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.
Just a bit up the road is one of the area's most popular parks, and for good reason! Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis is located right on the Mississippi River, and spans over 150 square miles. Here, a pool, gardens, playground, and much more make for an afternoon of fun, especially on a warm day. The real gem is the 53-foot-tall waterfall that cascades into a gorge prior to joining the Mississippi. Beloved poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow aided in the popularity of the falls in "Song of Hiawatha," a story about a Native American romance. A staircase leads you to the bottom of the falls, where you can experience a different aspect of the area’s natural beauty. The park is popular in the summer, when events are held, and bikes are available for rent. Additionally, there is a restaurant right in the park, for those who have worked up an appetite or just want to eat amongst nature. Minnehaha Park is a Minneapolis treasure that plucks you out of the city and into a world of its own.
5232 65th Ave SE, Rochester, MN, US
Rochester / Marion KOA Journey
Book With KOA
Click to find bookable tours and activities here
No matter what direction you're headed, the Rochester / Marion KOA Journey® is a great stop, central to many options. Enjoy Minnesota's infinite nature, or take a day trip to the legendary Mall of America in Minneapolis. Back at the KOA, the campground is nestled right in the trees, allowing you to enjoy some quiet time in your tent or RV without a care in the world. A pool, tree swings, and bike rentals add to the fun for everyone in your party, and the dog-friendly atmosphere and dog park allow your furry friend to join in! This KOA is a great stop that has all the basics for your adventures ahead!
East Wisconsin Street, Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin
Heading north through the country brings you to another important landmark, more recent in pop culture history. The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, is a baseball field built in the late 1980s on two farms for the movie. Once the film was released in 1989, it was an instant hit. On location, you can take a tour and hear countless stories of the field and filmmaking experience, and additionally attend events. Walk the field, sit in the bleachers, and feel like a part of the movie that is near and dear to many hearts. Admission to the ballfield is free, making it a perfect stop on anyone's trip, especially if you're a baseball fan! And remember... if you build it, they will come.
Hannibal, Missouri, United States
When you visit the famous author Mark Twain's home in Hannibal, Missouri, you're getting so much more than just a tour. You additionally will be able to experience the Becky Thatcher House, John M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, Grant’s Drug Store, and the Huckleberry Finn House. This museum has been open to the public and celebrating the beloved American author since 1912, and its incredible exhibits are treasured by literature lovers everywhere. Within the museum, you will see Twain's desk, typewriter, clothing, and a great number of letters written by him. Fifteen Norman Rockwell paintings, based on Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, show just how influential Mark Twain was and how, in a lot of ways, his works have stood the test of time. The interpretive center is full of information and history; for those wanting to learn, be sure to give yourself a full afternoon to get through everything you plan to see. This isn't your average museum. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is a perfect stop in Missouri for readers and those who appreciate American history alike.
American landmarks have been instilled inside us ever since we were children. St. Louis' Gateway Arch is something we've seen in pictures and movies, but have you ever truly experienced it? A tram ride will take you to the top, 630 feet up, where you'll get the entire experience in about an hour. You can also choose to just tour inside the base of the arch if heights aren't your thing. Notably, the Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the U.S. You heard that right! Taller than even the Statue of Liberty or the Space Needle. Completed in 1865, the Arch is a tribute to Thomas Jefferson's idea of expanding westward. A brand new museum will be free and open to the public as of July, 2018, making this historical landmark more accessible and the experience much more fun.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States
Cairo, Illinois, was once a port town alive with business and trade and easy access to both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Now a ghost town, the town presents those traveling through with boarded-up windows and empty streets. The location of the town itself, however, makes Cairo's story intriguing to dive into. The town is at the southern end of Illinois, surrounded by where the Ohio and Mississippi meet, so one would think the accessibility of its location would be enough to keep things booming throughout town. General Ulysses S. Grant made Cairo his headquarters during the Civil War. After the war was over, businesses began popping up on every corner and things were going swimmingly. So what on earth happened? The automobile eroded the need for port cities, and racial tensions in the slowly-integrating South further pushed Cairo into decay. It's a mystery why the town collapsed altogether, but looking into the history is interesting, and important for understanding the backbone of America, and where we came from.
After a day of rockin' and rollin' with the King himself, the Memphis KOA Journey® is the place to go for your camping wants and needs. From here, you can sign up for a tour of Memphis and be shuttled right from the campground, so you won't have to worry about parking in the city. A pool and bike rentals are available for kids and adults of all ages, and BBQ (a Memphis staple) is served right on site! The kind hosts at the Memphis KOA Journey are ready to make your stay as easy and simple as possible, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in Memphis without worrying about accommodations. Away from the bustle of the city, yet close to so many landmarks and attractions, this KOA is one you'll want to take advantage of.
You've more than likely heard of Elvis Presley's mansion in Memphis, where people from far and wide flock to celebrate the beloved American icon. Graceland, however, is so much more than what you expect. Take an interactive tour with commentary by Elvis and his daughter themselves; visit the "Jungle Room," and meditation garden, see Elvis's grave and some of his signature stage costumes; and so much more. The museum has been around since 1982 and is less than ten miles from the heart of Memphis. Exhibits of the star's cars and planes outside the house, draw in an even wider fanbase, making Graceland the second most-visited place in the United States, right behind the White House. Don't let this scare you away though. Get there a tad early and it'll be well worth it. Stepping into the life of such a huge American legend is an experience that folks who visit Graceland treasure greatly.
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.
