Great River Road
Driving Directions

Driving the Byway

The Great River Road runs from the U.S.-Canada border to the Gulf Coast. However, only sections of the Great River Road have been designated as National Scenic Byways. These sections are in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, part of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Minnesota Section

Beginning at the "Old Man River" source at Lake Itasca, travel this section of the Great River Road through the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. Follow Highway 61 north to the plains and agricultural areas in the central part of the state. Continue on through the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the bluffs and river towns of southeast Minnesota to the Iowa border.

Mississippi River Headwaters Region - from Itasca State Park to Bemidji (30 miles)

  • Begin the Great River Road journey at the Mississippi River headwaters in Lake Itasca State Park, about 20 miles north of Park Rapids.
  • Follow the Wilderness Drive through the park's interior to Clearwater Co. Rd. 2, through the town of Lake Itasca.
  • Turn east onto Clearwater Co. Rd. 40 to Hubbard County 9, through Becida.
  • At Hubbard Co. Rd. 10 turn north. This road becomes Beltrami Co. Rd. 7.
  • Follow it into Bemidji.

Mississippi River Northwoods Region - from Bemidji to Grand Rapids (100 miles)

The Great River Road through Bemidji follows MN 197 between Lakes Bemidji and Lake Irving.

  • At 1st Street turn east and continue north and east on Beltrami Co. Rd. 12 (Lake Avenue).
  • At Beltrami Co. Rd. 53 turn south, then east on Beltrami Co. Rd. 8.
  • At Lake Andrusia, follow Beltrami Co. Rd. 33 northeast around Cass Lake.
  • At Beltrami Co. Rd. 12 turn east to Pennington.
  • Follow Co. Rd. 39 South and turn east on National Forest Service Road 2171.
  • Continue east on National Forest Service Road 2167 to US 2 along the south side of Lake Winnibigoshish.
  • Continue on US 2 at Bena and then northeast on Cass Co. Rd. 9.
  • Head southeast on MN 46 and take Itasca Co. Rd. 39 along the lower edge of Ball Club Lake, through the community of Ball Club, back to US 2. (The Great River Road crosses the Mississippi River on Itasca Co. Rd. 18 and continues on Cass Co. Rd. 3.)
  • Travel south on Cass Co. Rd. 74 to Schoolcraft State Park, then south on Co. Rd. 28 and north on MN 6.
  • At Itasca Co. Rd. 64 turn east and continue north and east on Co. Rd. 63 past the intersection of Co. Rd. 76.
  • At Co. Rd. 23, turn east to Grand Rapids.

Mississippi River Crossings Region - Grand Rapids to Little Falls (153 miles)

From Grand Rapids to Aitkin (58 miles)
  • Begin traveling the Great River Road south of Grand Rapids on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 3.
  • Go south on CSAH 10, a partially gravel road, to Palisade.
  • Continue on CSAH 10 to TH 169.
  • Continue from this point on CSAH 21, also a gravel road, and then south on CSAH 1 into Aitkin.
From Aitkin to Brainerd (45 miles)
  • From Aitkin the Great River Road travels west on TH 210 to Deerwood and then merges with TH 6 continuing into Crosby.
  • From TH 6 travel west on CSAH 11.
  • Turn west onto CSAH 19 and then south on CSAH 3 through Merrifield to Brainerd, continuing west on TH 210.
  • Turn left on TH 3171B, then right onto Laurel Street.
  • Turn left onto East River Road.
  • Turn right onto West College Road and cross the river bridge.
  • Head south on TH 371.
From Brainerd to Little Falls (40 miles)
  • Follow TH 371 to TH 115.
  • Go west on TH 115.
  • Go south on County Rd 213 along the river to CSAH 13.
  • Turn left (south); this turns into Paul Larson Memorial Drive as you near Little Falls city limits.

Scenic Mississippi River Region - Little Falls to Elk River (92 miles)

Little Falls to St. Cloud (42 miles)
  • Turn south onto Broadway Avenue.
  • Turn west onto Lindbergh Drive (Morrison Co. Rd. 52), which takes you direction to the Lindbergh State Park and Historic Site.
  • Continue on Morrison Co. Rd. 52 to Morrison Co. Rd. 25, then southeast on Morrison Co. Rd. 21.
  • At the Sterns County line the road becomes Sterns Co. Rd. 1.
  • Continue on Co. Rd. 1 to Sartell, then take Co. Rd. 78 over the river bridge to Benton Co. Rd. 33 (Benton Drive).
  • Head south on Co. Rd. 33 to the Sartell/Sauk Rapids city line.
  • Continue on Benton Co. Rd. 33 to First Street South, then over the Mississippi River to Stearns Co. Rd. 1 (9th Avenue North) in St. Cloud.
  • Head south on 9th Avenue North to 9th Avenue south (Clearwater Road/Sterns Co. R. 7).
  • Continue south to Stearns Co. Rd. 75.
St. Cloud to Elk River (50 miles)
  • Continue southeast on Stearns Co. Rd. 75 to the Wright County line, where the route becomes Wright Co. Rd. 75.
  • Follow this south to Wright Co. Rd. 39 in Monticello.
  • Continue east on Wright Co. Rd. 39 into Elk River.

