A Mississippi River road trip is an awesome – and affordable – way to travel the breadth of the country. Follow the Great River Road National Scenic Byway from the Mississippi’s headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico to experience the mighty river’s influence on nature, history, and culture in the United States.

You can even use your mobile device to follow our itinerary for this magnificent Great River Road route.

Want to discover more USA road trips? You’ll love OnlyInYourState’s newest series, On The Road, which explores magnificent routes across America catered to nature lovers, foodies, budget travelers, adventurers, and more.

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Table of Contents

1. Lake Itasca, Minnesota

Your road trip along the Great River Road Byway will begin where the Mississippi River, itself, begins: Lake Itasca, Minnesota. You’ll find Lake Itasca in the aptly named Itasca State Park in the northern portion of the state.

Boy climbs, plays and crosses the rocks that mark the spot where the Mississippi River beings in Itasca State Park in Northern Minnesota.
Annie Otzen / DigitalVision via Getty Images
Itasca State Park is the oldest and, at more than 30,000 acres, the second-largest park in the Minnesota state parks system.
Minnesota, United States, North America
Lake Itasca, South Clearwater, MN, USA
John Elk / The Image Bank via Getty Images
It is also home to Lake Itasca, from which the Mississippi River begins its flow to the Gulf of Mexico. "Itasca" is a portmanteau, combining the Latin words "veritas" and "capit" ("true" and "head") to name the lake and the park for the headwaters of the river that emerges from it.
Aiton Heights Observation Tower Parking, Park Rapids, MN, USA
Rick / Google Reviews
Don't miss a chance to climb the Aiton Heights Observation Tower for sweeping views of the Great North Woods that dominate the landscape around Lake Itasca.

Grab a snack or some refreshments at the Mary Gibbs Cafe, near the headwaters, or at the Douglas Lodge Restaurant, which is also located in the park. Visit the ​​Itasca State Park website for more information about the park's amenities.

2. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

From its headwaters, your Mississippi River road trip will take you a little over 200 miles south and east to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It’s the largest metropolitan area on the Mississippi, and it’s a superb spot to learn a little more about the river and the road you’re taking.

Entrance to Science Museum. St Paul Minnesota USA
Fotosearch/Getty Images
Your first stop will be the Science Museum of Minnesota, which sits on the banks of the river in downtown St. Paul.
Science Museum of Minnesota
​​Visit the Science Museum's Mississippi River Gallery to learn more about the river, its ecology, and commerce, and even navigate the river's twists and turns with a (simulated) barge. You can even grab lunch, a snack, or a cup of coffee at the museum.

Conveniently, the National Park Service's ​​Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum. There you can learn what makes the river a national treasure, talk to a ranger, and even stamp your U.S. National Parks passport.
Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center, Monroe Street, Prescott, WI, USA
Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center / Google Reviews
As you follow the river out of the Twin Cities, make a stop at the ​​Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park in Prescott, Wisconsin - located just across the Mississippi from Hastings, Minnesota, at its confluence with the St. Croix River. There you'll learn more about the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the journey that lies ahead of you.

3. Alma, Wisconsin

From Prescott, you’ll remain on the Wisconsin side of the river and wend your way down, along Lake Pepin – a large natural lake caused by sediment flowing into the Mississippi from the Chippewa River – to the riverfront town of Alma. Alluring Alma is an arty enclave that makes for a perfect pit stop.

Wings Over Alma, 110 N Main St, Alma, WI 54610, USA
Google Street View
Pop into the ​​Wings Over Alma Nature and Art Center to discover more about the area. You can also enjoy artists' interpretations of life along the Upper Mississippi.
Buena Vista Park, Alma, WI 54610, USA
Steve Asplund / Google Reviews
Stretch your legs at Buena Vista Park, where you'll enjoy picturesque views of Alma and the Mississippi River valley.

While there, grab a bite to eat at ​​Bill's Talk of the Town. Chat with the locals, and learn what river stories they may have to tell.
Rock In the House, North Shore Drive, Fountain City, WI, USA
A T / Google Reviews
As you leave town and approach Fountain City, look for Rock in the House (not to be confused with House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin). In 1995, a 55-ton boulder rolled off the river bluff and crashed into a house. The owners, in turn, rolled with their luck and transformed the disaster into a roadside attraction. Off-street parking is available.

