How to plan a road trip along the mississippi river – where the water Isn’t the star
The Mississippi River is often portrayed as the grand artery of the United States, a colossal waterway that fuels industry, nurtures ecosystems, and serves as a pathway for migratory birds. Yet, while many envision exploring its vastness by riverboat, a more grounded and perhaps overlooked adventure lies in journeying along its edges by road.
Enter the great river road national scenic byway – a 3,000-mile stretch of state and local highways that follows the river’s course through ten American states, from the headwaters in minnesota to the balmy delta of louisiana. For those seeking a more terrestrial perspective, this is an odyssey that offers not only picturesque views of the river itself but also a deep dive into the heartland’s cultural, historical, and culinary treasures – where the river becomes the backdrop, not the star.
How the great river road works
Far from being a single highway, the great river road is a carefully signposted route that threads together various roads, all marked by distinctive white signs with a green pilot’s wheel. In theory, one could drive the entire length in a continuous 36-hour sprint, but as seasoned travellers would advise, this would be a grave misstep.
Instead, devote at least a week, if not longer, to fully immerse yourself in the journey. The route is peppered with over 100 interpretive centres, each offering a window into the rich tapestry of life along the river. These centres are independently operated but share a unifying goal – to enlighten and entertain visitors with stories of the region’s ecology, culture, and often turbulent history.
Discovering the stories beyond the water
Nowhere is the complexity of this region’s history more palpable than in natchez, Mississippi. While often associated with the grandeur of antebellum mansions, natchez is also confronting its darker past as the location of forks in the road, the second-largest slave market in the Deep South. Today, the city embraces a more honest reflection of its past through sites like the natchez museum of African American history and culture and stops along the Mississippi freedom trail, which pays tribute to the city’s critical role in the civil rights movement.
Unmissable cities along the route
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Further north, St. Louis, Missouri, is a city where the past and present intertwine seamlessly. Known for its rich cultural offerings, St. Louis invites visitors to ascend the iconic gateway arch – a modern marvel symbolising the American spirit of exploration. The city’s forest park, once the stage for the 1904 world’s fair, remains a vibrant cultural hub, boasting attractions such as the St. Louis Art Museum and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where visitors can tour historic grounds and meet the famous clydesdale horses.
In Memphis, Tennessee, the Mississippi hums to the tune of blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll. Here, music history takes centre stage with must-see sites like Sun Studio, Graceland, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Beale street is alive day and night with live performances from both seasoned legends and rising stars. For those wanting a taste of the river itself, guided paddling excursions offer a refreshing dip into the Mississippi’s quieter corners.
In Dubuque, Iowa, the river’s scenic charm is best appreciated from the heights of eagle point park or the fenelon place elevator – a steep funicular railway that rewards passengers with panoramic views stretching across three states. Outdoor enthusiasts can lose themselves in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, an expansive natural reserve teeming with wildlife, hiking trails, and untouched prairies.
A journey of layers
A road trip along the great river road is less about the river itself and more about the kaleidoscope of stories, communities, and histories that flank its banks. The Mississippi may guide your route, but it is the diverse human and natural landscapes along the way that truly make the journey unforgettable.