Metro Mississippi River Region - Elk River to Hastings (75 miles)

Elk River to Downtown Minneapolis (28 miles)
  • The Great River Road continues past Elk River east on Wright Co. Rd. 39 to MN 101, then south to Wright Co. Rd. 42, then east to the Hennepin County line (Co. Rd. 12).
  • Go south on Co. Rd. 12.
  • Across the Mississippi River from Anoka, head southeast along Hennepin Co. Rd. 12 (West River Road) to 97th Avenue.
  • Head east briefly on 97th Avenue to West River Road, then southeast to Brookdale Drive.
  • Go west on Brookdale Drive to Minnesota Highway 252.
  • Go south on MN 252 to I-694.
  • Cross the Mississippi River on I-694.
  • Take East River Road (Anoka Co. Rd. 1) to the Anoka-Hennepin County line (the road becomes Hennepin Co. Rd. 23/Marshall Street) at the north edge of Minneapolis.
  • Continue along Marshall Street to Broadway Avenue (Hennepin Co. Rd. 66) and head west on Broadway to West River Parkway.
Downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul (12 miles)
  • Take West River Parkway south to Godfrey Parkway. Look for the entrance to Minnehaha Park.
  • Follow Godfrey Parkway to the roundabout in front of the Longfellow House.
  • Turn right onto Minnehaha Avenue (one block), left onto 46th Street East (one block), then left (south) onto Minnesota Highway 55, where you will head southeast toward the Hennepin-Dakota County line (at the Minnesota/Mississippi River confluence).
  • At the Dakota County line, take Minnesota Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) northeast to Interstate Highway 35E.
  • Take I-35E north.
  • Turn right on West 7th Street.
  • Turn right on Randolf Avenue to Shepard Road, then turn left.
  • Continue along Shepard Road, which becomes Warner Road (Ramsey Co. Rd. 36).
From Downtown St. Paul to Hastings (26 miles)
  • From Warner Road, take U.S. 61/10 south to I-494 west, which crosses the river.
  • Exit south on Minnesota Highway 56, then turn east on Minnesota Highway 55 toward Hastings.
  • Take Dakota Co. Rd. 42 northeast to U.S. 61/10.
  • Turn south on U.S. 61 through Hastings (At this point, and throughout the remainder of your byway journey to the Iowa border, you will notice that the Great River Road signs all say "State Route." This is because the national 10-state route continues on from Hastings into Wisconsin, following the river on its eastern shoreline.)

Mississippi River Bluffs Region - Hastings to Iowa Border (140 miles)

  • Follow U.S. 61 south all the way to LaCrescent.
  • From LaCrescent, the Minnesota Great River Road travels south on MN 16 and MN 26, ending at the Iowa border.

Wisconsin Section

From Prescott to Wyalusing

  • Follow State Road 35 for 40.4 miles, passing through the towns of Diamond Bluff, Hager City, Bay City, Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, Alma, Cochrane, and Fountain City before arriving in Centerville.
  • In Centerville, turn right to continue along State Road 35 for another 21.3 miles.
  • At this point, State Road 35 becomes Highway 53.
  • Continue straight along Highway 53 for 3.6 miles.
  • The road will change designations to 3rd Street and then Highway 61 over the next 4.6 miles, before returning to the designation State Road 35.
  • Continue along State Road 35 for 36.4 miles, passing through the towns of Stoddard, Ferryville, and Bridgeport.
  • Turn left to continue along State Road 35 for another 1.2 miles.
  • Turn right onto CR-C, and continue for 3.1 miles.
  • Turn right again onto CR-CX and continue for 1.0 miles.
  • CR-CX will become CR-X, continue for 2.5 miles into the town of Wyalusing.

From Wyalusing to Potosi

  • Follow CR-X for 3.9 miles.
  • CR-X will become CR-A, continue for 4.3 miles.
  • Turn right onto CR-VV and continue for 3.4 miles.
  • Turn right to stay on CR-VV, and continue for 0.7 miles.
  • Turn left to stay on CR-VV and continue for 8.9 miles.
  • Turn right onto State Road 133 and continue for 18.5 miles thorough the town of Cassville to the town of Potosi.