4. Harpers Ferry, Iowa

Just beyond Fountain City, you’ll cross the river back into Minnesota and follow the Great River Road Byway south into Iowa. Make the small town of Harpers Ferry your next stop.

Shallow mounds marking historic Native American burial mounds at Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa. A small national park installation showcasing prehistoric native burial mounds near Harpers Ferry Iowa.
Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USA
Peter Blottman Photography / iStock via Getty Images Plus
​​Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves a series of pre-Columbian burial mounds along the high bluffs above the Mississippi. The monument is contiguous with the Yellow River State Forest in Iowa, which combines to create one of the largest remaining stands of hardwood forest west of the Mississippi. The history and natural beauty of the area demand a visit, and you will not be disappointed.
Portside One Stop / Facebook
​​You can fuel your car and your body at Portside Bar and Supper Club. It's a favorite with the locals, and its price points are easy on the wallet.
This overlooks the Mississippi River in autumn. Sunrise, looking east to Wisconsin. Taken on the highest point on the Mississippi River, which is Pike's Peak State Park in Iowa.
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
JackVandenHeuvel / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Don't miss the stellar vistas from the 500-foot bluff at ​​Pikes Peak State Park in nearby McGregor. It's one of the highest viewpoints on the Mississippi and the views up and down the valley are stunning.

5. Galena, Illinois

Just north of Pikes Peak State Park, you’ll cross from Marquette, Iowa to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. From there, you’ll continue south to the disarmingly charming town of Galena, Illinois.

Visit Galena / Facebook
A bust of General Ulysses S Grant carved on the war memorial in Galena, Illinois where Grant lived before and after the Civil War until his election as the 18th president of the USA.
Grant Park, 625 Park Ave, Galena, IL 61036, USA
theasis / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Ulysses S. Grant, general of the Union Army during the Civil War and 18th president of the United States, lived in Galena for a period of time. He is commemorated at several sites in the town, including Galena's war memorial.

Consider touring Grant's home, which offers beautiful views out over the city.
MISSISSIPPI PALISADES STATE PARK on the MISSISSIPPI RIVER in northwestern ILLINOIS. This park has scenic, high, steep cliffs and interesting rock formations. These Limestone Bluffs are located on the Great River Road near Savanna, IL. There are miles of hiking trails in the park.
Mississippi Palisades State Park, 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
Ed Reschke / Photodisc via Getty Images
Heading out of Galena, a few miles down the road, you'll run into Mississippi Palisades State Park. It's a great place to stretch your legs and take in some fantastic views of the Mississippi.

6. Hannibal, Missouri

From Galena, you’ll zig-zag across the river a few more times before arriving in Hannibal, Missouri.

Hannibal Missouri Marion County Photo taken on November 6, 2019 Great River Road Series A view of Broadway street from Main looking west at dusk with a beautiful sunset on the horizon.
larrybraunphotography.com / Moment via Getty Images
Hannibal is a historic river town that is, perhaps, best known as the birthplace of its most famous resident, Samuel Clemens - who wrote under the name Mark Twain. He is commemorated at several sites in the city.

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Hannibal Missouri Marion County Photo taken on November 6, 2019 Great River Road Series Climbing 244 steps to the top of Cardiff Hill one has a fantastic view of downtown Hannibal Missouri with a glimpse of the Mississippi River on the left just above the white structure at the corner. Looking south on Main Street the trees that line the path are in prime autumn foliage condition with multicolored leaves decorating the street.
Cardiff Hill, Hannibal, MO 63401, USA
larrybraunphotography.com / Moment via Getty Images
Take this chance to get out of the car and enjoy a birds-eye view of the town and the river from Cardiff Hill.
Hannibal Missouri Marion County Photo taken on November 7, 2019 Great River Road Series A beautiful flower garden surrounds this memorial lighthouse which overlooks the mighty Mississippi River. A rustic wooden fence leads the viewer to the distinctive lighthouse. Constructed as a memorial to Hannibal's most famous citizen, Mark Twain on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, East Rock Street, Hannibal, MO, USA
larrybraunphotography.com / Moment via Getty Images
Visit the lighthouse that was built to memorialize Mark Twain's 100th birthday. The park around the lighthouse is also a nice place for a stroll or to relax in the sun.

