explore the preserve’s trails and waterways. Ranger programs are offered daily, and admission to the preserve is free.

22 reasons to drive the Great River Road

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

It’s a new year, the perfect time for a new adventure on the Great River Road. This All-American Road offers everything you need in a road trip, from amazing scenery to engaging history to delicious cuisine. Here are some reasons why you should hit the road along the Mississippi River this year.

  1. Nearly 3,000 miles of road that passes through 10 states’ worth of history, culture, food and beautiful scenery
  2. A chance to visit charming river towns and big cities
  3. The Great River Road is now an All-American Road, a distinct honor from the Federal Highway Administration that acknowledges the road’s significance and one-of-a-kind attractions
  4. A network of nearly 100 Interpretive Centers—museums, historical sites & more that tell the story of the river
  5. Stunning scenery all along the drive
  6. See the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park in Minnesota, where the Mississippi is so narrow you can walk across it
  7. Great music sites like the Delta Blues Museum in Mississippi, Beale Street and Graceland in Memphis and New Orleans’ Frenchman Street
  8. National Park sites: Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri); Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (Minnesota); Effigy Mounds National Monument (Iowa); Arkansas Post National Memorial; Natchez National Historic Park (Mississippi) and more
  9. Chances to get out on the water all along the Great River Road
  10. Head out in September to celebrate Drive the Great River Road Month, one of the best times of the year to make the drive
  11. Incredible local parks and scenic overlooks
  12. Can’t-miss history museums like the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis,  The Cabildo in New Orleans and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
  13. Local flavors at restaurants, farmers’ markets and more—see some of our fans’ favorites here
  14. Great birdwatching—more than 300 species of birds make their migratory round trip every year via the Mississippi River Flyway
  15. Impressive civil engineering at the more than two dozen locks and dams on the northern Mississippi River
  16. Hidden gems like Arkansas’s World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival and Mike the Tiger—a real-live tiger that lives on the campus of Louisiana State University (see more hidden gems here and here)
  17. River cruises—you can find daylong excursions on the backwaters or weekslong cruises on the northern and southern sections of the river
  18. Amazing opportunities to see fall color
  19. UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Cahokia Mounds (Illinois) and Poverty Point (Louisiana)
  20. Opportunities for outdoor recreation all along the route
  21. Great places to learn about the river region’s natural history, like the National Eagle Center and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
  22. Tasty wineries and breweries all along the route

That’s just a quick look—plan your Great River Road getaway today and find your own reasons to take America’s greatest drive.

Explore these charming Mississippi River cities & towns

Monday, December 13, 2021

All along the Great River Road, you’ll find villages, small towns and big cities rich in the culture, history and cuisine of the Mississippi River region. Here’s a closer look at just a few river communities you shouldn’t miss on your next Great River Road trip.

Red Wing, Minnesota

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River about an hour south of the Twin Cities, Red Wing has a great small-town vibe, with a welcoming downtown filled with historic buildings, as well as an impressive food and drink scene and great spots for scenery and outdoor recreation.

Stockholm, Wisconsin

Head across the Mississippi River at Red Wing and travel south along Highway 35 on the Wisconsin side of the river, and you’ll find the quaint village of Stockholm. Stockholm, which sits upon the shores of the impressive Lake Pepin (the largest lake on the Mississippi River), takes its Swedish heritage seriously and embraces its historic downtown, whose storefronts are filled with restaurants and shops catering to visitors.

Galena, Illinois

Consistently named one of the best small towns in America, Galena is a popular travel destination that’s a “one-tank trip” from many Midwestern cities. Visitors will marvel at Galena’s well-preserved 19th-century buildings (you can take them in while riding a trolley on one of the town’s historic tours) as well as its iconic Main Street, which is home to more than 125 shops and restaurants.  

Dubuque, Iowa

Proclaiming itself as the place “where Iowa started,” Dubuque sits along a scenic stretch of the Mississippi River in east-central Iowa. Visitors will find unique attractions like the Fenelon Place Elevator—the world’s shortest, steepest railway, which takes visitors up the bluffs overlooking downtown. Shop and dine in a downtown that was once home to a booming warehouse industry or visit the Mines of Spain Recreation Area.

Memphis, Tennessee

Well, Memphis isn’t exactly a small river town, but it is definitely worth a visit if you’re traveling along the southern section of the Great River Road. The list of places to go is almost endless—Beale Street, Graceland, BBQ restaurants and important sites like the National Civil Rights Museum all make the list—but there’s really so much to explore in the Home of the Blues.

Clarksdale, Mississippi

Speaking of the blues, Clarksdale—about an hour and a half south of Memphis along iconic Highway 61—is home to the Delta Blues Museum, which shares the stories of the legendary musicians from Mississippi and throughout the Delta who helped develop this uniquely American form of music. The blues lives on in Clarksdale to this day, too—you can find live music almost every night and fun music festivals throughout the year.