From Potosi to Illinois Border

  • Go east on CR-O toward 13th St., and continue for 1.1 miles.
  • Turn right onto Highway 61/State Road 35 S.
  • Continue for 14.8 miles.
  • Merge onto WI-35 S, taking the loop on the right, and continue for 0.7 miles.
  • Turn right onto WI-35, and continue for approximately 1 mile to the border with Illinois.

Iowa Section

From Minnesota State Line to Dubuque

  • Heading south from Minnesota's Great River Road, cross over into Iowa and travel on State Route IA 26 until you reach the city of Lansing.
  • From Lansing to Harpers Ferry, take County Road X-52.
  • From Harpers Ferry, travel on IA 364 through Yellow River State Forest until the road joins with IA 76.
  • Take IA 76 past the Effigy Mounds National Monument to the community of Marquette.
  • Travel for a few miles on Business Highway 18 to get from Marquette to McGregor.
  • As visitors travel on IA 340 from McGregor, they will pass Pike's Peak State Park. IA 340 becomes County Road X-56.
  • Turn left onto County Road C-17 and continue to the community of Clayton.
  • Follow the Great River Road and its signs to Guttenberg.
  • From Guttenberg, take US Highway 52 to Millville. At Millville, follow County Road C-9Y to the community of Turkey River.
  • Continue on C-9Y past other byway communities.
  • Turn left onto S. Mound Road. S. Mound Road then becomes Sherrill Road.
  • Drive through Sherrill and continue on Sherrill Road toward Sageville.
  • At Sageville, take US 52 to Dubuque.

From Dubuque to Davenport

  • From the city of Dubuque, follow US Highway 52 past St. Donatus to Bellevue.
  • As drivers continue on US 52, they will pass Bellevue State Park and reach the community of Sabula.
  • From Sabula, take US Highway 67 to Clinton.
  • Continue on US 67 past Le Claire and Bettendorf to Davenport.

From Davenport to Burlington

  • From Davenport, take IA 22 to Montpelier.
  • From Montpelier, continue on IA 22 to Fairport. You will pass Wildcat Den State Park on the way.
  • After Fairport, turn left onto IA 38. IA 38 becomes IA 92. IA 92 leads into Muscatine.
  • From Muscatine, take IA 92 and turn left onto Oregon Street. Oregon Street becomes Stewart Road and Stewart Road becomes X-61.
  • Travelers will pass the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge on X-61.
  • To reach Toolesboro, turn left onto IA 99.
  • Take IA 99 past Toolesboro and other byway communities to the city of Burlington.

From Burlington to Keokuk and the Missouri Border

  • From Burlington, take US Highway 61 to the Fort Madison Historical Site.
  • At the city of Fort Madison, continue on US 61 past Montrose to the city of Keokuk where the byway joins with the Missouri Great River Road.

Illinois Section

The Great River Road in Illinois covers the entire west edge of the state.

From Galena to Moline

  • Beginning your drive in northwestern Illinois, you will find the community of Galena. Follow US 20 out of Galena and to its junction with SR 84.
  • Turn onto SR 84 and follow it past Mississippi Palisades State Park and the community of Savanna.
  • SR 84 will pass Fulton, Illinois and continue on until you reach the Quad Cities of Moline and Rock Island.

From Moline to Nauvoo

  • From Moline and Rock Island, continue along the byway on SR 92.
  • Just before you reach Lock and Dam 16, turn onto 45th Street and continue south on the Great River Road.
  • Just before you reach New Boston, turn onto SR 17 and travel east.
  • Turn south onto 76th street and continue to the community of Keithsburg.
  • At Keithsburg, travel south on Keithsburg Road which becomes County Road 3. You will pass Big River State Forest and Delebar State Park before reaching the community of Oquawka.
  • From Oquawka, take SR 164 until it joins US 34. Turn right onto US 34 and travel toward the river until you reach the turn off to SR 522.
  • Travel south on SR 522 until you reach the community of Lomax.
  • From Lomax, take SR 96 along the Mississippi. When you pass through Dallas City, SR 96 becomes SR 9.
  • Continue on SR 9/96 as it turns back into SR 96. SR 96 will take the byway into the historic community of Nauvoo.

From Nauvoo to Kampsville

  • From Nauvoo, take SR 96 and travel south past the communties of Hamilton, Lima, Marcelline and Ursa.
  • SR 96 eventually joins up with US 24. Take US 24 into Quincy, Illinois.
  • From Quincy, travel south on SR 57 until it merges with SR 96. Continue on SR 96 past several communities until you reach the community of Kampsville. At this point, the Great River Road meets the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway.

