Mississippi river trip

I had seen the Mississippi down south and wondered where it started so 2 years ago I found out. I cant help you as we have only been to Itasca State Park. I get up early so I rode my bicycle down to the headwaters early one morning and I was the only one there. Later that day DW was finally ready to go take some pics but there were now about 50 people all over the place. It was a beautiful morning as the sun came up and the fog hung on the water. I have considered the same trip but cant fit it in. Enjoy your trip.

We have been up to west memphis once and from there down once. Country most of the way, very small towns and no river to be seen a lot of the way. We will do it again. We stayed at Tom Sawyer many times and a few state parks that I don't remember the name of.

It has been many years since I last saw the upper part of the Mississippi river, south of Memphis there is little access to the river except the handful of major bridge crossings. I would suggest you consider taking a side trip over to follow the Natchez trace parkway at least part of the way (think of it as a national park that is 300+ miles long and half a mile wide with a 50 mph speed limit. Take a side trip and spend half a day touring the battlefield in Vicksburg, and if you can spend some time in Natchez. Going south from Natchez stay on the east side of the river, it is much more scenic than the west side. When you get to New Orleans remember it has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, the police do a good job of patrolling the tourist district, but be aware of your surroundings.

We have travelled parts of the Great River Road/Blues Highway (US-61). Hannibal, MO is the home of Samuel Clements. Saint Charles, MO is where Lewis and Clark started their expedition. There is the Arch in Saint Louis. Lots to see and do in Memphis. Vicksburg, Natchez and the Natchez Trace Parkway have been mentioned. Clarksdale, MS has a number of blues festivals throughout the year. Indianola, MS is the home of the B. B. King Museum. Hope you enjoy your trip!

If you do stop in Natchez and have an interest in music,take a bit to make a side trip across the bridge to Ferriday, Louisiana and see the Delta Music Museum. Unfortunately their hours are limited these days, open only 2 or 3 days per week, since they lost most state funding a couple of years ago due to budget cuts.

p.s. and if you are in the mood for doughnuts there is a great doughnut shop in Natchez on the highway that leads to the bridge Hwy 84/425? about 3/4 mile from the bridge on the north side of the road at an odd angled intersection.

Wisconsin has some really nice state parks along the Mississippi (our favorite is Wyalusing in s.w. Wisconsin - Wis. Ridge CG in that park). Illinois has some pretty good ones (Miss. Palisades in n.w. IL is nice), and some good COE parks along the river too.

Another vote for Tom Sawyer's in West Memphis. Great spot to relax & watch the barges go by.

A nice stop would be Galena IL home of President Grant. Has become a tourist location town looks much the same as 1800's lost in time when the lead mines shutdown. A number of state parks in the area as well as COE parks. Check rvparkreviews.com for info.

In October please try to take in the ANGOLA STATE PRISON craft show and rodeo. Every weekend in October. Plenty of RV parking. I will see you there