What is Mississippi River Country (MRC)?
Welcome to Mississippi River Country: We’re a collection of states that border America’s most famous river. We share the stories from the heart of the country—the places, people and attractions you’ll find here, whether they’re on the banks of the Mississippi River or hundreds of miles away.
Discover the states of Mississippi River Country today—they’re all rich in history, culture and natural beauty, from jaw-dropping Mississippi River overlooks and uniquely American forms of music to tasty local delicacies and engaging museums and attractions.
When should I visit Mississippi River Country?
There are good reasons to visit Mississippi River Country any time of year, as you can enjoy delicious food, engaging attractions, live music, and much more in any season. Fall is a particularly good time to visit Mississippi River Country’s northern states, as stunning fall colors take over the scenery in spots along the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, the Smoky Mountains, and more. Spring, summer, and fall are good times to explore the outdoors, and river cruises are offered throughout the year. Winter is a good time to explore the southern Great River Road states, as temperatures are generally more moderate than in summer.
How long of a visit should I plan?
Mississippi River Country encourages return trips, so you don’t have to see everything in one visit. We’ve arranged our travel information on this website into themes (Music, Food, etc.) and have assembled itineraries featuring attractions that all tie into those themes. Depending on where you’re going and what you’d like to see in Mississippi River Country, we would recommend a week to 10 days as a minimum (if you’re planning to visit two or three states), with a longer 15- to 20-day trip if you want to see states throughout the region.
View the Mississippi River Country interactive guide:
English version
Japanese version
Photo gallery
Download photos from our destination partners to use online and in print.
Contact information
MRC state representatives
- Kim Williams, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, [email protected]
- Elisa Marcus, Illinois Office of Tourism, [email protected]
- Margaret Fuqua, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, [email protected]
- Jill Kilgore, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, [email protected]
- Jen Schak, Explore Minnesota, [email protected]
- Paula Travis, Visit Mississippi, [email protected]
- Sharon Calcote, Louisiana Office of Tourism, [email protected]
- David Spiegelberg, Travel Wisconsin, [email protected]
How to get to MRC
- Easy to access all Mississippi River Country states
- Major airports in Minneapolis, Chicago; can also connect through Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit
- Don’t have to do all 10 states in one trip – can break into regional trips or fly/drive to destination cities
Major airports
Arkansas
- Clinton National Airport (Little Rock)
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (Bentonville)
Illinois
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Chicago-Delhi daily flight on Air India)
- Chicago Midway International Airport
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Arkansas
There are many reasons to visit Arkansas—lakes and rivers, world-class art museums, 52 state parks, a presidential library, epic trails, food, festivals and family fun. Whatever brings you to The Natural State, we’re glad you found us, and we hope you bring your sense of adventure and sense of wonder for the things that make Arkansas unique.
Music
- Johnny Cash Boyhood Home (Dyess)
- King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena-West Helena)
- Mountain View – “Folk Music Capital of the World”
- Levon Helm Boyhood Home (Marvell) – childhood home of iconic drummer & singer for The Band
Iconic America
- Walmart Museum and Sam Walton’s general store (Bentonville)
- Ozark Folk Center (Mountain View) – dedicated to preserving the region’s crafts, music & food
Outdoors & Recreation
- Ozark Mountains – Mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, cavern tours and fishing
- Buffalo National River – America’s first national river
- Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro) – hunt for real diamonds
- Rock climbing
- Arkansas River
Food & Agriculture
- Barbecue is popular in places like Little Rock, Blytheville
- Several James Beard nominees and James Beard winners (Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna)
- Arkansas grows more than 50% of all rice in the US
- Other top crops include soybeans, poultry, cotton, corn, and catfish
Culture
- Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (Little Rock)
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
- Delta Cultural Center (Helena)
- Hot Springs National Park –the first unit of the National Park Service, famous for Bathhouse Row
Science & History
- U.S. Marshals Museum (Fort Smith)
- William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum (Little Rock)
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
- Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
- Sultana Disaster Museum (Marion)
- Mid-America Science Museum (Piney)
Contact Information
Kim Williams
501-213-8675
[email protected]
arkansas.com
Illinois
From strolling on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago to taking the ultimate road trip on Route 66, Illinois offers a wide variety of travel experiences. Chicago’s art, culture and architecture offer big city charm while unique small towns like Galena offer a quieter experience. Travel seven scenic byways, including Route 66 and the Great River Road or enjoy the outdoors at 70 state parks. Explore the diversity of experiences in the Middle of Everything.
