explore minnesota's great river road - National Scenic Byway of the Mississippi River

Minnesota’s Great River Road is a network of roadways 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 that provide access to and tell the stories about America’s Great Mississippi River.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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A great place to picnic Munsinger Garden

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.

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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.

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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.

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Plan Your Trip Interactive Map

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!

Plan Your Trip

Latest News

Great River Road MN

6 days ago

Virtual Friday escape – the famous Mississippi River Headwaters, courtesy of the Itasca State Park webcam! www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/Itasca/headwaters.html … See MoreSee Less

Mississippi headwaters webcam

www.dnr.state.mn.us

Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River. Check out the Mississippi River webcam on the headwaters, and learn more about the river.

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Great River Road MN

2 weeks ago

The COVID-19 situation is impacting all of us and the choices we make. Some activities along the Minnesota Great River Road won’t be possible right now due to site closures to help keep the public safe, but others such as being outside with appropriate distance at a park, trail or public land could be the break you’re looking for. Please monitor the guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Health – www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html. And our website, www.mnmississippiriver.com, offers a virtual experience you can access anytime… Be well! … See MoreSee Less

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Great River Road MN

4 weeks ago

March is here and spring is on the way. Soar with the Eagles! Saturdays & Sundays, March 7 – 29 at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. www.nationaleaglecenter.org/soar-with-the-eagles … See MoreSee Less