Mississippi River Road

paulj wrote:
Lake Itasca is a modest size state park with the big draw being a stream exiting the lake.

33,235 acres; or
13,450 hectares; or
51.5 square miles.

I'd say that's a fairly hefty sized state park for a state in the Midwest.

We've taken ILL 96 in IL which is semi-close to the river. We do this to avoid St Louis and usually cross the river at Keokuk. US 64 on the west side of the river is closer in some places.

We live in Northern Minnesota and have been to Itasca State Park many times.
It is a beautiful park, and has two campgrounds. We prefer Pine Ridge campground, which is away from Lake Itasca but has a more wooded atmosphere. Bear Paw campground is right on the lake but more open. Lots to do there. The Douglas Lodge was built by the CCCs and has great meals. They have two excellent visitor centers. The one by the East entrance is far more educational than the one at the headwaters outflow. Be sure to take Coborn's Boat tour to learn about the history and exploration of the area, as well as see some interesting wildlife (eagles are almost always seen on the boat tour).

We took the Great River road up from Kentucky back to Minnesota last November. Very beautiful views for much of the route. There are many state and other parks along the route for camping. In many places, the byway runs on both sides of the river. We used this to try to avoid the big cities when we could, but perhaps you want to explore the cities as they have a lot to offer as well.

I also just finished reading the book "One Good Story" by Ron Severs. It is a quick read, but he travelled from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico in a kayak a few years ago, camping along the way with just what he carried on his kayak. His overall takeaway was that the people he met along the way were the absolute best part of his trip. It might be fun for you to read this or take it along with you to read on your journey. Here's the Amazon link: "Link to One Good Story by Ron Severs"

And here is a link to the National Scenic Byways website. There you can get email contact information for each state that has the Great River Road running through it and they can provide more specific info for that state. I used to work for the National Scenic Byway National Resource Center and we could have provided you with all this information. However, US-DOT chose to defund pretty much the entire program about 4 years ago. So there is little support for existing National Scenic Byways, other than the local byway organizations that promote and manage the byways and many are struggling. When accessing the National Scenic Byways link, be sure to click on the individual state maps and photos link on the left side of the page. Lots of detailed maps and great photos there. Link to Great River Road info, individual state maps and photos

And here is a copy of the final edition of the Journal for America's Byways. While geared toward managers of scenic byways, it (and its two other companion editions) can give you an idea of some of the byways you may encounter along your route and in other areas. There is an article that deals with the Mississippi River byway in Minnesota, and one that highlights the Creole Nature Trail (In Louisiana, but not on the Mississippi River).

Byways Journal Issue 3 - Mississippi River Byway and Creole Nature Trail
Byways Journal Issue 1 - Roads designed for Pleasure, Part 1
Byways Journal Issue 2 - Roads Designed for Pleasure, Part 2

I have relatives in Mpls, and have lived in Chicago, so I've driven at one time or other along the northern part of the river.

Lake Itasca is a modest size state park with the big draw being a stream exiting the lake.

I never tried to stay close to the river as it flowed toward the Twin Cites. But there are lots of lakes and recreation in that part of the state.

At Mpls the river drops over St Anthony Falls (now a dam near downtown), and runs in a gorge from there to Illinois. But south the cities you can't get close to the river until the WI/MN border (where the St Croix joins). From there to I90 there are towns and divided highway on the MN side. On the WI side river access comes and goes. This is probably the most scenic part of the river.

South of I90 I believe there's better river access on the WI/IL side. The Illinois Palisades is a nice scenic area.

My impression is that further south, the river flows mostly across flat land, with a scattering of bluffs. River access and views will come and go.

Starting in Ohio you could go north through Michigan, and approach the headwaters from US2. I consider the northern Great Lakes to be more scenic than the river.

If going south, skirting Chicago, you could see scenic stuff in south central WI before getting to MN. For example, the WI river, Devil's Lake, WI Dells, etc. WI south of I90 is old rolling hills, north of it is flat (like the NS contrast in Ohio).

Literally a 1 second search on Bing found this: Link

The first hit on searching "Mississippi River Road". In Chrome you can do the search just by highlighting the term and using the right click dropdown menu to pick: "Search Bing for XXX". Or is you still use Google it will do the same.

We are planning to travel the entire River from Lake Itasca to New Orleans. (One of the advantages of being retired)

My hint or advice would be to take it slow. Stay a few nights (at least) every where you go and take day trips. See as many of the Antebellum Mansions as you can. Natchez is a must see. Visit as many Civil War places as you can. Been to Graceland? Now is the time.

Whatever you do Do Not miss Natchez and Vicksburg MS. They are really lovely towns with tons of history and in beautiful spots with great RV Parks. The old Plantation homes and their checkered histories are must sees.

A real eye opener and a very nice small museum is the Natchez Museum of African American Culture.

Tour the Vicksburg Battle National Military Park. It's moving and gives one a real sense of the battle lines and troops who fought here. Do not miss the USS Cairo Museum which is part of the Park. It's a stunning piece of 19th century technology and a fine museum.

Between Vicksburg and Natchez is the Grand Gulf Military State Park a civil war era site and museum with it's own campground which is very very nice. This is a peaceful and beautiful place to stay.

Back to Natchez There is a very nice RV Park River View RV Park just across the Mississippi from town in Vidalia Louisiana. It is right on the river with a view of Natchez.

And any trip down the Miss must include a stop in Memphis and, yes hold that derisive laughter...a visit to Graceland. Now I am fully aware of what some perceive of this place but I can tell you that it is a very educational, and at times funny and moving experience. Dont miss it. And there are two RV parks just blocks away.

Suspend your judgement on that and just go. You wont regret it.

Finally in New Orleans the National WWII museum is one of the finest in the country if not the best. It personalizes this titanic conflict with immediacy, empathy and in great detail...very well done. Don't miss it.

And last but not least is the New Orleans Museum of Art. Plenty of Old Masters, impressionists and more modern art a very worthwhile stop.

We have done it from one end to the other. Lots of good COE campgrounds on the Mississippi, at least on the right side. Take your time, there are lots of things to do and places to see. Search "Great River Road" What part of it are you planning on?? You can travel either side of the River, and.or swap back and forth.

Several years ago there was a web site , they would sent you a map. Very scenic drive , planning to do part of it this summer. Have done parts of it before. If you stop in Memphis you have to go to Sun Records. Across the river from Memphis Tom Sawyer Rv park right on the bank of the Mississippi River.