Music
- Chicago: Buddy Guy’s Legends, The Green Mill Jazz Club, Kingston Mines
- Popular Chicago festivals include Chicago Blues, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Chicago Jazz
- Broadway in Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Ravinia Festival (Highland Park)
Iconic America
- Chicago: Magnificent Mile, 360 Chicago & Skydeck Chicago, Buckingham Fountain
- 7 scenic and historic byways
- Route 66 – Celebrating 100 years in 2026; nostalgic eats, quirky museums; start your trip under the Route 66 sign in Chicago
- Great River Road – Outdoor adventures, small-town charm & plenty of history; spans 885km along the Mississippi River
- Historic Main Street Galena
- Casey is home to 12 of the “World’s Largest” items on the Guinness
World Records list – mailbox, rocking chair, wind chime & more - Visit Superman Square & see the 15-foot- tall Man of Steel statue (Metropolis)
Outdoors & Recreation
- Chicago: Segway tours, biking, urban kayaks, Millennium Park, 26 beaches on Lake Michigan
- Chicago River cruises
- Chicago Botanic Gardens (Glencoe)
- Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)
- The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Sky Tours, Zipline & Alpine Coaster (Grafton)
- Shawnee National Forest (Southern Illinois)
Food & Agriculture
- Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs & Garrett Popcorn (Chicago)
- Chicago is home to 21 Michelin star restaurants
- “Horseshoe” sandwiches and cozy dogs were invented in Springfield
- John Deere Pavilion (Moline) and Caterpillar (Peoria)
- Illinois Made – craftspeople, artists, small-batch breweries, wineries,
distilleries, foodies, farmers, and farm-to-table restaurants
Culture
- Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, American Writers Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright Trail – Self-guided tour of 12 buildings, including:
- Home & Studio (Oak Park)
- Dana-Thomas House (Springfield)
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Unity Temple (Oak Park) and Frederick C. Robie House (Chicago)
- Chicago Architecture Center/architectural tours
- Mies van der Rohe Farnsworth House (Plano)
Science & History
- Obama Presidential Center (opening June 2026)
- Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Field
Museum, Adler Planetarium - Springfield: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb and Old State Capitol
- Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Collinsville)
Contact Information
Elisa Marcus
312-814-3285
[email protected]
enjoyillinois.com
Chicago (Illinois)
Come explore Chicago’s famed restaurants, world-class museums, jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking music scene, award-winning theatres, iconic architecture, and stunning outdoor spaces. You’ll discover a one-of-a-kind blend of electric big-city buzz and welcoming Midwestern hospitality, with endless things to see and do across our 77 vibrant neighborhoods.
Music
- Chicago Blues: Buddy Guy’s Legends, The Green Mill Jazz Club, Kingston Mines
- Popular Chicago festivals include Chicago Blues, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Chicago Jazz
- Broadway in Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Chicago
- Symphony Orchestra
- Ravinia Festival (Highland Park)
Iconic America
- Magnificent Mile
- 360 Chicago & Skydeck Chicago
- Buckingham Fountain
- Route 66 – Celebrating 100 years in 2026; start your trip under the Route 66 sign in Chicago
Outdoors & Recreation
- Segway tours, biking
- Urban kayaks
- Millennium Park
- 26 beaches on Lake Michigan
- Chicago River cruises
- Chicago Botanic Gardens (Glencoe)
Food & Agriculture
- Deep-dish pizza
- Chicago-style hot dogs
- Garrett Popcorn
- 21 Michelin star restaurants
- Illinois Made – craftspeople, artists, small-batch breweries, wineries, distilleries, foodies, farmers, and farm-to-table restaurants
Culture
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- American Writers Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright Trail includes buildings in Chicago & the suburbs
- Home & Studio (Oak Park)
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Unity Temple (Oak Park) and Frederick C. Robie House (Chicago)
- Chicago Architecture Center & architectural tours
Science & History
- Obama Presidential Center (opening June 2026)
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
Contact Information
Naomi Hattori
312-567-8526
[email protected]
choosechicago.com
Louisiana
Louisiana isn’t for spectators. It’s for participants—for those that want to feed their soul and not only live the moment, but to become the moment.
