Category Archives: States

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

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

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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

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.

Oak Alley Plantation Vacherie Plantation Country

  • 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.

Can’t-miss restaurants along the Great River Road

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

While journeying down the Great River Road, you’ll pass through ten different states, each with its own unique dining culture. Here are some restaurants located just off the GRR that you should definitely check out.

La Crosse, WI: The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern
Dine on Waterfront Restaurant‘s contemporary versions of American classics, relax in the cushy lounge and enjoy the smooth sounds from the piano bar. And as the name hints, patrons can appreciate panoramic views of the Mississippi River, as the restaurant is situated along the waterfront.

Dubuque, IA: L. May Eatery
L. May Eatery takes pride in its use of local ingredients, serving a rotating seasonal menu of “gourmet comfort food.” Whether you’re craving a sophisticated pizza, delectable seafood or a refreshing cocktail, L. May guarantees delicious cuisine.

Quincy, IL: Tiramisu’
Order the unique homemade pasta when you visit Tiramisu’. This Italian restaurant also offers a fine selection of wine, pizzas and more. A great place to unwind.

St. Louis, MO: Bogart’s Smokehouse
Strap on your bib for a BBQ excursion at Bogart’s Smokehouse. You’ll need an appetite for this one, as the smokehouse serves up mouthwatering meats like pulled pork, smoky brisket, apricot bruleed ribs, pastrami and prime rib.

Memphis, TN: Restaurant Iris
Specializing in French-Creole cuisine, Restaurant Iris has been named Memphis’ “Best Restaurant” for the past four years by a number of qualified reviews. Its charming atmosphere can be attributed to its presence inside a restored old home near the historic Overton Square.

New Orleans, LA: Commander’s Palace
Last stop on this culinary food tour of the Mississippi… New Orleans! Commander’s Palace is the perfect place to experience New Orleans culture. Serving award-winning Creole dishes since 1880, the restaurant holds vibrant history, and vast experience has driven their success throughout the years.

Spotlight Mississippi: Vicksburg

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Vicksburg is a popular city among history buffs, a city rich in Civil War history and culture. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg, making it an especially flavorful destination for history lovers. But aside from Vicksburg’s exciting history, visitors can also enjoy an abundance of art, entertainment, outdoor adventures and more. The city offers four world-class casinos and one-of-a-kind Mississippi River adventures. A visit to Vicksburg is an authentic Southern experience you don’t want to miss!

For more information on Vicksburg:
Vicksburg CVB
PO Box 110
Vicksburg, MS 39181
800-221-3536
[email protected]

Blues along the Great River Road

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Birthplace of the Blues, Dockery Farms, Cleveland, MississippiBlues history is alive and well along the Great River Road. And while the genre is most prominent in the Deep South, you’ll find blues highlights in other states along the Mississippi as well.

Born in the Mississippi Delta in the late 19th century, blues originated from African American spirituals, work songs and chants. It’s no wonder then that Mississippi is flourishing with blues history. The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale honors Mississippi as the birthplace of the blues, and the Mississippi Blues Trail tells stories through words and images of historic bluesmen.

Memphis’ Beale Street District served as a music haven for African Americans at the turn of the 20th century and remains a legendary blues entertainment destination. Memphis also boasts the Mississippi River Museum, which features five galleries explaining the origins of the blues, including pieces such as vintage band equipment, radios and various records.

The Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas focuses on the history of the Arkansas Delta, presenting exhibits, educational programs, tours and more. Their current exhibit, called, “Helena: Main Street of the Blues,” gives a unique perspective of the delta’s rich blues history.

Finally, Chicago’s Blues Chicago club features some of the area’s best blues artists and is a popular blues hotspot for fans all over the world.

Experience rich blues history along the Great River Road.

Spotlight KY: Columbus-Belmont State Park

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

The Columbus-Belmont State Park combines rich Civil War history with lush Kentucky beauty for an excellent family travel destination. The park is uniquely educational, standing as a National Trail of Tears Site, and featuring a museum highlighting Civil War history. Aside from receiving an intriguing history lesson, visitors can enjoy the natural wonders of Kentucky by camping out at one of the park’s 38 sites and hiking along picturesque bluffs of the Civil War Heritage Trail. There’s plenty to do and see at the Columbus-Belmont State Park.

Contact:
Columbus-Belmont State Park
350 Park Road
Columbus, KY 42032
(270) 677-2327
[email protected]