The Great River Road is longest designated scenic drive in Minnesota. Established in 1938 as the national parkway of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road travels nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. In Minnesota, it runs for more than 500 miles along the Mississippi River, from the pristine headwaters of the Mississippi in Itasca State Park past verdant forests and the central lakes region, through the “twin” metros of Minneapolis and St. Paul, to the splendid bluffs of Minnesota’s southeastern border. Seven other scenic drives connect to Minnesota's Great River Road.
Along the southern route:
Twin Cities: The river flows through a steep, wooded gorge here. The Mill City Museum on the Minneapolis riverfront tells the role the river played in the history of the city, and there are exhibits on the river at the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown St. Paul. Historic Fort Snelling sits high above the river. There are numerous historic sites, museums, theaters and concert venues in the Twin Cities, and boat excursions explore the Mississippi.
South: From Hastings to Winona, several river towns are graced with late 1800s architecture. In Red Wing, the renovated 1904 Sheldon Theater hosts a full schedule of performances. Frontenac State Park and Lake City sit on the shore of a widening of the river called Lake Pepin. Many bird species can be found along the Mississippi; eagles are a common sight, especially at Wabasha and Red Wing. Several scenic overlooks on the blufftops offer great views of the river valley.
Six distinct regions with unique travel experiences have been designated along the Minnesota Great River Road. Travelers may choose one segment for a day or two, or take in the entire Minnesota route over a week’s time.
More info: 763-212-2560, Mississippi Parkway Commission; www.MnMississippiRiver.com
Ideas for Exploring the Great River Road Byway - Southern Minnesota