Music
- Jazz, Cajun, blues, zydeco in southern Louisiana
- Northern Louisiana is well-known for country music
- More than 400 festivals across the state – Festival Internationale (Lafayette), Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival, Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, Peach Festival (Ruston), Baton Rouge Blues Festival, Red River Revel (Shreveport)
- Delta Music Museum (Ferriday)
Iconic America
- Mardi Gras
- Historic homes along the Louisiana Great River Road, including Oak Alley
- Louisiana Great River Road Museum at Houmas House
- Ghost tours of the French Quarter and at the Myrtles Plantation, one of America’s most haunted houses
Outdoors & Recreation
- Swamp tours, charter boat fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
- Bayou Teche National Water Trail (canoeing and kayaking)
- Birding – Louisiana is home to several birding trails
- Gator Chateau (Jennings), where you can pet baby alligators
- Charter fishing on the Gulf Coast
Food & Agriculture
- Traditional dishes like po’ boys, gumbo, jambalaya, muffulettas,
red beans & rice, crawfish - Café du Monde (New Orleans) – world famous for beignets
- Cocktail was invented in New Orleans – cocktail tours, famous bars, Sazerac House (museum that tells the story of the cocktail)
- Creole/Cajun cuisine – sample alligator, crawfish
Science & History
- World War II Museum (New Orleans)
- Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
- Chennault Military Museum (Monroe)
- Louisiana Arts & Science Center (Baton Rouge)
Culture
- Mardi Gras World (New Orleans)
- LSU Rural Life Museum (Baton Rouge)
- Natchitoches Historic District
- Vermilionville (Lafayette)
- Southern University Museum of Art (Shreveport)
- Poverty Point UNESCO World Heritage Site (Epps)
Contact Information
Sharon Calcote
225-342-8100
[email protected]
explorelouisiana.com
Minnesota
Minnesota is where the Mississippi River starts—shaping a state rich in natural beauty, culture, and creativity. Explore untouched wilderness, Lake Superior’s legendary shores, and vibrant cities filled with arts and culture. Beyond 10,000 lakes and Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota is home to Prince and Bob Dylan, eight pro sports teams, and the Mall of America®.
Music
- Prince – tour Paisley Park, the famous musician’s home and
recording studio, where you can experience artifacts from his life - First Avenue – visit the iconic venue featured in the movie Purple Rain, take pictures of Prince’s star and nearby murals of Prince and Bob Dylan
Iconic America
- Mall of America – largest shopping and entertainment complex in U.S. (no tax on clothes or shoes in Minnesota)
- Snoopy – Birthplace of “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz
- Mississippi River – where it begins; Secret tip – walk across the headwaters, and you will live a “long and happy life”
Outdoors & Recreation
- Green and peaceful parks and waterfalls across the state
- “Land of 10,000 Lakes” – adventure on Lake Superior, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and in Voyageurs National Park
- Eagle, owl, bear, and wolf wildlife centers allow you to safely get close to these unique animals
Food & Agriculture
- Visit Mill City Museum to learn how Minneapolis became the world’s leading flour-milling city
- The Spam Museum is free and teaches you about this globally consumed food made in Minnesota
Culture
- Attend a Minnesota Twins (MLB) baseball and Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) basketball game
- “Minnesota Nice” refers to the politeness and kindness of the locals
- Learn about Native American history by visiting the Hocokata Ti cultural center, Mille Lacs Indian Museum, and national monuments
Science & History
- Japanese sister cities: Ibaraki City, Ikata, Isumi, Izumi, Kogota, and Tsukuba
- St. Paul/Nagasaki is the oldest U.S.-Asia sister city relationship, established in 1955
- Over 40 Japanese-based businesses, including Polar Semiconductor and Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Contact Information
Jen Schak
651-757-1875
[email protected]
exploreminnesota.com/ja
Mississippi
Explore the heart of the American South in Mississippi through historical landmarks and cultural trails that tell the stories of the past, feel the rhythm of legendary musical roots, embark on outdoor adventures amidst stunning natural settings, experience a thriving arts and culture scene, and savor the flavors that embody Southern soul and hospitality.
