From its burbling start at Itasca State Park in Minnesota to its languid terminus in the Delta, the 2,000-plus-mile Mississippi River carries a nation’s worth of history, culture and lore in its muddy waters. Mark Twain (whom you’ll “meet” in Hannibal, Missouri) wrote that the river he knew was “as tranquil and reposeful as dreamland.” How much has it changed? We’ll leave that for you to discover.

Perfect panoramas Savor sweeping views from parks along the byway, which runs the full length of both sides of the river. Our faves include Perrot State Park in Wisconsin, Frontenac State Park in Minnesota and Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa. 

More from Midwest Living

Hannibal trip guide [1]

Two-Day getaway to Quincy and Nauvoo [2]

Dubuque attractions [3]

St. Louis attractions [4]

St. Louis: Where to eat [5]

St. Louis: Where to stay [6]

Two-day getaway to Lake City and Wabasha [7]

For maps and trip planning

Experience Mississippi River: The Great River Road [8]

Great River Road: Middle Mississippi River Valley [9]

Byways.org: Great River Road [10]

Wisconsin Great River Road [11]

Great River Road in Illinois [12]

Minnesota Mississippi River [13]

Iowa Great River Road [14]