Mississippi river

The Mississippi River’s All-American Road

America's Byways

Minnesota’s Great River Road is a designated All-American Road offering a bounty of river experiences in a parkway setting. It spans 565 miles, 43 communities, 20 counties, three tribes, and six unique destination areas featuring iconic scenic reaches that provide access to and tell the stories of America’s Great Mississippi River.

Great River Road Minnesota Sign Logo

Look for this green and white Pilot’s Wheel sign to guide your way along
Minnesota’s 565-mile Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Headwaters Mississippi

Headwaters

Mississippi
Tiptoe across the mighty river’s humble source in Itasca State Park. Hear the call of the loon and watch Bald eagles soar above the majestic virgin pines along Wilderness Drive. Visit Bemidji—first city on the Mississippi—and make sure to capture a photo memory with legendary lumberjack, Paul Bunyan and his faithful pal, Babe.
Cass Lake Lillies

Northwoods

Mississippi
Experience nature in the whisper of the pines and the crisp northwoods air. Follow the river through Bemidji, Cass, Winnibigoshish and Pokegama — mighty lakes, with mighty good fishing. Discover the stories of the Ojibwe and the history of the lumberjacks. Visit Grand Rapids to tour the paper mill, Forest History Center and Judy Garland’s birthplace. Get out and enjoy.
Grand Rapids

crossings

Mississippi
By river. By rail. By road. People of this region have traveled the Mississippi for centuries. Today it plays host to thousands of vacationers each year who bike, golf, fish, bird or simply seek respite. Come to play and to explore the historical routes inspired by the river. Grand Rapids, Aitkin, the towns of the Cuyuna Range, Brainerd and Little Falls will be your hosts.
A great place to picnic Munsinger Garden

Scenic

Mississippi
Wild and Scenic River is the designation given to this pristine section of Minnesota’s Mississippi. The river here is ideal for canoeing, picnicking, fishing and scenic biking. Remarkable main street architecture, historic museums, the boyhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh, lovely parks, magnificent gardens and scenic rural farm-scapes provide a backdrop for a relaxing river experience.
Dave bridge

metro

Mississippi
Abundant parkland and trails invite you to the riverfront renaissance taking place in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Theater, major sports venues, museums, concerts, fine dining, and shopping headline entertainment, while thoughtfully preserved riverfront parks, historic sites, the falls of St. Anthony, and the first of the Upper Mississippi’s working lock and dams inspire the essence of nature on the fringe of commerce.
Lake Pepin from Frontennac State Park

Bluffs

Mississippi
Bring binoculars to bluff country because the river vistas are remarkable and the wildlife viewing – especially birding – some of the best in the country. Follow the river through more than a dozen charming river towns complete with historic main streets, riverboats, unique shopping, museums and warm hospitality. The Lock and Dam system continues and Native American history abounds.
MN Map

Plan Your Trip Interactive Map

Highway 26 OverlookBrownsville OverlookFord Dam Scenic OverlookTwo Rivers OverlookWabasha Overlook Pembroke
Highway 26 OverlookBrownsville OverlookFord Dam Scenic OverlookTwo Rivers OverlookWabasha Overlook Pembroke

Before and during your journey, use the Plan Your Trip interactive map to understand the Great River Road and Mississippi River (bicycle) Trail alignments, discover over 700 points of interest, find over 200 local food providers, and see where Tribal lands are along the river. Beyond the car, Great River Road travel options include Amtrak train stations, excursion boat landings and airports. Beyond the river, alignments of Minnesota’s 20 other state and National scenic byways offer their own sense of place. Welcome!

Canoe Art Bridge

Latest News

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Happy Birthday to the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis! Looking great at 140 years young! But will be in need of some repairs starting in spring of 2024… Learn more at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/stonearchbridge/index.html See MoreSee Less

Happy Birthday to the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis! Looking great at 140 years young! But will be in need of some repairs starting in spring of 2024... Learn more at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/stonearchbridge/index.html

Shout out to our partner states along The Great River Road – anyone interested in helping with the eagle counts?? See below for details and reach out to National Eagle Center. And be sure to stop in and visit them if you're in the area!🦅📣 WE’RE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS IN IOWA AND ILLINOIS TO HELP WITH OUR WINTER BALD EAGLE COUNTS 📣🦅

The National Eagle Center is looking to expand our weekly winter Bald Eagle count along the Upper Mississippi to add 3-4 locations in Iowa and Illinois (likely locks & dams). Counting is very simple but does require a weekly commitment from December through March. The count is offered as a public service to generate interest in Bald Eagles during the peak viewing season and provide a general sense of eagle activity to would-be viewers and tourists. Easily accessible and public locations required.

If you are an avid Bald Eagle watcher and are interested in helping out with this seasonal project, please Message the Center on FB or email marketing@nationaleaglecenter.org. Interest will be evaluated in the order it is received. THANK YOU! 🦅😯😍😎👍
See MoreSee Less

Shout out to our partner states along The Great River Road - anyone interested in helping with the eagle counts?? See below for details and reach out to National Eagle Center. And be sure to stop in and visit them if youre in the area!

'Tis the season for Little Falls Christmas Tours! Happening now through Sunday, December 3rd. The Christmas Tours are an annual celebration over the 10 days following Thanksgiving – 4 Fabulous Tours and 1 Incredible Holiday Season! Locations include Linden Hill Historic Estate, the Rosenmeier Home, the MN Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. Each location has its own fun, holiday theme. Get all the details at www.littlefallsmn.com/events/little-falls-christmas-toVisit Little Falls MNls MN See MoreSee Less

Tis the season for Little Falls Christmas Tours! Happening now through Sunday, December 3rd. The Christmas Tours are an annual celebration over the 10 days following Thanksgiving - 4 Fabulous Tours and 1 Incredible Holiday Season! Locations include Linden Hill Historic Estate, the Rosenmeier Home, the MN Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. Each location has its own fun, holiday theme. Get all the details at https://www.littlefallsmn.com/events/little-falls-christmas-tours/ Visit Little Falls MN
Load more