Location:
Follows the Mississippi River through Minnesota, beginning in Louisiana
and running through Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois,
Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota
Length: 562 miles (900 km)
Time To Allow: 10 days
Description/Highlights/Points
of Interest
The Mississippi River, or "Father of Waters," has a grandeur and lore
about it. It grows from a tiny stream to a large river as it flows 562
miles (900 km) on its journey through Minnesota. The river carves its
channel from the north woods of Chippewa National Forest, passing through
the state's lake country and scenic crossings region before splashing
into the bustling metropolitan Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul,
and then winding its way through the heights of bluff country along Minnesota's
southeastern border before spilling onward into Iowa on its ultimate trek
to the Gulf of Mexico, some 2,550 miles in total. The Minnesota Great
River Road is the national scenic byway of the mighty Mississippi in Minnesota
and the northernmost segment of the larger ten-state Great River Road
that travels from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
The northern reaches of the Minnesota portion of the Mississippi are far
different than the busy barge-filled waters to the south. Follow the Great
River Road for a day-trip or week-long exploration into the culture, history
and scenic recreation of this American waterway.
Suggested
Itinerary
Begin your adventure at the Mississippi River headwaters in Lake Itasca
State Park in Northwestern Minnesota, where the river is but an ankle-deep
trickling stream. Take the famous 15 stone steps across the river, then
enjoy a hike or biking adventure along the park's scenic trails. Make
sure to stop by the all-new Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center —
a national Great River Road interpretive site and the largest visitor's
center in Minnesota. Travel just a few miles north to Bemidji where
18-foot high statues of the legendary Paul Bunyan and Babe, his blue ox
provide a great Minnesota North Woods photo opportunity. Bemidji Woolen
Mills, makers of the traditional red & black checkered lumberjack
clothing, provide tours of their factory and outlet shopping for fine
woolens.
Follow the byway to Grand Rapids, which thrived as a lumbering
center with many logging camps in the late 1800s. One of these camps is
preserved for today's visitors at the Forest History Center, a
Great River Road national interpretive site. After learning more about
logging life, head south through the Central Lakes area of Aitkin
and Brainerd, stopping to enjoy the "up North" small town ambiance,
homemade bakery goodies and local cafes. Try your hand at fishing or any
number of water recreation opportunities.
Continue south to charming Little Falls, boyhood home of Charles
Lindbergh, the American aviator who made the first solo non-stop flight
across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Visit the Lindbergh Interpretive
Center and Lindbergh's boyhood home on the banks of the Mississippi
River. A little farther south, in the bustling city of St. Cloud,
you'll find the beautiful Munsinger Gardens stretching along the
riverbanks. Near Elk River, the Oliver Kelley Farm, now a state
historic site, portrays rural life in the 1860s. Continue the drive south
to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for an overnight stay.
The Mississippi loops through the heart of the Twin Cities. Start the
morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Minneapolis and/or St. Paul,
culminating with lunch at the Mall of America, the largest enclosed
shopping and entertainment complex in the United States. Follow your shopping
experience with dinner in the city and a relaxing evening of area theater,
ranging from Broadway musicals to comedy clubs to Shakespearean drama.
Or you might prefer a paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi or to cheer
on your favorite professional sports team at a Minnesota Wild, Minnesota
Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota Twins game…depending
on the season! Whatever your preference, the Twin Cities will entertain
you.
A short morning drive along the Mississippi River brings you through lovely
Hastings and into Red Wing on the southeastern border of
the State, the entrance to the heights of the Mississippi River, called
Bluff country. Browse through shops in historic downtown Red Wing, at
the Pottery Place Outlet Center or through charming antique shops
that dot the region. Continue the drive along the river to Wabasha, home
of the National Eagle Watch Observatory, with a magnificent eagle
viewing platform overlooking the Mississippi. At nearby LARK Toys
in Kellogg, visitors can ride the hand-carved carousel, watch the
woodcarvers craft toys or view hundreds of toys on display. As your journey
continues, enjoy the wonders of nature as thousands of tundra swans, snow
geese, ducks, herons and birds of prey migrate throughout the Mississippi
River corridor. End your Minnesota Great River Road adventure in Winona
with a visit to the Julius Wilkins Steamboat Center, which documents
Winona's history as a river boat landing, or continue south for a tour
of La Crescent, a mecca of sprawling apple orchards. A late afternoon
drive along the bluffs overlooking the river provides a spectacular panoramic
view of the river valley. If time permits, you can continue your adventure
south from Minnesota through the entire ten state stretch of the Great
River Road to the Gulf of Mexico, some 2,552 miles (4,107 km). If, however,
you need to head back to Minneapolis/St. Paul to catch a connecting flight,
you may want to consider completing the river bluff loop by crossing the
river and taking the Wisconsin Great River Road north to Hastings
and then back into the Twin Cities.
The
following organization offers a trip along the Great River Road Scenic
Byway:
Follow
The Great River Road
American Driving Vacations
As the Mississippi makes its way downstream from a tiny trickle in northern
Minnesota, it becomes an awesome river and the subject of countless tales
and lore. All along the banks of America’s most famous stream, the
power of the river has given rise to a unique heritage tied to steamboats,
barges, fishing and water life. Traveling America has developed a special
4-day, 3-night package to introduce you to the heritage of the Great River
Road, beginning in Minneapolis, where the river tumbles over St. Anthony
Falls. As you meander, a panorama of small historic towns, unchanged for
generations reveal their history, hospitality and river culture. It’s
a special trip, with special arrangements.
For more information about the Great River Road in Minnesota, contact:
Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Great River Road
National Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Great River Road
Minnesota Office of Tourism
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