From Granite City to Monroe County

  • The Great River Road begins again in Granite City just north of East St. Louis.
  • Travel through East St. Louis and take SR 3 to continue south along the river. There is a gap in designation through Monroe County.
  • At the community of Waterloo, leave SR 3 and take Lakeview Drive. Lakeview Drive becomes Maeystown Road which leads drivers to the historic community of Maeystown.

From Red Bud to Cairo

  • Take the Maeystown Road south until it intersects with Bluff Road. Continue south on Bluff Road until you reach the community of Prairie Du Rocher.
  • From Prairie Du Rocher, take Bluff Road until it turns into Collins Road.
  • The road joins with SR 3 and takes travelers to the community of Ellis Grove.
  • Continue on SR 3 to the city of Chester.
  • From Chester, continue on SR 3 down the banks of the Great River.
  • SR 3 joins US Highway 51 after the city of Cache. Take US 51 into Cairo, Illinois where the Illinois portion of the Great River Road ends.

Missouri Section

The byway runs on MO-79 along the Mississippi River between the towns of Clarksville and Louisiana.

  • Head northwest from Clarksville on MO-79 toward Smith Street.
  • Follow along MO-79 through the towns of Roblee and McIntosh until you reach the city of Louisiana where the byway ends.

Kentucky Section

This segment of the Great River Road goes from U.S. Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 51 over the Mississippi River south to Columbus, then from Columbus to the state border of Kentucky and Tennessee.

KY/IL border on the Mississippi River to Columbus, KY

  • Start on US 51 on the Mississippi River bridge on the border between Missouri and Kentucky, near Cairo, IL.
  • Drive north-east on U.S. Highway 51 across the river into Kentucky.
  • Continue south on US 51/62 through Wickliffe.
  • Continue south on US 51/62.
  • At the junction of US 51/62 and KY 1203, turn sharply west onto KY 1203.
  • Follow KY 1203 south to KY 123. Turn west (right) onto KY 123.
  • Proceed on KY 123 on until it joins KY 80 east of Columbus-Belmont State Park.
  • Take KY 123/80 southwest into Columbus.

Columbus to KY/TN Border

  • In Columbus, turn southeast on State Highway 123/State Highway 58.
  • In Clinton, follow State Highway 123 south, then west.
  • Take a sharp turn south onto KY 239.
  • Proceed on KY 239 to Cayce.
  • At the junction of KY 239 and KY 94 turn west onto KY 94.
  • Take KY 94 west to Hickman.
  • Continue on KY 94 west through Anna Lynne and Miller to the Tennessee State Line, where this segment of the byway ends.

Tennessee Section

The Tennessee Great River Road goes from the Tennessee/Kentucky state line, through Phillippy, Tiptonville, Ridgely, Hales Point, Halls, Ripley, Covington. and Millington. It ends at the Tennessee/Mississippi state line. The route consists of five segments on the east side of the Mississippi River. The routes between the segments are not included in the byway designation. They are listed here to provide a continuous driving experience.

Segment #1: TN/KY State Border to Tiptonville

  • Start at the TN/KY state line, at the intersection of TN-78 and Tennessee Rd.
  • Drive southwest on TN-78/Kentucky Street until you get to Tiptonville.
  • In Tiptonville, turn west (right) onto TN-21.
  • Continue 1.1 miles to the end of the designated segment.

Gap #1: Tiptonville to Cottonwood Grove (12.7 miles)

  • Turn south and continue on Tiptonville Obion Levee Rd.
  • Resume byway travel on TN-181 in Cottonwood Grove just past the intersection with TN-79.

Segment #2: Cottonwood Grove to Golddust via Ripley

  • Take TN-181 south to Boothspoint.
  • At the I-155 junction near Boothspoint continue south on TN-181 to Hales Point.
  • In Hales Point turn west onto TN-88.
  • Take TN-88 east to US-51 near Halls.
  • Take US-51 south to Ripley.
  • North of Ripley, take TN-19 19.1 miles west through Arp.
  • This segment of the byway ends at Golddust near the Mississippi River where TN-19 turns sharply south onto Four Mile Lane.

Gap #2: Four Mile Lane (3.2 miles)

  • Go south on Four Mile Lane.
  • Resume byway travel at John Tully Wildlife Management Area.

Segment #3: John Tully WMA to Pryor

  • Go southeast on SR 207 (Crutcher Lake Rd.) through the Wildlife Management Area.
  • Turn left on SR 87 and head for Henning.
  • At Henning turn south on US 51.
  • Take US 51 south to Covington.
  • At Covington, turn west onto SR 59.
  • Continue on SR 59 west 18.6 miles to Richardsons, and the end of this segment of the byway.

Gap #3: Richardsons to Locke

  • Go south on Richardson Landing Rd.
  • Turn right onto Pryor Rd, which becomes Herring Hill Road.
  • Continue on Herring Hill Rd.
  • At the t-stop, turn right on River Bluff Rd.
  • Bear right on Bluff Rd and continue south into Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
  • At Locke, turn east on Locke Cuba Rd.
  • Resume byway travel 0.7 miles east at the intersection with SR-388.