Music
- Crossroads at Highways 61 and 49 (Clarksdale)
- Grammy Museum™ Mississippi (Cleveland)
- Delta Blues Museum (Clarksdale)
- Elvis Presley’s Birthplace (Tupelo)
- B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center (Indianola)
Iconic America
- Natchez Trace Parkway – 444 miles (715km) through three states
- Kermit the Frog was born in Leland
- Edward Barq, Sr. invented Barq’s Root Beer in Biloxi
- Tupelo Hardware Store – where Elvis Presley’s first guitar was purchased
Outdoors & Recreation
- Quapaw Canoe Mississippi River expeditions
- Fishing and shrimping along Coastal Mississippi
- Cycling trails, state parks, and wildlife refuges
- Longleaf Trace (Hattiesburg)
Food & Agriculture
- Michelin-recognized restaurants located in multiple regions in the state
- Abundant fresh seafood from Coastal Mississippi
- Queen’s Reward Meadery (Tupelo)
- Viking Cooking School (Greenwood)
- Jackson Food and Wine Festival
Culture
- Mississippi Museum of Art (Jackson)
- Rowan Oak – home of William Faulkner (Oxford)
- Ohr-O’Keefe Museum (Biloxi)
- Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience – “the Max” (Meridian)
- Walter Anderson Museum of Art (Ocean Springs)
- Chickasaw Heritage Center (Tupelo) – opening November 2026
Science & History
- Natchez’s historic homes, including Longwood
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Jackson)
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (Jackson)
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- 1964 Freedom Summer Trail
(Hattiesburg)
Contact Information
Paula Travis | Katie Coats
601-359-3607 | 601-359-3035
[email protected] | [email protected]
visitmississippi.org
Clarksdale (Mississippi)
Come on down to The Crossroads in Clarksdale, just south of Memphis. We’re the home of the blues and many blues music legends, including Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke. Explore the world-famous Delta Blues Museum, canoe the Mighty Mississippi River, take a free self-guided walking tour, discover downtown’s arts & culture district—and be sure not to miss live music 365 nights a year and more than a dozen festivals.
Music
- Live blues music every night of the week
- Crossroads at Highways 49 & 61
- Notable Venues
- Bluesberry Café
- Ground Zero Blues Club
- Red’s
- More than a dozen music festivals every year
- Blues Trail – several historic markers in Clarksdale
Iconic America
- Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art – Blues music and art store in downtown Clarksdale
- Shack Up Inn – Visitors can stay in renovated shotgun shacks on the grounds of Hopson Plantation
Outdoors & Recreation
- Quapaw Canoe Company – leads guided canoe tours on the Mississippi River
- Downtown River Walk around the Sunflower River
- Downtown walking tour
- Moon Lake – boating, fishing, birdwatching, trails & a scenic overlook
Food & Agriculture
- Local specialties like catfish, Delta hot tamales, BBQ & more
- Soul food
- Guided tours of Coahoma County
- Delta Tamale Trail – tamales (meats & spices wrapped in corn husks) date back hundreds of years in the Mississippi Delta
Culture
- Tennessee Williams Museum – Home where famed playwright lived with his grandparents during childhood
- Downtown murals – 12 murals depicting music, history & more
- Riverside Interpretive Center
- Originally built as the G.T. Thomas Hospital for African Americans, where blues legend Bessie Smith died in 1937
- Riverside Hotel opened in 1944 – “Rocket 88”, the first rock ’n roll song ever recorded, was written in the basement of the hotel by Ike Turner and Jackie Brenston
Science & History
- Delta Blues Museum
- Historic trails & markers – Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail, Mississippi Freedom Trail, Mississippi Mound Trail
- 2026 is the 100th anniversary of the Blues Highways – Highways 61 and 49
Contact Information
Bubba O’Keefe
662-627-6149
[email protected]
visitclarksdale.com
Tennessee
Whether in exciting urban hubs or charming small towns, Tennessee offers authentic American experiences. Found in every tune played, every road traveled and every memory made. A destination that inspires adventure and exploration. Tennessee – Sounds Perfect.
Music
- Memphis – Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Historic Beale Street
- Nashville – Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and National Museum of African American Music
- Birthplace of Country Music Museum (Bristol)
- Music Festivals – Bonnaroo (Manchester), CMA Music Festival (Nashville), RiverBeat Music Festival (Memphis), Big Ears Festival (Knoxville), Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival (Chattanooga), Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
- Iconic America
Outdoors & Recreation
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – most-visited park in the U.S.
- “Urban outdoors” in Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville
- Aerial activities (ziplining, treehouses, suspension bridges) at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
- Stargazing on Night Sky Trail, in national and state parks
Food & Agriculture
- Memphis-style barbecue
- Sample famous Nashville hot chicken
- Tennessee Whiskey Trail: Nearly 30 distilleries, including world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery
Culture
- Frist Art Museum (Nashville)
- Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga)
- Memphis Museum of Science & History
- Beck Cultural Exchange Center (Knoxville)
- Museum Center at 5ive Points (Cleveland)
Science & History
- National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)
- Museum of Appalachia (Clinton)
- Titanic Museum (Pigeon Forge)
- Historic Homes in Nashville – Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Belle Meade Mansion
Contact Information
Margaret Fuqua
615-741-2159
[email protected]
tnvacation.com
Memphis (Tennessee)
Discover the Art & Soul of the South in Memphis. Located along the Mississippi River in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is “the home of the blues,” boasting iconic sites like Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Beale Street, and Sun Studio. It’s also home to engaging attractions like the Memphis Art Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum, and exciting recreational opportunities on and off the Mississippi River.
