by Starla Ross

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: February 28, 2009

One of the least-talked about, but most historic, road trips in the United States is the Great River Road of the Mississippi River.

Covering over ten states, the Great River Road winds through both large cities and small towns as it makes its way almost 3000 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in the southern United States up to the River's end in Northern Minnesota.

Because the Mississippi River played such a large role in America's history, the Great River Road is dotted with remnants of history. With its rich culture, it is truly a representation of the heart of what America has to offer. Along the way, 62 historic sites (or Interpretive Centers as they are sometimes called), explain the historic relevance of the Mississippi River.

A trip on the Great River Road remains a relatively inexpensive way to see mid-America. The trip can be geared for all ages, surely providing something of interest for every member of the family.

Before traveling the Great River Road, visit the official website at http://www.ExperienceMississippiRiver.com where an official map of the River Road is available for download or in print by mail upon request. Because of the length of the route, detailed descriptions can offer more information about possible stops along the way.

If arriving by plane, travelers can begin their journey by flying into the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (http://www.flymsy.com. A visitor's center, staffed with multi-lingual representatives, is located in the West Lobby of the airport.

From there, travelers can rent a car on the lower level of the airport. There are seven car rental agencies available. If travelers will be driving the route to Memphis, Tennessee, at least one of those car rental agencies (Alamo) has agencies at both airports.

While in New Orleans, visitors may want to visit the French Quarter. One of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods in New Orleans, this National Historic Landmark is full of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The Louisiana State Museum (http://www.crt.state.la.us tells the history of the French Quarter. The Historic New Orleans Collection (http://www.hnoc.org is also nearby. Amazingly, the neighborhood remains almost the same as before Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005.

The Great River Road (U.S. Route 61) makes its way north to Greenville, Mississippi, where travelers can stop at the Queen Welcome Center to see a steamboat replica like the one exhibited at the 1984 New Orleans World's Fair.

Further north

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