Segment #4: Locke to Whitney Ave., Memphis

  • take SR-388 (N Watkins Rd.) south toward Memphis.
  • N. Watkins Rd becomes N. Watkins St. Continue south on N Watkins St. past Firestone Park on the left.
  • Take US 51 south 2.1 miles to the end of this segment of the byway.

Gap #4: Whitney Ave. to TN-14

  • Turn right on Whitney Ave.
  • At the airport, continue south on N. 2nd St.
  • Turn right on N. Mud Island Rd.
  • Continue on Island Dr. south along the riverside.
  • Turn left on Auction Ave and go east.
  • Turn right on N. Front St and go south past I-40.
  • Turn west on Adams Ave.
  • Go one block then turn south on N. Riverside Dr.
  • Turn left on Beale St. and go east about three blocks.
  • Turn right (south) on S. Main St.
  • Turn left on E. Ge Patterson Ave and go 0.1 miles east to TN-14, where you resume travel on the byway.

Segment #5: TN-14 to the TN/MS Border

  • Turn south onto TN-14/US-61.
  • Turn east onto E. Carolina Ave to stay on US-61.
  • Go one block and turn right onto S. 3rd St. to stay on US-61.
  • Continue south on US-61 for 10.6 miles.
  • The Tennessee Great River Road ends at the intersection of US-61/TN-14 and the Tennessee/Mississippi State Line.

Arkansas Section

Missouri-Arkansas State Line to West Memphis

  • Begin your north-south journey along Arkansas' Great River Road at the historic concrete arch that spans US Highway 61 at the Missouri-Arkansas Line.
  • Drive south on US Highway 61 through Blytheville, Osceola and Wilson to SH 77.
  • Then, take SH 77 south through Marion to West Memphis.

West Memphis to Helena

  • At US 70 in West Memphis, also known as Broadway, head west to SH 147. (An alternate is to head east on US 70 through downtown West Memphis to I-55 and the Tennessee State Line).
  • To continue south, take SH 147 to SH 38; SH 38 West to Hughes; and US 79 South to Marianna.
  • Drive through Marianna on SH 44 (Chestnut and Poplar Streets in the downtown area) and enter the St. Francis National Forest.
  • Lee CR 221, Phillips CR 217, and Phillips CR 239 will take you through the St. Francis National Forest to Helena and SH 44 South. (You will be on Holly, Columbia and Biscoe Streets through the city.)

Helena to Dumas or Back Gate

  • From Helena, take SH 44 South to Elaine; SH 20 West to SH 318; SH 318 North to SH 316; and SH 316 West to SH 1.
  • SH 1 will lead you across the White River and south to DeWitt.
  • At DeWitt, take US 165 South, crossing the Arkansas River. At this point, travelers can continue on US 165 to US 65 South at Dumas, or turn east onto SH 1 at Back Gate.

Back Gate or Dumas to Mississippi State Line

  • The Back Gate route on SH 1 leads east and south to SH 4, which goes south to Arkansas City, then heads back west to rejoin US 65 at McGehee.
  • US 65 South takes you from Dumas to Lake Village, where you have the option to continue south on US 65 to the Louisiana Line, or head east on US 82 to the Mississippi River Bridge and the Mississippi State Line.

Upper Mississippi Section

  • From the border of Mississippi and Tennessee, drive southwest on U.S. Highway 61.
  • Turn west (right) onto State Highway 161.
  • Turn west (right) onto Goodman Road.
  • Turn south (left) onto W Railroad Ave.
  • Turn west (right) almost immediately on Old Highway 61.
  • Follow Old Highway 61 going south.
  • Turn southeast (left) onto Hollywood Road.
  • Turn southwest (right) on U.S. Highway 61.
  • At the intersection of U.S. Highway 61, State Highway 315, and U.S. Highway 49, turn northwest (right) on U.S. Highway 49 and pass the town of Lula.
  • Turn south (left) on State Highway 1.
  • Follow State Highway 1 going south to Greenville.
  • Stay on State Highway 1

Lower Mississippi Section

Issaquena County Line to Vicksburg

  • Begin on US Highway 61 at the Issaquena County line and travel south along US Highway 61 in Warren County to Business 61 (North Washington Street)
  • Travel on North Washington Street to downtown Vicksburg.
  • Continue traveling on Washington Street as it merges into Warrington Road.
  • Travel Warrington Road to US Highway 61.

