Great River Road - Louisiana
State: Louisiana
Length: 717.0 mi / 1153.9 km
Time to Allow: Allow at least three hours.
More than 700 miles of public highways and streets connect leisure travelers--residents and visitors alike--with Louisiana’s rural towns, historic sites, Antebellum homes and plantations, the state capitol, New Orleans’ French Quarter and history of the Louisiana’s Purchase, and all the local food, music, and amazing sights in between.
For decades, leisure travelers from around the world have been drawn to the Louisiana Great River Road. The “Mighty Mississippi,” “River Road Plantations,” blues and jazz, swamp tours, Cajun and Creole culture and cooking, Mardi Gras, pilgrimage, and tracing the tracks of early explorers and the marches of Civil War campaigns are longstanding travel motivations that continue through today and bring people to these 700 miles of the Great River Road.
For more information see the designated byway:
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Throughout history, the Mississippi River influenced many lives: the Dakota, Chippewa, and Hopewell cultures; early French voyagers; African-Americans seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad; and many more. Through its charming river towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, today's Great River Road still links resources, people, and history.
Local Information
- Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge:
- This website for the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge describes the history, habitat, wildlife, and recreational opportunities of the refuge.
- Experience Mississippi River:
- This website provides extensive information for the Great River Road Scenic Byway along all ten of its states.
- Great River Road-Louisiana:
- This page on the Great River Road website details the historical, cultural, natural, and scenic qualities of the Louisiana segment of the road.
- Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge:
- This page on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website explains the mission behind the Lake Ophelia NWR and provides information on the area's diverse wildlife, waters, and vegetative communities.
- Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge:
- This website for the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge describes the history, habitat, wildlife, and recreational opportunities of the refuge.
Forest Message
Be weather wise. Many byways in National Forests can climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and pass through remote areas. While the scenery is spectacular, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. Check weather forecasts before leaving home, and remember that it becomes cooler and often more prone to storms at higher elevations. Be prepared with jackets, water, and emergency kit in your car.