Lean into the Mark Twain theme of the town with a visit to ​​Becky Thatcher's Diner. It's a no-nonsense eatery that serves seriously good comfort food to fuel your Mississippi River road trip.

7. Paducah, Kentucky

Your next stop will be the charming city of Paducah, Kentucky, which is located just east of the Great River Road on the Ohio River.

Overlooking the Paducah Kentucky Riverfront of the Ohio River
JT Crawford / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Paducah is a historic town on the banks of the Ohio River, near its confluence with the Mississippi. It was once important as the last major downstream port on the Ohio River.
river shore navigational sign at the confluence of Mississippi and Ohio Rivers - Fort Defiance Park near Cairo, IL
Fort Defiance State Park, U.S. 62, Cairo, IL, USA
marekuliasz / iStock via Getty Images Plus
On your way into Paducah, make a stop at ​​Fort Defiance State Park in Illinois. It's the southernmost (and lowest-lying) point in the state, and it is where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers meet. It was also a significant site in Lewis' and Clark's survey of the West, as well as a key defensive position for the North during the Civil War.

Visit the city's historic riverfront, where murals depicting the area's history and culture are painted on the flood wall. Explore the historic train cars parked along the river, or look for river boats as they make their landings.
Waffle Hut, Cairo Road, Paducah, KY, USA
Timothy Battles / Google Reviews
For a quick, unpretentious - but delicious - meal in Paducah, head to the Waffle Hut. It's the local answer to the chain of a similar name, and just about anyone in Paducah will tell you just how much better Waffle Hut is than its competitor. Based on our research, we concur.

8. Memphis, Tennessee

After leaving Kentucky, you’ll continue downriver to Memphis, the legendary hub for barbecue and the Delta blues, home to Elvis Presley, and a key site in the U.S. Civil Rights movement.

Memphis Tennessee TN Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial.
Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
The legendary city of Memphis, Tennessee is famous - and infamous - for many reasons. It's definitely worthy of a lengthy stop on any USA road trip but especially on one like yours, which celebrates the mighty river that gives the city its identity.

Memphis was pivotal in the history of the Civil Rights movement in the United States. For this reason, any visit to Memphis should include a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. It is located at the site where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in 1968, and today, the museum comprehensively chronicles the struggle for civil rights in this country from its beginnings to the present time. It's not a site you will soon forget.
Big River Crossing Bridge, Memphis with Mississippi River
Big River Crossing, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Gerald Zaffuts / iStock via Getty Images Plus
​​Stretch your legs on a reflective walk that you can only find in Memphis (or across the river). Big River Crossing is the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River, affording you the opportunity to walk to Arkansas and back. There are parks where you can rest and explore on either end of the bridge.
Beale Street Entertainment District, Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA
Bruce Yuanyue Bi / The Image Bank via Getty Images
​​A visit to Memphis would not be complete without taking some time to explore legendary Beale Street. There, you'll discover the music and food that put Memphis on the map.

9. Helena, Arkansas

The quintessentially Southern town of Helena, Arkansas is the next stop on your journey down the Great River Road Byway.

Visit Helena, AR / Facebook
You'll find that this historic small town has a big heart and much to explore.
Delta Cultural Center / Facebook
Start with a visit to the Delta Cultural Center to learn more about the Mississippi Delta region, its history, and its culture.
Visit Helen, AR / Facebook
Then take a stroll along the shaded boardwalk at ​​Helena River Park. You can stretch your legs and take in the Mississippi Valley as it widens into low-lying plains.

Sample the local flavors at Biscuit Row BBQ, located in the town's revitalized Biscuit Row district.

10. Natchez, Mississippi

The city of Natchez, Mississippi is the next destination on your great heart of the USA road trip along its most important river artery.

Brenda Kean / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Natchez is a stunning and historic Mississippi River town that played a key role during the Civil War - for both sides.