Vicksburg to Port Gibson

  • Continue on US Highway 61 South to Claiborne County.
  • Upon entering Claiborne County continue traveling south on US Highway 61.
  • At Grand Gulf Road, travel west to Grand Gulf Military Park.
  • Return on Grand Gulf Road to US Highway 61.
  • Travel south on US Highway 61 to Port Gibson.

Port Gibson to Natchez

  • US Highway 61 at Port Gibson is known as Church Street.
  • At the intersection of Church Street and Orange Street travel west on Orange Street, past the Claiborne County Courthouse, to Market Street.
  • Travel south on Market Street four (4) blocks, past Mississippi Cultural Crossroads,"Matt Ross" Administrative Building, Harriette Pearson Memorial Library, and the Meyer Marx Building until you reach Carroll Street.
  • Return to Church Street and travel south on US Highway 61 to the Jefferson County line.
  • This corridor also includes Rodney Road, which is Carroll Street (west of Market Street).
  • Travel west on Rodney Road, past the Shaifer House and grounds; travel past the Ruins of Windsor where Rodney Road merges into Highway 552.
  • Travel past Alcorn State University on Highway 552 back to US Highway 61.
  • Travel south on US Highway 61 until you reach Adams County and continue on US 61.

Natchez to Louisiana State Line

  • Take Highway 61 through the City of Natchez to the US Highway 61/84 Interchange; travel west on US Highway 84 to the Natchez Intermodal Center at the Mississippi River Bridge.
  • Return to US Highway 61/84 interchange and travel south on US Highway 61 through the southern portion of Natchez to Wilkinson County.
  • Travel south on US Highway 61 through Woodville to the Louisiana state line. This terminates the Lower Mississippi Section of the Great River Road.

Louisiana Section

The Great River Road in Louisiana starts at the border of Arkansas and Louisiana. It travels south in Louisiana along the border between Louisiana and Mississippi on the west side of the Mississippi River.

At Louisiana's "ankle bend" (at the southwest corner of Mississippi), the route splits into two parallel roads on both sides of the Mississippi. The east side of the Great River Road in Louisiana is connected to the Great River Road in Mississippi. Both sides of the Great River Road in Louisiana continue south into Louisiana.

At that point, the Great River Road is wholly in Louisiana, and traverses both sides of the Mississippi River southeast through Baton Route and New Orleans. The west side ends at Venice in Louisiana's "toe". The east side ends a few miles short of the west side, in Diamond.

In addition, the byway includes several Mississippi River access spurs and crossings as part of its official route.

Driving the West Side in Louisiana

Louisiana and Arkansas Border to Vidalia

  • Drive south on U.S. Highway 65.
  • Continue on US-65 through Tallulah to I-20.
  • Here you can choose to turn east on I-20 for the first river crossing.
    • Take I-20 to the LA/MS border in Vicksburg, and the first Mississippi River crossing on the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue south on US-65 to Clayton.
  • In Clayton, take US-425 south to Ferriday.
  • In Ferriday, US-425/LA-15 will change to US-425/LA-84.
  • Continue south on US-425/LA-84 to Vidalia.
  • Here you can choose to continue east toward Natchez, MS for the second river crossing.
    • Take US-425/LA-84 east to the LA/MS state line, and the second Mississippi River crossing on the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, turn south on LA-131 in Vidalia.

Vidalia to Port Allen

  • In Vidalia, take LA-131/Martin Luther King Avenue south until it joins LA-15.
  • Take LA-15 south.
  • Continue south on LA-15 through Deer Park and Black Hawk.
  • As you approach Lettsworth, the byway merges into LA-1.
  • Continue southeast on LA-1 to Morganza.
  • LA-1 merges with LA-10 in Morganza. Continue on LA-1/LA-10.
  • In Lebarre turn north (left) onto LA-420 (Pointe Coupee Rd.)
  • Take LA-420 east past Pointe Coupee to the intersection with New Roads/Francisville ferry boat crossing.
  • Here you can choose the third river crossing.
    • Take the New Roads/Francisville ferry north over the Mississippi River to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue east on LA-981 round this bend of the Mississippi River.
  • At Waterloo, take LA-415 west around another river bend.
  • In Knapp, continue east on LA-416 to Hermitage.
  • In Hermitage, turn sharply south onto LA-415.
  • Follow LA-415 south as it winds alongside the river and through Arbroth and Devalis to the intersection with US-190.
  • Here you can choose to go east toward N. Baton Rouge for the fourth river crossing.
    • Take US-190 east over the Mississippi River to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue south on LA-415 toward Port Allen.
  • Before you join LA-1 again, turn south onto N. Jefferson Ave. in Port Allen.
  • Turn east onto Court St.
  • Turn south on River Drive.
  • Turn east on Oaks Avenue and follow it north to Avenue G.
  • Turn west on Avenue G and immediately get onto LA-1 southbound to leave Port Allen.