Music
- Iconic music attractions & venues
- Graceland – Elvis Presley’s home & other attractions
- 2027 – 50th anniversary of Elvis’ death
- Historic Beale Street – “The Home of the Blues”
- Sun Studio
- Stax Museum
- Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- Lafayette’s Music Room
- Backbeat Tours
- The Drum Shop
- Royal Studio
- Graceland – Elvis Presley’s home & other attractions
- Annual music events – International Blues Challenge (January), Elvis’ Birthday Celebration (January), RiverBeat Music Festival (May), Memphis Music Month (October)
Iconic America
- Peabody Ducks at the Peabody Hotel
- Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid – immersive retail experience with hotel & indoor swamp
- The Metal Museum – the country’s only museum for fine metalwork; relocating in fall 2026
- Mississippi River Expedition Tour
- Memphis Art Museum (Art & Soul)
Outdoors & Recreation
- Big River Crossing – longest pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River
- Canoeing on the Mississippi River
- Shelby Farms Park – bike trails, horseback riding, ziplining & more
- Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park (opening 2026)
- Memphis River Boats
Food & Agriculture
- Memphis-style barbecue – more than 100 restaurants across the city
- 5 restaurants received Michelin recognition in 2025
- Southern and soul food classics
- Old Dominick Distillery – tours, tastings & more
- 17 breweries in Memphis
Culture
- Slavehaven Burkle Estate Home
- A Tour of Possibilities
- Chucalissa Indian Village
- Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
- Crosstown Arts – galleries, live music, maker spaces
Science & History
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
- Memphis Museum of Science & History
- Shelby Farms Agricultural Center
- MOSH Autozone Planetarium Museum
- Ernest Withers Photography
- W.C. Handy Home (Father of the Blues)
Contact Information
Lisa Catron
901-543-5337
[email protected]
memphistravel.com
Wisconsin
With hundreds of miles of freshwater coast, vibrant cities, rich Native American history and more, visiting Wisconsin is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will look back on for years to come. Explore breathtaking bluffs carved by ancient glaciers, experience cities that combine natural beauty with lively culture and stroll through charming small towns with one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops. Whichever adventures you choose, Wisconsin offers awe-inspiring landscapes that serve as the backdrop for unforgettable experiences.
Music
- Summerfest (Milwaukee) – World’s Largest Music Festival
- Big Top Chautauqua (Bayfield)
- Concerts on the Square (Madison)
- Historic theaters in Milwaukee – Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, Turner Hall Ballroom
- Blue Ox Music Festival (Eau Claire)
- Mile of Music (Appleton) – 200 artists at 40 venues
Iconic America
- Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee)
- Titletown & Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers
- The Great River Road – 250 miles (400km) along the Mississippi River
- Door County – 300 miles (480km) of Lake Michigan shoreline
- Wisconsin Dells – Waterpark Capital of the World
Outdoors & Recreation
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield)
- Lake Superior & Lake Michigan
- Newport State Park (Ellison Bay) – International Dark Sky Park
- Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary (Lake Michigan)
- Golf – 10 courses in Golf Digest’s top 100
Food & Agriculture
- Dane County Farmers Market (Madison) – largest producer-only farmers market in U.S.
