Brownsville Overlook

About the Great River Road

What is the Great River Road?

The Great River Road is a network of roadways following the course of the Mississippi River through ten states offering a bounty of river stories and experiences in a parkway setting.

Minnesota’s Great River Road spans 565 miles, 43 communities, 20 counties, three tribes and six unique destination areas, providing public access to and promoting exploration of America’s Great River benefiting residents, businesses and tourists alike.

MN Map
Click here to plan your next Minnesota Great River Road adventure.

What is the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission?

The Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission mission is to “preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic and historic byway known as the Great River Road.

The Commission’s work is organized and guided under Minnesota Statute 161.1419 and managed under the umbrella of the Legislative Coordinating Commission.

The Commission’s work is guided by a Corridor Management Plan with support from MnDOT under Minnesota Statute 161.142.

The commission – citizens, elected officials and agency leaders – oversees the Great River Road as the Mississippi River’s continuous, pleasure-drive network. It works to ensure Minnesotans and travelers from around the world can connect to and experience what the river offers, now and into the future.

Promotes and leverages resources, partnerships and activities of river communities and agencies to provide a communication link and collective voice for the Great River Road and its Mississippi River resources.

One of 10 states in the national Mississippi River Parkway Commission, a community-focused organization organized in 1938 supporting the parkway, the river, its amenities and the travel experience.

For information about the Commission including meeting details and a listing of members, visit https://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/mrpc/

How Can I Get Involved?

Citizens have a place at the table.

Participate in managing and promoting the Great River Road by becoming involved in the Ambassador program.

Attend a regional meeting in one of the five geographic segments.Each of the five geographic segments of the Great River Road are elected at regional meetings for four year terms.