Going Down the Great River Road

Begin your trip in Minnesota when you fly into Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport. The modern metropolis of Minneapolis was the jumping off point for westward expansion and home to grain mills along the Mississippi River banks, remnants of which you can see today. The friendly city was also the lifelong home to one of the USA’s most innovative performers: Prince. The First Avenue Club is the venue where Prince began performing and would continue to play throughout his career. Nearby in Bloomington, the Mall of America – the second largest shopping mall in the United States – offers 500 retail stores, rollercoaster rides, luxury hotels and a water park. In the summer, catch a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, consistently ranked as one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball.

After Minneapolis drive south through Minnesota to the quaint town of Potosi. The National Brewery Museum in Potosi, Wisconsin merges the transportation and commerce that the Mississippi is known for with Wisconsin’s storied brewing heritage. The museum explores the history of Midwestern brewing and offers tours of the facility where its beer is made. The museum also has a dedicated section on the history of the Great River Road. After the tour, cross the border into Iowa at Dubuque, which sits as the crossroads of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. There you can visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and stretch your legs on a walk in Eagle Point Park, taking in the panoramic river views.

The picturesque town of LeClaire, Iowa is the perfect place to take a ride on an iconic Mississippi River riverboat complete with a red paddle wheel that will take you back in time. The cruises are 90 minutes long and discuss the importance of the Mississippi River. After, stop at the not-to-be-missed Buffalo Bill Museum, commemorating LeClaire’s most famous native son William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his Wild West Show. For birdwatchers, LeClaire has some of the best viewing areas for migratory bald eagles. Fans of reality television will not want to miss Antique Archeology, the antique shop featured on the TV show American Pickers.  

No trip on the Great River Road would be complete without a visit to the hometown of one of the USA’s most beloved authors, Mark Twain. His boyhood home and museum are situated in a recreated town animated by historical actors and interpreters. It is a charming and immersive introduction to the life and times of one of the world’s greatest literary icons. If this isn’t enough Americana for you, the museum also features 15 original Norman Rockwell oil paintings.

As you drive into St. Louis, Missouri, the state’s second largest city, you will see the famous Gateway Arch. Marvel at the massive landmark from below, then take the elevator up to the top for panoramic views of the city. Take a break from driving with a stroll through the sprawling Forest Park, where you’ll find the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum and more. Afterward, head to Busch Stadium, home to the St. Louis Cardinals, to catch a baseball game right in the center of town.

Cruise through St. Louis into Memphis, Tennessee known as the “home of the Blues.” Catch some of the city’s favorite tunes along Beale Street and learn about music history at Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Make sure to track down some authentic Memphis barbecue at spots like Central BBQ or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. The two major attractions in Memphis are Graceland and The National Civil Rights Museum. Graceland is the iconic estate of the King of Rock ‘n Roll Elvis Presley. With its shag rugs, mountains of gold records and two private planes, the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II, Graceland is the ultimate monument to Elvis’ life and aesthetic. The National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the former Lorraine Motel, the site of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968. After paying tribute to Dr. King and The King, stop by the Peabody Hotel for a drink and one of Memphis’ quirkiest and most beloved traditions: the duck walk.

No trip through the Deep South would be complete without a visit to a stately, antebellum Southern mansion, and Natchez, Mississippi offers enchanting options. Longwood, a one-of-a-kind octagonal mansion with an onion dome, was built in 1860, though the interior was never completed due to the outbreak of the Civil War. A great place to eat nearby is the Carriage House, an eatery in another 19th century mansion serving Southern staples and a very popular brunch.

End your study of the Great River Road in New Orleans, a Louisiana city that just bursts with music. Walk around the French Quarter to take in the unique buildings and narrow streets with art galleries, eateries and more. Take in the action on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, where revelers party in the street; or opt for a more low-key night taking in jazz and other local beats on Frenchmen Street. Once your journey is complete, head to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to travel home.