- America’s Dairyland – dairies, cheese factory tours & more
- Breweries in Milwaukee, Madison & beyond
- Largest cranberry producer in U.S. – Cranberry Fest (Warrens)
- Top Chef – 2023 featured location
Culture
- Native American attractions – Oneida Nation Museum, Frog Bay Tribal National Park, multiple powwows
- Frank Lloyd Wright Trail – birthplace of Frank Lloyd Wright
- Iconic architecture – Milwaukee Art Museum, Yerkes Observatory
(Lake Geneva), Wisconsin State Capitol (Madison)
Science & History
- Milwaukee County Zoo, Discovery World, Milwaukee Public Museum
- EAA AirVenture & EAA Aviation Museum (Oshkosh)
- Old World Wisconsin (Waukesha County)
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum & USS Cobia (Manitowoc)
- Circus World Museum (Baraboo)
Contact Information
David Spiegelberg
262-515-2806
[email protected]
travelwisconsin.com
River & Lake Cruises in Mississippi River Country
Multi-Day Cruises on the Mississippi River
- Viking Cruises: Routes offered include a New Orleans round trip (8 days), Heart of the Delta (New Orleans to Memphis, 8 days), America’s Heartland (St. Louis to St. Paul, 8 days) and America’s Great River (St. Paul to New Orleans, 15 days)
- American Cruise Lines: Take a New Orleans round trip, travel the Upper or Lower Mississippi or explore the entire river on an expansive three-week tour
Day Trips on the Mississippi River
- Padelford Riverboats: Head to St. Paul to marvel at natural and man-made wonders along the Mississippi River in Minnesota
- La Crosse Queen: Located in western Wisconsin, this modern-day replica of traditional riverboat takes passengers on a scenic Mississippi River tour
- Spirit of Peoria: This old-fashioned replica of a 19th-century riverboat docks at the riverfront in Peoria on the Illinois River but also offers sightseeing, dinner and multi-day tours of the Mississippi River
- Memphis Riverboats: On Tennessee’s western border, Memphis Riverboats offers authentic riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River
- New Orleans Steamboat Company: Take a ride on one of the company’s iconic paddlewheelers—the Steamboat Natchez or the Riverboat City of New Orleans to take in the sights of the Big Easy
Other Options
- Chicago River Cruises & Lake Michigan Tours: Explore Chicago’s history and architecture or enjoy a trip on one of the Great Lakes in Illinois and Wisconsin:
- Nashville River Cruises: Explore the sights of Music City on the General Jackson Showboat
- Gulf Coast Cruises: Enjoy a trip on the Gulf of Mexico along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast
The Great River Road – America’s Greatest Drive
Follow the Mississippi River through the heart of America along the Great River Road. This National Scenic Byway and All-American Road follows the Mississippi River—on both sides in several states—for nearly 3,000 miles (4,800km) from northern Minnesota to far southern Louisiana. Along the way, motorists can take a trip through American history, culture, music, arts, and cuisine.
About the Great River Road
- Follows the Mississippi River from its source at Itasca State Park in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana
- One of the oldest and longest National Scenic Byways
- Named an All-American Road in 2021 – a special designation that honors the best National Scenic Byways for their one-of-a-kin amenities
- The byway is not a single highway but a collection of local, state, and federal roads
- Iconic signage featuring pilot’s wheel logo guides road trippers along the route
Notable Great River Road Cities & Towns
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Galena, Illinois – often named one of America’s best small towns
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Clarksdale, Mississippi – “the birthplace of the blues”
- New Orleans
Music
- Beale Street, Graceland, and Sun Studio – Memphis, Tennessee
- Johnny Cash Boyhood Home – Dyess, Arkansas
- Delta Blues Museum and the Crossroads – Clarksdale, Mississippi
- GRAMMY Museum Mississippi – Cleveland, Mississippi
- French Quarter – New Orleans, Louisiana
Attractions & Interpretive Centers
- Many scenic overlooks, locks & dams, museums, historical sites, and other attractions can be found along the Great River Road
- Nearly 100 official Interpretive Centers (museums, parks & more) tell the story of the people, history, and land of the Mississippi River region
- 29 locks & dams on northern Mississippi River help ships navigate the river; several facilities offer tours
Elvis Presley Attractions in Mississippi River Country
If you’re a fan of the King of Rock ’n Roll, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to explore the southern states of Mississippi River Country. In Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, you’ll find several iconic locales that tell Elvis Presley’s story.
Birthplace (Tupelo, Mississippi)
- Two-room house where Elvis was born on January 8, 1935
- Home was built by Elvis’ father, grandfather, and uncle
- Birthplace is part of a 15-acre park that also includes a museum and the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church the Presleys attended
Sun Studio (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Iconic recording studio known as “the Birthplace of Rock ’n Roll”
- Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and other iconic artists recorded here
- Elvis made his first recordings here as part of the “Million Dollar Quartet”
- Visitors can tour historic site, which still serves as a working recording studio
Graceland (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Main attraction is Elvis’ mansion located south of downtown Memphis
- Home was built in 1939 and Elvis lived there from 1955-77
- Opened to public in 1982
- Recent expansions include Elvis Presley’s Memphis – state-of-the-art entertainment complex that includes memorabilia, exhibits, an automobile museum, performance space & more
- Guest House at Graceland – Highly rated resort hotel that’s just steps from the mansion
Arcade Restaurant (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Located in city’s South Main Arts District
- The Arcade Restaurant is Memphis’ oldest restaurant
- Visitors can sit in Elvis’ favorite booth and order his favorite item – a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich
Shreveport Municipal Auditorial (Shreveport, Louisiana)
- Home to “The Louisiana Hayride”, a weekly music showcase launched in 1948
- The Louisiana Hayride introduced famous acts like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash
- Elvis first took the stage on October 16, 1954
- Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark
- National touring acts still perform at the auditorium today
Major League Baseball in Mississippi River Country
There are few things more traditionally American than listening to the crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd at one of Mississippi River Country’s iconic baseball stadiums. From historic stadiums like Wrigley Field to newer facilities like Target Field, there are plenty of places to find professional baseball in this 10-state region.
