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Great River Road Trip Lake Itasca, MN to Memphis, TN

From New Orleans to Minnesota, right through America's heart

  • 143
  • 49:26
  • 2,255 mi
  • $452
Take This Trip

Created by Candace - March 18th 2019

In need of a jolt of road trip inspiration? Draw from one of the most important routes in American history to uncover small towns overflowing with soul, and big cities bursting with culture along the Great River Road. The journey follows the Mississippi River, from one end outside the vibrant city of New Orleans, to its humble start in Minnesota. Along the way, you'll cruise through areas that birthed music genres such as blues and soul, into towns that inspired authors like Mark Twain, and past historic cities that draw in tourists to this day.

825 Aspen Ave SE, Menahga, MN, US

Memorial Forest Park

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0mi 00h 02m
2
2mi 00h 03m
Photo of St. Urho Statue
4.7

U.S. Highway 71 Helsinki Blvd, Menahga, MN, US

St. Urho Statue

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3
20mi 00h 24m

26468 US 71, Park Rapids, MN, US

Evergreen Fun Park

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4
10mi 00h 14m

36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN, US

Historic Douglas Lodge

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5
3mi 00h 09m

MN, US

Lake Itasca

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6
2mi 00h 07m
Photo of Mississippi River Headwaters
5.0

Miss Headwaters Visitor Park, Park Rapids, MN, US

Mississippi River Headwaters

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7
1mi 00h 04m
Photo of Itasca State Park
5.0

36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN, US

Itasca State Park

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1mi 00h 06m
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11mi 00h 24m
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27mi 00h 36m

MN, US

Lake Bemidji

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11
0mi 00h 02m

minnesota ave., Bemidji, MN, US

Great Northern Depot

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12
0mi 00h 03m

300 Bemidji Ave, Bemidji, MN, US

Paul Bunyan And Babe The Blue Ox

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13
0mi 00h 02m

jct|state=mn|mn|197|name1=first street over the mississippi river, Bemidji, MN, US

Nymore Bridge

13
14
0mi 00h 01m
Photo of Paul Bunyan & Babe, Bemidji Mn
3.0

Paul Bunyan Dr Nw, Bemidji, MN, US

Paul Bunyan & Babe, Bemidji Mn

14
15
5mi 00h 09m

3857 Animal Land Dr SE, Bemidji, MN, US

Paul Bunyan's Animal Land

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16
21mi 00h 27m

MN, US

Cass Lake

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17
17mi 00h 24m
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0mi 00h 01m
Photo of Big Fish Supper Club and Resort
4.0

456 U.S. 2, Bena, MN, US

Big Fish Supper Club and Resort

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35mi 00h 42m

2609 County Road 76, Grand Rapids, MN, US

Forest History Center

19

The Mississippi stretches through completely distinctive areas of the United States that all have unique gifts to offer travelers passing through. However, the shared bond of American history is what ties it all together. The north and south are connected in a powerful way that has brought the country strength through much trial and error. With each stop, it is easy to find simple beauty. You'll definitely learn something new and meet some great people along the journey.