Port Allen to Donaldsonville

  • Stay on LA-1 going south.
  • Turn left (southeast) onto LA-988/Beaulieu Road.
  • Follow LA- 988 on a right turn where it becomes S. River Road.
  • In Plaquemine, turn southwest (right) on Jacob Street.
  • Turn west (right) onto Laville Street.
  • Rejoin LA-1 and turn south (left.)
  • Follow LA-1 through Plaquemine until you reach LA-75.
  • Turn east on LA-75 and go straight one block where it join LA-405 and leads to the Plaquemine Ferry Crossing.
  • Here you can choose to take the ferry across the Mississippi River for the fifth river crossing.
    • Take the ferry (LA-75) east to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue south on LA-405 (River Road) to join LA-69 in White Castle.
  • Continue on LA-405 to LA-3075.
  • Here you can choose to go north for the sixth river crossing.
    • Take LA-3075 to the White Castle Ferry Crossing and cross the Mississippi River to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue on LA-405 east and then south around this bend of the river to rejoin LA-1.
  • Turn east (left) on LA-1 toward Donaldsonville.

Donaldsonville to the New Orleans Area (Gretna)

  • In Donaldsonville, turn north on LA-18.
  • Stay on LA-18 to LA-70 and the Sunshine Bridge Crossing.
  • Here you can choose to go east on the seventh river crossing.
    • Take LA-70 east over the Mississippi River to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, stay on LA-18 for several bends of the river to LA-3213/LA-20 in Wallace.
  • Here you can choose to cross the river on the Gramercy (Veterans Memorial) Bridge for the eighth river crossing.
    • Take LA-3213/LA-20 north to join the East Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue east on LA-18 for several more turns of the river.
  • Continue on past LA-18 past the I-310 bridge.
  • Near Bridge City, take a sharp turn north onto LA-541 (River Road).
  • Continue on LA-541 east and around a sharp bend to the south past Louisiana St. (LA-18 in Westwego.
  • Continue on LA-541, which turns sharply south and become Destrehan Ave. near Harvey.
  • Turn east (left) onto 4th St. (LA-18.)
  • Turn south (right) onto Huey P. Long Ave. in Gretna.
  • Go one block and turn left (east) onto 5th St. (LA-466.)
  • Turn south (right) to follow LA-18 onto Lafayette St.
  • Take LA-18 to the intersection with US-90.
  • Here you can choose to go east for the ninth river crossing into New Orleans.
    • Take US-90 east and cross the Mississippi River on the Crescent City Connection Bridge.
  • Otherwise, continue south on LA-18, which here becomes LA-23.

Gretna to Venice

  • Take LA-23 south to Belle Chasse.
  • Here you can take the ferry across the river for the tenth river crossing.
    • Take the Belle Chasse Ferry access road east to cross on the Belle Chasse/Scarsdale Ferry.
  • Otherwise, continue south on LA-23 to Woodland.
  • Here you can take the ferry east to Bohemia for the eleventh river crossing.
    • Take the Pointe A La Hache ferry boat across the Mississippi River.
  • Otherwise, continue south on LA-23 to Venice, where the West Side of the LA-Great River Road ends.

Driving the East Side in Louisiana

Louisiana and Mississippi Border to Baton Rouge

  • Start at the border and drive south on U.S. Highway 61.
  • Take US-61 south to St. Francisville.
  • Here you can choose to go west over the Mississippi River on the third river crossing (the first two can only be reached from the West Side of the Great River Road.)
    • At the intersection with LA-10/Jackson Road in St. Francisville go southwest (right.)
    • Follow LA-10 southeast (left) onto Commerce St., and then southwest again (right) onto Ferdinand St. to the ferry crossing.
    • Take the New Roads/Francisville ferry south over the Mississippi River to join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue on US-61 toward Baton Rouge.
  • Just south of Alsen, take I-110 going east.
  • Go south on I-110 to the interchange with US-190/US-61.
  • Here you can choose to go west over the Mississippi River on the fourth river crossing.
    • At the interchange with US-190/US-61, take US-190 west.
    • Take the bridge over the river to join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise you can continue south on I-110 through Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge to St. Gabriel