Discover ancient cultures and engaging history on the Great River Road

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

To travel the Great River Road is to travel through the history of the people and cultures of the Mississippi River. Marvel at a once-massive ancient city created by the mound-building people of southern Illinois, see the agricultural settlement where a young Johnny Cash spent his formative years, and learn about an important battle in Civil War history.

Reminder: Local and state safety regulations may lead to reduced hours or changes in operations. Please contact specific businesses or attractions for more information before you visit.

Lakeport Planation

Photo credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

Lakeport Planation

Built in 1859, Lakeport Plantation sits just a short distance from the banks of the Mississippi River in Lake Village, Arkansas. It’s the last remaining Mississippi River plantation home in Arkansas and is considered one of the state’s top historic structures. Exhibits in the home tell the stories of the people who lived and worked on the plantation, as well as how the home was restored to its original condition. Tours are available Monday through Friday year-round and also on Saturdays in the winter.
Learn more.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

(Photo courtesy of the Illinois Office of Tourism)

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Drive to Collinsville, Illinois—just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis—and you’ll find one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Great River Road. Cahokia Mounds was inhabited for about 700 years from 700 to 1400 AD, and it its peak, was home to 10,000 to 20,000 people. The inhabitants built more than 120 mounds on the site, which covers more than 6 square miles. An interpretive center and tours help visitors learn more about this fascinating site.
Learn more.

Historic Dyess Colony

Photo credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

Historic Dyess Colony

The Dyess Colony in northeastern Arkansas was created as a federal agricultural settlement as part of the New Deal in 1934, giving a new start to hundreds of poor farming families in the state. One of those families, the Cashes had a son, Johnny, who went on to become one of the most notable names in American music. Several of the colony’s buildings have been restored and are open to visitors, including the Johnny Cash Boyhood home.
Learn more.

Columbus-Belmont State Park
Columbus-Belmont State Park

This 156-acre site in Kentucky is the site of a Confederate fortification, and the Battle of Belmont—fought here in 1861—marked the beginning of the Union’s Western campaign. The battle for the fort, which had blocked the Union forces looking to travel south on the Mississippi River, was the first real action for Union Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant. The site is also home to a Civil War Museum, and visitors can see the massive chain and anchor that was meant to prevent Union ships from passing.
Learn more.

Delta Cultural Center

Photo credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

Delta Cultural Center

The Arkansas Delta has made immense contributions to American culture, blues music and more—hear the stories of Delta residents at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas. Exhibits and guided tours educate visitors about the people and history of this region. The Delta Cultural Center is also home to “King Biscuit Time,” a live daily blues broadcast that has been on the air for nearly 80 years.
Learn more.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site

Discover the history of the Mississippian—or mound-building—native culture that called this area home at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site in Kentucky. This site was home to a Native American village from about 1100 to 1350, and visitors to the historic site can walk interpretive archaeological trails, learn about the culture that lived here and see artifacts and tools at the Wickliffe Mounds museum, which has been open to the public since 1932.
Learn more.

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

This French fort was constructed nearly 300 years ago on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, south of St. Louis. It served as a base for French soldiers during their occupation of what is today Illinois.. Interpretive signage guides visitors around the site, and on weekends, costumed interpreters offer additional information and reenactments.
Learn more.

Fort Jefferson Hill Park and Memorial Cross

Fort Jefferson was established in 1780 on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River a mile south of the present-day city of Wickliffe, Kentucky. The fort, which was only occupied for a short time, was intended to protect the western border of the then-newfound United States. The cross towers 95 feet high above the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers andcan be seen from three states. Fort Jefferson is also a Lewis and Clark Expedition historic site.
Learn more.

Sultana Disaster Museum

Photo credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

Sultana Disaster Museum

The greatest maritime disaster in U.S. history occurred on the Mississippi River in Arkansas in 1865. The Sultana, a Civil War-era steamboat, exploded on April 27, 1865, killing more than 1,200 people aboard. Among the dead were Union soldiers who had been released from prison camps in Andersonville and Cahaba. Learn about this oft-overlooked disaster at the Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion.
Learn more.

Why we’re thankful for the Great River Road

Friday, November 06, 2020

America’s greatest scenic drive has introduced generations of travelers to the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Mississippi region. Everyone who travels this route has their own Great River Road experience and this month, we’re taking time to reflect on some of our favorite things about the byway.

Here are just a few of the things we’re thankful for.

