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Great River Road
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Taste the Music of the Great River Road

No matter what kind of music you love, you’ll get your fill on the Great River Road. Traversing seven states, the Mississippi River has tasted every type of lifestyle and every type of music. Travel the Great River Road and get a taste of the music for yourself.
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Shopping Specials on Iowa's Great River Road

As you follow the Great River Road along Iowa’s eastern border, visit the stores and sellers that make this portion of the byway special. Pick up gifts for friends and family or treat yourself when you peruse a delightful assortment of genuine Iowa-made products along the...
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Follow the Great River Road for Native American History

Follow the Great River Road into the past as you explore remnants and reconstructions of the Mississippi River region’s rich Native American history. From Minnesota to Mississippi, count on the byway to connect you to enlightening museum exhibits, sacred mound sites,...
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Birding along the Great River Road

The Great River Road showcases the mighty Mississippi River and highlights the historic importance of the river in the development of the United States. While appreciating the Mississippi River, be sure to not miss out on the impressive array of North American bird life along...
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Documenting the Great River: Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

In our era of satellite navigation and global positioning systems, we tend to take geography for granted. In the 19th Century, however, geography drove geographers to several-month expeditions into the unknown. One of the great geographers of the Mississippi was Henry Rowe...
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Hiawatha: Fact vs. Literature in Minnehaha Park

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has been described as the first truly American poet. Hiawatha became America's most widely read poem of the 19th Century, spreading the fame of Minnehaha Falls and the uppermost regions of the Mississippi. Despite many misconceptions, both fact...
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America's First Interstate: The Mississippi River

As one of the great transportation arteries on the western frontier, the Mississippi River played a crucial role in 19th century America. The mighty river represented the same ideas that our modern highways have come to symbolize: commerce, discovery, and freedom. In this way,...
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The Great River Road Overview

In sheer size and importance, the Mississippi River has few equals. The Great River Road borders the Mississippi through the states of Mississippi, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, letting visitors experience all the natural beauty and cultural heritage...
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1-Day Trip: Exploring Southern Treasures
(Mississippi)

In just over 100 miles, you can discover multiple sites of historical significance at both the state and national level. This route connects four of the oldest settlements along the Mississippi River. At every stop along the corridor, there are attractions listed on the... [more]
2-Day Trip: Touring the Great River - Wisconsin Itinerary
(Wisconsin)

The tour of the Great River Road in Wisconsin highlights several of the historical, natural, and scenic sites along the Mississippi in the great northern state of Wisconsin. This two-day tour will let you experience the relaxed, comfortable feel of life along the river. [more]
1-Day Trip: Moline-to-Nauvoo Tour of Illinois` Great River Road
(Illinois)

See historic towns, well kept parks, and diverse museums. Visitors can learn about military, Native, and isolated local history in relation to the general story of America. [more]
1-Day Trip: Kentucky's Mississippi River History
(Kentucky)

This tour of Great River Road - Kentucky takes you for a historical journey along the Mississippi River. [more]
1-Day Trip: Mississippi Great River Road Historic Itinerary
(Mississippi)

A trip along the Mississippi Great River Road offers historic experiences that run as deep as its legendary topsoil. The entire region is of historic significance in that it made cotton the king of the agriculture industry of this nation. The route captures the dramatic river... [more]
1-Day Trip: Baton Rouge to New Orleans
(Louisiana)

Take a tour of the Louisiana Great River Road and enjoy the interesting history of the area. Cross the Mississippi River by way of several bridges and ferry boats, tour the historic old and new state capitols, understand the evolution of river transportation at a restored... [more]
2-Day Trip: Historic & Natural Wonders on the Great River Road of Tennessee
(Tennessee)

This road-trip will take you to sites that capture the historic importance of the communities along the Mississippi River corridor while providing opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area. This trip is designed for travelers entering Tennessee from the north. [more]