  • In downtown Baton Rouge, exit onto Capitol Access Road going west.
  • Turn south on Capitol Access Road past Arsenal Park.
  • Turn east on State Capitol Drive.
  • Turn south on N 5th Street.
  • Turn west on Spanish Town Road.
  • Turn north on N 3rd Street.
  • Turn west on State Capitol Drive.
  • Turn south on US-61/River Road N.
  • Follow US-61 when it curves east and becomes Government Street.
  • Turn south (right) on St. Phillip Street.
  • St. Phillip Street changes to LA-30/Nicholson Drive.
  • Continue south on LA-30 to the campus of Louisiana State University.
  • At Tiger Stadium, turn west on S. Stadium Drive (LA-327.)
  • Turn south on LA-327/LA-991/S River Road.
  • Continue south around several curves alongside the river on LA-327/River Road.
  • Where LA-327 splits from LA-991, continue west on LA-991 to the Plaquemine-Sunshine Ferry Crossing.
  • Here you can choose to go west over the Mississippi River on the fifth river crossing.
    • Turn south on Ferry Terminal Rd.
    • Take the ferry across the river to Plaquemine and the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue following LA-991/River Road south.
  • Shortly after Ferry Terminal Rd. LA-991/River Road becomes LA-75.
  • Continue following the curves of the river on LA-75 to St. Gabriel.

St. Gabriel to Gramercy

  • In St. Gabriel, follow LA-75 southeast to the junction with LA-141.
  • Turn sharply west (right) onto LA-141 (Point Clair Rd.)
  • Follow LA-141 south and then east to Carville.
  • Here you can choose to take the ferry across the river on the sixth river crossing.
    • Take the White Castle-Carville Ferry south to join the LA-Great River Road on the West Side.
  • Otherwise, continue on LA-141 through Carville.
  • LA-141 becomes LA-75.
  • Continue on LA-75 to Darrow.
  • In Darrow, take LA-942 going east.
  • At Burnside, merge with LA-44 going southeast.
  • Continue on LA-44 south to the junction with LA-70.
  • Here you can choose to cross the river for the seventh river crossing.
    • Take LA-70/Sunshine Bridge west across the river to join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, stay on LA-44 going southeast around several curves of the river to the intersection with LA-3213 in Gramercy.

Gramercy to Destrehan

  • Here you can choose to cross the river on the eighth river crossing.
    • Take LA-3213/Gramercy Bridge across join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road in Wallace.
  • Otherwise, stay on LA-44.
  • LA-44 changes to LA-636.
  • South of Garyville and LaPlace, take Cardinal St. east.
  • Turn south (right) on LA-628.
  • Continue south on LA-628 to Montz.
  • In Montz, turn north on LA-628/CC Road.
  • Turn southeast (right) onto U.S. Highway 61.
  • In Norco, turn south on LA-48/Apple Street.
  • Turn east (left) on LA-48/River Road.
  • Continue south along the river to the intersection with I-310 in Destrehan.
  • Here you can cross the river, although this bridge is not part of the Great River Road.
    • Take I-310 to cross the river and join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise continue on LA-48 past the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport toward New Orleans.

Destrehan to New Orleans

  • Continue on LA-48.
  • In Harahan, take Hickory Ave. southeast (right).
  • Turn northeast (left) onto River Road.
  • Continue on River Road to the intersection with US-90.
  • Here you can cross the river, although this bridge is not part of the Great River Road.
    • Take US-90 to cross the river and join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise, continue on River Road.
  • River Road changes to Leake Avenue in Leonidas.
  • Follow Leake Avenue and turn onto St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.
  • Follow St. Charles Ave to the intersection withUS-90.
  • Here you can choose to cross the river on the ninth river crossing.
    • To get onto US-90 to cross the river, turn southeast (right) on Clio Street.
    • Merge with Calliope Street.
    • Take the on-ramp onto Crescent City Connection Bridge/US-90 across the Mississippi River to join the West Side of the LA-Great River Road.
  • Otherwise stay on St. Charles Ave. past US-90.

New Orleans to the End of the East Side of the Great River Road

  • Continue on St. Charles Avenue.
  • At Lee Circle, turn southeast onto Andrew Higgins Drive.
  • Turn northeast on Camp Street.
  • Camp Street will change to Chartres Street.
  • Turn north (left) on Elysian Fields Avenue.
  • Turn east (right) on St. Claude Avenue/LA-46.
  • Follow St. Claude Avenue/LA-46 south.
  • In Poydras, turn southwest on LA-39.
  • Follow LA-39 west through Braithwaite to the junction with LA-3137.
  • Here you can choose to cross the river on the ferry for the tenth river crossing.
    • Take the Belle Chasse-Scarsdale ferry across the river to join the LA-Great River Road on the West Side.
  • Otherwise, continue on LA-39 south to Pointe A La Hache.
  • Turn southwest on Adema Lane.
  • Turn southeast on LA-15 to the end of the byway at the Pointe A La Hache ferry crossing.
  • Here you can cross the river on the ferry for the eleventh river crossing.
    • Take the ferry across the river to continue your journey on the LA-Great River Road on the west side of the river.
  • Otherwise, you have reached the end of the byway’s East Side.