It is also ​​the self-proclaimed "Biscuit Capital of the World". So, before you do anything else, you have to make a biscuit pit stop. At Biscuits & Blues, you can combine two of the town's lifebloods.
As the sun sets it silhouettes the Natchez–Vidalia Bridge which are two twin cantilever bridges carrying U.S. Route 84, and 425 between Vidalia, Louisiana and Natchez, It is the tallest bridge in Mississippi.
Bailey park under the hill, 27a Silver St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Alan Vernon / Moment via Getty Images
Stroll along the river and enjoy the sunset in Bailey Park, which affords views of the tallest bridge on the Mississippi River.
Fotosearch / Getty Images
​​Before you leave town, follow the Natchez Trace Parkway for a while. The historic route is now a National Park Service unit.

It follows the Old Natchez Trace, a forest trail that connects the town to Nashville. Remnants of the trail still exist along the parkway.

11. New Orleans, Louisiana

The last official stop on the Great River Road Byway is the Big Easy – New Orleans, Louisiana.

The city skyline of New Orleans, Louisiana, and surrounding metropolitan area along the banks of the Mississippi River shot from an altitude of about 1000 feet during a helicopter photo flight.
Art Wager / E+ via Getty Images
Also known as the Crescent City, for the tight bend the river makes as it curves through, New Orleans demands considerable attention. From the French Quarter to its Garden District, and everything around them, there is so much history and cuisine to explore that it may be too much for this one road trip.
Old southern live oak in New Orleans Audubon park on sunny spring day with hanging spanish moss in Garden District and closeup of thick Tree of Life trunk
Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
krblokhin / iStock via Getty Images Plus
You can get a feel for the city's natural beauty with a stop at historic Audubon Park, with its massive centuries-old oak trees.
Bourbon Street sign with the haunted Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop in the background, New Orleans, Louisiana
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
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You'll find all the music and food that New Orleans is known for in the historic French Quarter. Grab a drink a Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, the oldest operating tavern in the United States.
Venice is a Port Community on the Mouth of the Mississippi River in far south Louisiana
Venice, Boothville-Venice, LA 70091, USA
Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Although New Orleans may be the last major stop on your road trip, you're not quite done. You started at the headwaters of the river, and it just wouldn't feel right if you didn't see the mouth. When you're ready to depart the Big Easy, get onto Louisiana Hwy. 23, and head south to Venice, where the road ends. There, you will see the full expanse of the great river's mouth as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Congratulations! You’ve now traveled the breadth of the country on this Great River Road route, and you’ve seen amazing places and done amazing things. What will your next incredible USA road trip be?

Here Are 17 Iconic, Scenic Road Trips To Experience In The United States

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More to Explore

The Great River Road Scenic Byway

Chris Muras | April 10, 2024

How long is Great River Road?
The Great River Road route follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles. It passes through ten states starting in Itasca State Park in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.

What are some iconic places along Great River Road?
With 3,000 miles of road from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, a Great River Road road trip will take you past some pretty special places. Here are a few iconic places along Great River Road:

  • Frontenac State Park, Red Wing, MN: There is a natural stone arch in Frontenac State Park named In-Yan-Teopa. It is a Dakota Indian phrase meaning "rock with opening" - which is a spot-on name for this cool rock formation. To get to the arch, take Bluffside Trail with gorgeous views of the Mississippi River about 400 feet below.
  • Fulton Windmill, Fulton IL: Another stop along the Great River Road is the charming town of Fulton. With a rich Dutch heritage it is no surprise that they have an authentic windmill constructed in the Netherlands and brought here to the US. If you are a windmill aficionado you'll enjoy the museum dedicated to this beautifully crafted Dutch windmill.
  • Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center, Tunica, MS: You can't travel through the state of Mississippi along the Mississippi River without stopping in Tunica for a little blues music celebration. You could even take a side journey along the Blues Highway 61. Stop at this cool little museum to learn how the Blues were born in the Mississippi Delta and even record your own blues song!

 

All these places make for a great road trip destination all on their own. The next time you plan a road trip, enjoy the luxury of a spacious RV without a huge upfront cost by renting one from RVShare.

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