Minnesota Twins
- Where they play: Target Field, Minneapolis (opened: 2010, capacity: 38,544)
- Founded as the Washington Senators in 1901
- Moved to Minnesota and began play as the Twins in 1961
- Have won 13 division titles and 6 American League pennants
- World Series victories in 1924 (as the Senators), 1987, and 1991
- Japanese players (historical): Tsuyoshi Nishioka (2011-12), Kenta Maeda (2020-23)
- Home games vs. the Dodgers & Shohei Ohtani in 2026: 3 (June 22-24)
Milwaukee Brewers (Wisconsin)
- Where they play: American Family Field, Milwaukee (opened: 2001, capacity: 41,900)
- Founded in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots, moved to Milwaukee in 1970
- Play in the National League’s Central division (joined the National League in 1998)
- Have won 6 division titles (one in American League, five in National League) and 1 American League pennant
- Lost to St. Louis Cardinals in only World Series appearance (1982)
- Japanese players (historical): Hideo Nomo (1999), Mac Suzuki (2001), Takahito Nomura (2002), Tomo Ohka (2005-06), Takashi Saito (2011), Nori Aoki (2012-13)
- Home games vs. the Dodgers & Shohei Ohtani in 2026: 3 (May 22-24)
Chicago Cubs (Illinois)
- Where they play: Wrigley Field, Chicago (opened: 1914; capacity: 41,649)
- Founding member of the National League – played as the White Stockings when founded in 1876
- 3 World Series titles (1907, 1908, and 2016)
- Wrigley Field is the oldest stadium in the National League and the second oldest in Major League Baseball
- Japanese players (current): Seiya Suzuki, Shota Imanaga
- Japanese players (historical): Kosuke Fukudome (2008-11), So Taguchi (2009), Hisanori Takahashi (2013), Kyuji Fujikawa (2013-14), Tsuyoshi Wada (2014- 15), Munenori Kawasaki (2016), Koji Uehara (2017)
- Home games vs. the Dodgers & Shohei Ohtani in 2026: 3 (August 3-5)
Chicago White Sox (Illinois)
- Where they play: Rate Field, Chicago (opened: 1991; capacity: 40,615)
- One of the American League’s charter franchises, began play in 1900
- Have won 6 division titles and 7 American League pennants
- World Series victories in 1906, 1917, and 2005
- Japanese players (current): Munetaka Murakami
- Japanese players (historical): Shingo Takatsu (2004-05), Tadahito Iguchi (2005-07), Kosuke Fukudome (2012)
- Home games vs. the Dodgers & Shohei Ohtani in 2026: 3 (June 12-14)
City of New Orleans Train Route: Chicago to New Orleans
Travel the region by train with the City of New Orleans train route, an Amtrak train that offers daily departures for the 900-mile (1,450km) trip from Chicago to New Orleans. Along the way, riders will get a chance to experience the country’s musical heritage, from Chicago blues to Beale Street in Memphis. On the southern end of trip, discover rich history—and even more music—in Mississippi and Louisiana.
