Great River Road is located in the United States.It lies along the Mississippi River, stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, situated through ten states along the river’s course, and is famous for its scenic views, historic towns, and cultural landmarks along the Mississippi River.
Great River Road Location Map, Multiple Cities, Mississippi
Other Mississippi Maps & Info
Top Attractions Along Great River Road
- Natchez Trace Parkway – Historic scenic route with trails, overlooks, and cultural landmarks.
- Vicksburg National Military Park – Preserved Civil War battlefield with monuments and museum exhibits.
- Mississippi River Overlooks – Panoramic views of the river, ideal for photography and birdwatching.
- Riverboat Cruises – Classic paddlewheel cruises offering sightseeing and historic narratives.
- Quincy Historic District – Charming riverfront town with Victorian architecture and museums.
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum – Explore the life and legacy of the famous author along the river.
- Scenic Byways & State Parks – Numerous parks and natural areas along the route for hiking and picnicking.
Great River Road Facts
| Official Name | Great River Road |
| Location | Runs along the Mississippi River — from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to Venice, Louisiana, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | Start: 47.2405° N, 95.2345° W (Lake Itasca, MN) – End: 29.3010° N, 89.3936° W (Venice, LA) |
| Total Length | Approx. 2,069 miles (≈ 3,330 km) |
| Established | Concept introduced in 1938; developed over subsequent decades as a scenic and historic byway |
| Managed By | Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) in coordination with state highway departments in each state |
| Region | Midwest & Southern United States — along the Mississippi River corridor |
| States Covered | Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana |
| Thematic Concept | Scenic byway highlighting Mississippi River landscapes, cultural heritage, river towns, history of river commerce, and recreational opportunities |
| Route Characteristics | Network of state and local roads following either bank of the Mississippi River; includes bridges and ferry crossings |
| Designation | National Scenic Byway; parts recognized as “All-American Road” |
| Signage | Green-and-white shield showing a steamboat inside a pilot’s wheel; state name often included |
| Main Attractions | Mississippi River landscapes and bluffs, historic river towns, cultural & historic sites, river-front recreation, local cuisine & music heritage, wildlife and river-valley ecosystems |
| Activities | Road trips, sightseeing, photography, historic & cultural visits, river boating/ferry, hiking & nature viewing, festivals, local cuisine & music exploration |
| Suggested Travel Duration | Straight driving 36 hours; recommended 10–14 days to explore highlights and towns along the route |
| Route Planning Notes | Not a single highway; requires careful planning state-by-state; signage may be sparse in parts; allow time for detours and local exploration |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring through Fall; mild weather and scenic landscapes; northern parts may be affected by winter conditions, southern parts hot in summer |
| Entry / Fees | No general toll or entry fee; individual parks, historic sites, or attractions along the route may charge separate fees |
| Nearby Airports | Varies along the route — major airports include Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN), St. Louis (MO), Memphis (TN), New Orleans (LA) |
| Transportation | Primarily car/truck; some segments accessible via bicycle, riverboats, or ferries; connected to state highways and local roads |
| Time Zone | Varies along route — Central Time (CT) & Eastern Time (ET) zones depending on location |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2200/ |
Distances from Great River Road to Nearby Landmarks
- Fort Snelling State Park – 16 km (10 mi)
- Minneapolis Downtown – 27 km (17 mi)
- St. Paul Downtown – 21 km (13 mi)
- Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Upper Mississippi River Visitor Center – 5 km (3 mi)
- Lake Harriet – 29 km (18 mi)
- Minnehaha Falls – 18 km (11 mi)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities – 22 km (14 mi)
- Mississippi River Gorge – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- Mill Ruins Park – 26 km (16 mi)
- Guthrie Theater – 27 km (17 mi)
- Stone Arch Bridge – 27 km (17 mi)
- Saint Anthony Falls – 27 km (17 mi)
- Fort Snelling Historic Site – 15 km (9 mi)
- Mississippi River Bluffs – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Mississippi River Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Hidden Falls Regional Park – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Fort Road Regional Park – 8 km (5 mi)
- Powderhorn Park – 28 km (17.5 mi)
- Fort Island Trailhead – 12 km (7.5 mi)
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.