Location: Follows the Mississippi River beginning in Louisiana and running through Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Length: 2069 miles (3332 km) Time To Allow: 10 days Description/Highlights/Points of Interest Experiencing the mighty Mississippi River for the first time is a memory few will forget. Looking out over the river, it is impossible to comprehend the complex layers of history acted out along its banks. From the Dakota, Chippewa and the Hopewell Indians and early French voyagers to the African- Americans seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad, this corridor has played a major role. Through its charming river towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, the Great River Road links resources, people and history. Suggested Itinerary Both the past and present of the world famous John Deere & Company operations are centered in Moline. At the John Deere Commons, visitors can catch historic trolleys to other Deere sites, tour the John Deere Pavilion with interactive displays of historic and modern farm equipment and visit the John Deere Store. The Deere Administrative Center, Deere corporate headquarters, lies on the outskirts of Moline. This building, designed by Eero Saarinen, and grounds are widely regarded as master works of architecture and landscape architecture. The Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center are mansions built in the late 1800s by Charles Deere. Guided tours of the homes and gardens are available. Rock Island Arsenal lies on spectacular Rock Island in the Mississippi River directly in front of the John Deere Commons. Visitors to the island can visit Historic Fort Armstrong, built in 1812, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum (with exhibits of military equipment and small fire arms) and other historic structures. The Rock Island Arsenal is the largest weapons manufacturing arsenal in the country. Located next to Lock and Dam 15, the largest roller dam in the world, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Visitors Center features an observation deck for tow boats and birds. The visitors center includes displays about Upper Mississippi geography, ecology and the lock-and-dam system. It is also a designated Great River Road interpretive center. Two miles (3.2 km) south of Rock Island lies the next stop on the tour, Black Hawk State Historic Site, a wooded, steeply rolling 208-acre tract. Prehistoric Indians and 19th century settlers made their homes here, but the area is most closely identified with the Sauk nation and the warrior-leader whose name it bears, Black Hawk. The site, which is also noted for its many natural features, is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The Hauberg Indian Museum, located in the lodge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, interprets the culture of the Sauk and the Mesquackie. Nearly 175 species of birds and 30 species of wildflowers, as well as a prairie restoration can be observed there. Dickson Pioneer Cemetery is where many early settlers are buried. Picnicking and hiking are also available. Following the byway along the Mississippi River for another 50 miles (80.4 km), we arrive at the 2,900-acre Big River State Forest. The forest lies in Henderson County, 6 miles (9.6 km) north of Oquawka, where gas and food are available. The area's oldest pine plantation, the Milroy Plantation, with towering red, white and jack pines lies within. The forest is a remnant of a vast prairie woodland border area that once covered much of Illinois. Two endangered plants, penstemon and Patterson's bindweed, are found here. A prominent landmark in the forest is its fire tower, located at the headquarters area and accessible to the public at non-emergency times. Sixty miles (96.6 km) of firebreaks interlace Big River State Forest, which are used by hikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers. Tent, trailer and equestrain camping sites, boat launch, picnic areas, toilets, hunting, stables and scenic drives are available. Located on the Mississippi River about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of Big River State Forest and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Oquawka, the 89-acre Delabar State Park offers quality outdoor experiences for anglers, hikers, campers and picnickers. More than 50 species of birds have been sighted in the park, making it a destination for bird watchers. Picnic areas, playground facilities, toilets, tent and trailer camping, trailer dumping, hiking trails, river and lake fishing, boat launching, ice fishing and ice skating are available in the area. Your tour ends about 45 miles (72 km) south of Delbar State Park in Nauvoo. The town is located at a picturesque bend in the river at Hancock County. Nauvoo was settled by Joseph Smith and members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and served as the religious, governmental and cultural center of the church from 1839 until Joseph Smith's death in 1846. Two visitor centers interpret the remaining town sites. The LDS Visitor Center features costumed hosts, interpretive displays, sculpture garden and tours of 25 Nauvoo town sites. The Joseph Smith Visitor Center, run by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS), features displays, an informative video and access to the gravesite and homes of Joseph Smith and family. In late 1999, the LDS church began rebuilding the historic, limestone Temple destroyed in the late 19th century. Nearby, Nauvoo State Park features recreational opportunities. The wine and cheese traditions of the French Icarians, who came to Nauvoo after the LDS church, are still pursued.