Location: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana
Distance: 3,329 kilometres
Follow the mighty Mississippi River all the way from Minnesota to Louisiana, passing through 10 states on this long-haul road trip of 3,330 kilometres. The route begins at Lake Itasca Park, Minnesota – once you arrive at the Grand Rapids the Mississippi changes from a small brook to a massive river. From here on out its farms, barns and cornfields in the North, while plantations and grand mansions dominate down South, with a fair amount of industrial towns and booming cities in between. All along, the Mississippi River is steady like a metronome, connecting the dots between each state with gentle ease. Enjoy this meandering route like a leisurely trip downstream.
Highlights:
Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, and there are hundreds of dairy farms throughout the state. Be sure to stop off and sample the local cheeses. Foodies will enjoy the savoury French toast at the Bogus Creek Cafe and Bakery in Stockholm.
As you head down south look out for celebrated 19th Century author Mark Twain’s childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri.
Enjoy ‘the blues’ when you reach the famed Mississippi Delta, which sits between Memphis, Tennessee and Vicksburg. The region is known for its Southern Food as much as is it for being the birthplace of ‘the blues’ and home to rock’n’roll legends such as Elvis Presley.
Be treated at the end of the road to Louisiana Creole-style food and live jazz music in New Orleans.
September is Drive the Great River Road month – and for good reason; the earthy autumn foliage makes for a sublime visual feast.