Sweeping vistas

Scenic views of the Mississippi never get old and travelers along the route are treated to some dramatic scenes. All you need to do is pull over and get out your camera. In Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Perrot State Park is located where the Trempealeau River meets the Mississippi River. From the top of 500-foot cliffs you can see for miles. Stunning views can also be found downriver at Pikes Peak State Park in  McGregor, Iowa. A drive will take you up to scenic overlook areas at the top of the park’s 500-foot bluffs. You can see a broad expanse of river and numerous small islands. The park is one of the most photographed spots in Iowa.

Unforgettable meals

Food lovers: the Great River Road will lead you to some of America’s great cuisines. There are so many delicious things to savor on the route. In Wisconsin, a state that celebrates all things dairy, cheese curds rule at roadside restaurants. Order them with the local condiment of choice: ranch dressing. In Arkansas, hot tamales, a Latin American staple, has been the go-to meal for generations. It will be perfect fuel for your road trip in this beautiful state. In Louisiana, you can’t beat a beignet, the state doughnut. It’s best enjoyed slowly, between sips of hot chicory coffee. Learn more about these byway staples here.

Historical wonders

All along the route, you’ll encounter impressive historical sites, including many that predate European settlement. In Arkansas, Parkin Archeological State Park was the site of a former American Indian village from A.D. 1000 to 1600. The village visited by explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. In Illinois, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is the remains of the largest and most sophisticated native civilizations north of Mexico. See more historic sites along the routes and other attractions here.

Incredible Interpretive Centers

Along the whole stretch of the Great River Road, you’ll find a network of nearly 100 museums and historic sites that showcase fascinating stories of the Mississippi River. These Interpretive Centers provide information about the river and the people who call the region home and include historical museums, impressive parks and national monuments. Some interpretive centers you’ll encounter on the route include the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Minnesota, the Delta Blues Museum in Mississippi and the Mark Twain Museum Home & Museum in Missouri. Learn more about the Great River Road’s Interpretive Centers here.

Fall discoveries on the Great River Road

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

September is drive the Great River Road Month, a perfect time to take a trip on America’s greatest driving route. The Great River Road stretches more than 3,000 miles across 10 states so there’s a lot to discover. Fall days bring lower humidity, beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures so it’s a good time to slow down and explore some of the sights on the route. Here’s a sample of what you can see along the road.

And be sure to enter the Drive the Great River Road Sweepstakes—you could win $500 for your next Great River Road adventure!

Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca, Minnesota

Want to see where the Mississippi River starts? At Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota, you’ll find Lake Itasca, the starting point of the mighty Mississippi. Here, the river is less than 20 feet wide and can be walked across via a series of stepping stones.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa. One of the jewels of Dubuque, this fascinating museum focuses on life in and around the country’s waterways. You can see turtles, alligators, bald eagles, octopi, otters, sturgeon and more. 

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus, 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.

White River National Wildlife Refuge, Charles, Arkansas. Home to 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.

Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum, Tunica, Mississippi. Traveling through the Mississippi Delta? Stop by the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum on Highway 61. The museum shares the remarkable story of how The Blues was born and the role Tunica played in building the genre’s legacy.

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, Louisiana. You might recognize this place from numerous movies and TV shows. Oak Alley welcomes visitors with an awe-inspiring canopy of 300-year-old oak trees leading to a pristine antebellum plantation.

Five reasons to be thankful about the Great River Road

Monday, November 18, 2019

In 1938, states along the Mississippi River had the foresight to establish a driving route along America’s greatest river. The route was named the Great River Road and it spanned 3,000 beautiful miles and 10 states. For generations, people have been following the green and white pilot wheel signs to unforgettable adventures. There are probably as many reasons to be thankful for this route as there are travelers, but here are a few reasons why so many return to this beautiful byway.

Culinary adventures

The Great River Road leads travelers to some unforgettable meals. From Arkansas hot tamales to Louisiana beignets, you’re never far from a delicious local specialty. Need some recommendations? Check out our fan favorites- they’ve shared some of their favorite restaurants, bakeries, breweries, farmers markets and more. Search their tips by state to find great food stops for your trip.

Interpretive Centers

Travelers on the Great River Road will pass a network of nearly 100 Interpretive Centers—these museums and historic sites showcase and preserve the incredible story of the river and its people. Centers include such treasures as the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois and the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Music

The Mississippi Delta is Blues country, and the route is your ticket to the show. Start by taking a trip through the Magnolia State and drive through the land of legends. Here are some of the sights you won’t want to miss along the route.

Scenic beauty

The Mississippi River Valley offers spectacular scenery that changes dramatically along the route. Northern stretches will take you through forests and past towering bluffs. You’ll discover impressive vistas in places like Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Wisconsin and Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa.

Beautiful birds

Look up, when you’re on the Great River Road and you’ll likely find you have company. This Great River Road travels along the Mississippi Flyway, a migration route used by 40 percent of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. There are abundant birding locations along the route; here are a few good bets.