DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
Great River Road
Minnesota - Louisiana
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Great River Road
Stop 1: Lake Itasca 1/14
The perfect place to begin a journey down the Mississippi is Itasca State Park in Minnesota - the source of the great river. It’s a vast, beautiful area containing more than 100 lakes and thousands of acres of forests. Wander through towering pines, camp under the stars, go boating and visit historic Indian sites. And best of all, see Lake Itasca, where the Mississippi begins its 2350-mile journey to the sea.
Great River Road
Stop 2: Forest History Center 2/14
Discover how logging was once a major industry along the upper reaches of the Mississippi. Help cut wood or work the blacksmith’s forge at this cleverly restored 1900s era logging camp. Climb on board the moored river ‘wanigan,’ a floating cook house, visit a 1930s Forest Service patrolman's cabin, climb a fire tower that’s a hundred feet high or explore self-guided forest trails. (Image credit: Laupeck)
Great River Road
Stop 3: Mall of America 3/14
America’s largest shopping mall stands next to the Mississippi, continuing the river’s great tradition as a lifeline for trade throughout its course. Of course, the Mall has become much bigger than any ancient fur-trading outpost, with more than 500 stores, its own indoor theme park and aquarium. The Nickelodeon Universe has nearly 30 rides and attractions, while the Sea Life aquarium is home to thousands of creatures including sharks, stingrays and sea turtles. The fact that there are more than 13,000 parking spaces should give you some idea of the scale. (Image credit: James Patterson)
Great River Road
Stop 4: Alexander Ramsey House 4/14
Minnesota governor Alexander Ramsey built this grand, family mansion in 1872. Today, it’s one of America's best-preserved houses of that era. Inside you’ll find wonderfully carved walnut woodwork, original furniture, and innovative gas lights. The residents were very proud of its hot and cold running water. Tour guides and actors in period costumes make it easy to imagine the lifestyle of the wealthy few in Victorian Minneapolis. (Image credit: McGhiever)
Great River Road
Stop 5: Ice Castles 5/14
From January to March, discover a shimmering ice castle built in Stillwater’s Lowell Park next to the St Croix River, a tributary of the Mississippi. Get lost in its ice maze, sit on an ice throne and race on side-by-side ice slides. The giant ice area creates a winter wonderland. Explore tunnels, pathways and solid waterfalls – all romantically lit with colorful lights.
Great River Road
Stop 6: Grandad Bluff 6/14
Enjoy views across America's Dairyland to the Mississippi River from the spectacular rocky hill above the town of La Crosse. There’s a lookout area with public telescopes at the 600ft summit (above land), with scenic hiking trails around the hilltop parkland. Dating back to 1938, visit the old stone shelter at the top for the perfect place for a picnic with a view to die for. (Image credit: Alan Froegel)
Great River Road
Stop 7: Czipar’s Orchard 7/14
Discover the farmland of Iowa by making a stop at this third-generation, family-owned apple orchard near the pretty Mississippi riverside town of Dubuque. See the town’s grand Victorian mansions in the wooded slopes above the river, then explore Czipar’s Orchard a few miles to the south. Try homemade products in the family shop and see a tri-state view of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin from the hilly site.
Great River Road
Stop 8: Freight House Farmers’ Market 8/14
Here’s a chance to get a real taste of Iowa country life by sampling the best of its local farm produce. The Freight House Farmers’ Market is held on the north bank of the Mississippi in the heart of Davenport. The wide range of goods for sale includes fresh vegetables, fruit, handicrafts and street food. The stalls are set up outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. It's open on weekends and every Wednesday. (Image credit: Farragutful)
Great River Road
Stop 9: Ballpark Village 9/14
What a spot for a sporty food and entertainment district – it’s right next to the St Louis Cardinals baseball ground, Busch Stadium. Experience a taste of American sporting fervor amid a lively array of cafes and restaurants with big screens to watch sporting events. The Ballpark Village is THE spot in town for a pre-game party if the Cardinals are playing. (Image credit: Paul Sableman)
Great River Road
Stop 10: City Museum 10/14
St. Louis City Museum isn’t like other museums. This former industrial building is filled with huge disused industrial objects, including an old school bus hanging out on the rooftop. Whether you’re here with kids or still young at heart, head inside to play and explore machinery from aircraft factories, slides, tunnels and bridges. Look out too for the collection of old pinball machines, a circus school and the Ferris wheel. (Image credit: Chris857).
Great River Road
Stop 11: Graceland 11/14
The number one sight in the Mississippi riverside city of Memphis is Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. The colonial-style mansion has become a shrine to the rock and roll star, who died and is buried here. It is the second-most visited house in the United States after the White House. Tours of the house are available; don’t miss your chance to see the famous ‘Jungle Room’ with an indoor waterfall and the ‘Trophy Room’ showcasing a collection of the King’s many spectacular stage costumes.
Great River Road
Stop 12: USS Cairo Museum 12/14
Visit the site of a decisive battle for control of the Mississippi region during the American Civil War and explore miles of trenches and earthworks, hundreds of battlefield structures and scores of cannons. Pride of place goes to the USS Cairo, a pioneering metal-clad gunboat that sunk in the battle. After a lengthy project, the 19th-century warship was raised from the Yazoo River and put on show for visitors to see.
Great River Road
Stop 13: Louisiana's Old State Capitol 13/14
Visit Louisiana’s Old State Capitol at the foot of the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge to learn more about Louisiana’s rich history. Now an amazing museum with free entry, this 19th century National Historic Landmark is a must-see on your journey. Explore the charming gothic architecture with spiral staircases and breath-taking stain-glassed windows, including a domed ceiling. Join The Ghost of the Castle Show if you dare. This hauntingly immersive 4D experience will guide you through the castle’s fascinating past.
Great River Road
Stop 14: Old US Mint 14/14
End your road trip experience of the legendary Mississippi River with a trip to the Old US Mint – dedicated to two of New Orleans’ most notable claims. Downstairs there’s a chance to see the minting process in action –sadly, these presses are no longer in official use – while upstairs there’s a comprehensive history of the city’s jazz scene, featuring exhibits and displays dedicated to its most talented contributors.
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