The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi River through 10 states. Beginning in Minnesota near the Mississippi River’s headwaters in Lake Itasca, it runs south through small towns and big cities offering stunning views and access to exciting attractions. Explore downtown Minneapolis and magnificent St. Anthony Falls. Part of the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, this eye-catching cascade is the Upper Mississippi River’s only major natural waterfall. Take a self-guided tour along the Heritage Trail and snap a photo from the Stone Arch Bridge.

The capital of Arkansas, Little Rock is a waterfront city with a thriving cultural scene. Little Rock’s vibrant downtown features enticing restaurants and a range of indoor and outdoor attractions on the banks of the Arkansas River. The River Market District is a walkable hub of shops, museums, pubs and hotels. It’s also home to the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, a multifaceted educational venue dedicated to the USA’s 42nd president, Bill Clinton. History buffs can find further inspiration at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Arkansas, about an hour’s drive from Little Rock, Hot Springs National Park is a historic destination known for its geothermal springs. The park boasts peaceful hiking trails, mountain vistas and a block of ornate buildings known as Bathhouse Row. Wellness destinations here have been welcoming visitors since the early 20th century. Plunge into mineral rich waters at the Quapaw or Buckstaff bathhouses, where traditional hydrotherapies are offered alongside modern spa services. The Buckstaff, a gem in Roman Gothic style, has been in continuous operation since 1912.

Head for the western edge of Illinois to explore a village often hailed as one of the USA’s best small towns. Galena is as rich in history as it is in charm. Its array of 19th century buildings includes the one-time home of former U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant. Main Street houses more than 125 storefronts. Gaze at the town’s original structures on a self-guided walking tour or hop aboard a trolley to take it all in. Cozy local restaurants welcome you to wind down after a day of exploring.

Scenic views and outdoor adventures abound in Illinois’ expansive Shawnee National Forest. Bordered by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in southern Illinois, the forest protects over 121,000 hectares of rolling hills, wetlands and waterways. Camping, hiking and horseback riding are top activities here, where nearly 650 kilometers of mixed-use trails reveal photo-worthy wonders like the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area: a crop of ancient sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. Hike the hour-long Observation Trail for panoramic views of the cliffs and surrounding wilderness.

New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the USA’s oldest and most distinctive cities. You may know it for its Mardi Gras festivities, but there’s more to love about this cultural capital. Its African, Caribbean, French and Spanish influences flavor everything from cuisine and music to the French Quarter’s impressive architecture. Among the neighborhood’s landmarks is St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Walk to nearby Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait. No matter the day or season, you can find live jazz filling streets and venues throughout the city.

Hop aboard a boat and embark on an exhilarating tour of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, a wildlife-filled region of rivers, swamps, prairies and marshes in south-central Louisiana. Transportation options include canoes, kayaks, and captained tour boats and airboats, on which seasoned guides detail the diverse cultures and ecosystems of the area. Coast beneath ancient oak and cypress trees and look out for the many species of birds, fish and reptiles native to the wetlands. Egrets, herons, turtles and alligators are just a few of the creatures you might spot along the water.

Minnesota’s Twin Cities are Minneapolis, the state’s largest city, and St. Paul, the state capital. These neighboring Mississippi riverfront locales are teeming with entertainment in every season. From arts and theater to festivals and professional sports, there’s always something happening here. Families love the museums and zoos, and foodies flock to the many eclectic restaurants. Diverse communities, including large Hmong, Mexican and Somali populations, influence cuisine, music and celebrations across the area, making the Twin Cities distinctive and welcoming destinations.

Shoppers, delight: The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest mall in the USA. The indoor shopping and amusement center houses more than 500 stores and 60 food features plus dozens of family-friendly attractions. At Mall of America, you can browse exclusive collections from famous designers, dine in celebrity restaurants and soar on speeding thrill rides without ever setting foot outside the complex. On-site lodging options make it easy to extend your visit and explore everything this entertainment paradise has to offer.

Blues fans know the significance of Clarksdale in Mississippi’s Delta Region. Soulful sounds ring out every night of the year from juke joints and landmark clubs, paying tribute to hometown heroes like Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke. Their stories are told in the Delta Blues Museum not far from the “Crossroads” of Highways 61 and 49, where local lore says Robert Johnson sold his soul for musical prowess. Cultural and historical markers abound in Clarksdale. The Mississippi Blues Trail, Freedom Trail, Mound Trail, Writers Trail and Country Music Trail all run through or near the town.

Explore historic sites and sacred places in a corridor that dates back thousands of years. The Natchez Trace Parkway spans nearly 720 kilometers between Natchez in southwest Mississippi and Nashville in central Tennessee. It loosely follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a route used for centuries by Indigenous communities, soldiers and traders. Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway is overseen by the National Park Service, connecting travelers to the region’s cultural tapestry. Six American Indian mound sites are preserved along the route. Emerald Mound near Natchez is the second largest site of its kind in the USA.

Music is the heartbeat of Memphis, Tennessee. Soul, blues and rock ’n’ roll roots run deep in this riverside city, where you’ll find landmarks including Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate. Neon-clad clubs on Beale Street host entertainment every night, but there’s more to Memphis than music. Its proximity to the Mississippi River enables outdoor adventures with skyline views. Go kayaking or bike the Shelby Farms Greenline. It connects to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the USA. No Memphis trip is complete without sampling the city’s famous barbecue, available at over 100 restaurants.

Tennessee’s lively capital is known as Music City. It’s a haven for creatives, and some of the USA’s biggest stars have launched careers from its neighborhood honky-tonks. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum features films, exhibitions and performances highlighting the genre’s evolution and regional ties. Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium is another famous stage. Find it downtown near restaurants, historic sites and museums. Entertainment in Nashville extends beyond music to include sports, festivals and shopping. Pick up a cowboy hat to commemorate your visit to this Mississippi River Country hot spot.