This summer and fall, an intriguing project will take place in communities along the Mississippi River. 

Relay of Voices, a project of the nonprofit A House Unbuilt, is “a research expedition traveling down the Mississippi River with the goal of gathering ‘voices’ from the landscape and individual residents of the river region.”

From the Relay of Voices website: 

“Relay of Voices is spearheaded by artist, athlete, and Louisiana native, Victoria Bradford Styrbicki, who is working to connect the voices of river communities by traveling the 2,400 miles of the river at a pedestrian scale with the assistance of a “relay team” made up of support staff and regional volunteers. … A primary reason for choosing the Mississippi River region was the dichotomy of rural and urban communities there, with many of them still making a living off the water and land.”

Here’s a look at one of the first voices of the project:

“Terry Larson, mid sixties, born and raised in Itasca Township, now lives on Wolf Lake some 30-40 miles away, still along the Mississippi. Family land—Gulsvig Landing—remains an important fixture of his and his family’s life here at Itasca. He’s often considered the “first man of the river,” and he has been interviewed and written about many, many times before. He’s a practiced interviewee, coming with prepared stories and recitations, and yet the sentiment feels true and authentic. He launched our time together speaking of his family history and land as we met right upon it, and he wandered into a more personal story of his experience with injury—how it changed his life to suffer and overcome pain, with much thanks to the river.”

(Photo courtesy of Relay of Voices)

Summer is here, June is National Dairy Month, let’s talk about the (very) serious subject of cheese and ice cream.

Photo via The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor Facebook

For an old-timey ice cream experience, hit up The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This charming stop is a “Best of La Crosse County” winner for both its ice cream and old fashioned candy. Located in the historic downtown of this beautiful river town, the store looks almost like a museum, beautifully preserved. They make their ice cream in house (nearly two dozen flavors from real Wisconsin cream) along with fresh baked waffle cones. The Pearl is located a couple of short blocks from the Mississippi River so you can take your ice cream and stroll down by the water on a warm afternoon.

Photo via Nelson Cheese Factory Facebook

Feeling cheesy? Head to the Nelson Cheese Factory in Nelson, Wisconsin. Not only do they sell real Wisconsin cheese, but varieties from all over the world, so it’s a great place to pick up a rare or hard-to-find cheese for the connoisseur in your life. They also sell to-die-for garlic cheese curds and homemade ice cream (we recommend rum cherry!). While you’re in the area, make a stop at the National Eagle Center across the river in Wabasha, Minnesota to watch our national bird!

Photo via Red Wing Confectionery Facebook

Another worthy stop in Minnesota is the Red Wing Confectionery in Red Wing. They have tons of rotating flavors of ice cream (try the hand-dipped waffle cones!) and happen to make some of the best root beer floats you’ve ever tried. Not related to dairy, but still delicious, are their homemade candies, including salt water taffy, chocolate-covered fruit and nuts and gourmet truffles. Take your treats across the street to LaGrange Park and sit by the fountain, or walk a quick block to take in views of the Mighty Mississippi.

September is Drive the Great River Road Month, a celebration of America’s greatest drive. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from the northwoods of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

There are many reasons to explore one of the country’s longest and oldest National Scenic Byways, and September is a great time to do so. Here are just a few reasons you should travel the Great River Road this month.

1. Beautiful scenery. September is the start of fall color season. Drivers on the northern portion of the Great River Road will marvel at the eye-popping views they’ll encounter along the route. Click here to find scenic stops along the Great River Road.
2. Fall festivals, farmers markets and more. Fall is harvest season, and there’s no shortage of events and attractions highlighting local produce along the route. Click here to find agritourism attractions along the Great River Road.
3. Museums and historical sites. The story of the Mississippi River is a fascinating one. Learn about the region’s history and culture at nearly 100 Interpretive Centers. See descriptions of the Interpretive Centers here. 
4. It’s our birthday! The Great River Road is celebrating its 80th year in 2018, and there’s no better time to take a trip to help us celebrate.

(Photo credit: Visit Natchez)