About the City of New Orleans Train Route
- Route is 900 miles (1,450km)
- Total travel time: 19 hours between Chicago and New Orleans
- Departs daily from Chicago, New Orleans, or points in between
- 20 total stops (8 in Illinois, 1 in Kentucky, 2 in Tennessee, 7 in Mississippi, 2 in Louisiana)
- Notable cities along route include Chicago; Memphis; Jackson, Mississippi; and New Orleans
Chicago Attractions
- Chicago Architecture Center & architecture tours
- Magnificent Mile – shopping and restaurants on Michigan Avenue
- Museums and more: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, Shedd Aquarium
- Blues & jazz music at famous venues like Buddy Guy’s Legends, The Green Mill Jazz Club
- Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Garrett Popcorn & other iconic foods
Memphis Attractions
- Music attractions – Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio
- Peabody Hotel – see the famous Peabody Ducks in the lobby of this historic hotel
- Memphis-style BBQ – 100+ barbeque restaurants in the city
- National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel
Jackson, Mississippi Attractions
- Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
- Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail or catch live music at local venues
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- Eudora Welty House and Garden
New Orleans Attractions
- Jazz, Cajun, blues music & more in the French Quarter and throughout the city
- Mardi Gras and other celebrations
- Ghost tours in the French Quarter
- Delicious food (gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys) and cocktails (visit famous bars or the Sazerac House museum)
Mississippi Blues Trail
Take an unforgettable journey through blues history in Mississippi, a state that many legends of the genre—like B.B. King and Charlie Patton—called home. The Mississippi Blues Trail is made up of more than 200 markers throughout the state, each telling the story of a significant person or place that helped shape the foundation of the blues. From clubs to cotton fields to cemeteries to train depots, the markers bring the history of the blues alive for both visitors and locals.
Blues Trail Markers
- More than 200 markers across the state
- Markers tell the story of influential artists like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, Sam Cooke & more
- Also highlight important locations in blues history – Highway 61 (the “Blues Highway”), Dockery Farms & more
Museums Along the Trail
- B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (Indianola)
- Black Prairie Blues Museum (West Point)
- Delta Blues Museum (Clarksdale)
- Delta State University (Cleveland)
- Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum (Tupelo)
- Gateway to the Blues Museum (Tunica Resorts)
- GRAMMY Museum Mississippi (Cleveland)
- Jimmie Rodgers Museum (Meridian)
- North Delta Museum (Friars Point)
- Ole Miss Blues Archive (Oxford)
- Robert Johnson Heritage and Blues Museum (Crystal Springs)
- Union County Heritage Museum (New Albany)
Notable Blues Venues & Events
- Bad Apple Blues Club (Clarksdale)
- Bluesberry Café (Clarksdale)
- Club Ebony (Indianola)
- Ground Zero Blues Club (Clarksdale)
- New Roxy (Clarksdale)
- Red’s (Clarksdale)
- Smoot’s Grocery Blues Lounge (Natchez)
- Walnut Street Blues Bar (Greenville)
- Juke Joint Festival (Clarksdale) – April
- Bentonia Blues Festival – June
- Tri State Blues Fest (South Haven) – August
- Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival (Clarksdale) – August
- Delta Blues & Heritage Festival (Greenville) – September
- Highway 61 Blues Festival (Leland) – October
Blues Trail App
- Free app available for Apple and Android devices
- Interactive timeline of blues history
- Location-aware map of all Blues Trail sites
- Itinerary builder
Instagrammable Spots in Mississippi River Country
Mississippi River Country is full of outstanding photo opportunities, from stunning vistas at national parks to historically significant works of architecture and public art to iconic roadside attractions. Here are some Instagram-worthy spots you should visit.
Arkansas
- Bathhouse Row (Hot Springs)
- Blanchard Springs Caverns (Mountain View)
- Signal Hill, Mount Magazine State Park (Paris)
- Eureka Springs
- Whitaker Point, Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area (Kingston)
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
Illinois
- Cloud Gate “The Bean” (Chicago)
- Gemini Giant (Wilmington)
- Rubbing Abraham Lincoln’s Nose at the Lincoln Tomb (Springfield)
- Big Things in a Small Town – 12 of the World’s Largest (Casey)
- Great River Road Scenic Drive (Alton to Grafton)
- Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest (Southern Illinois)
Louisiana
- New Orleans – French Quarter, Garden District, St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square
- Observation deck at Louisiana State Capitol (Baton Rouge)
- Giant Strawberry Statue (Ponchatoula)
- Gator Chateau (Jennings)
- Kisatchie National Forest
Minnesota
- Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis)
- Mississippi River Headwaters, Itasca State Park (Park Rapids)
- Split Rock Lighthouse (Two Harbors)
- Murals of Prince & Bob Dylan (Minneapolis)
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest
Mississippi
- Elvis Presley’s Birthplace (Tupelo)
- Brent’s Drugs (Jackson)
- Historic Blues Crossroads (Clarksdale)
- Courthouse Square (Oxford)
- Betsy Ann Riverboat (Biloxi)
- Clark Creek Natural Area (Woodville)
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson)
Tennessee
- Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg)
- Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium & Lower Broadway (Nashville)
- Dollywood (Pigeon Forge)
- Reelfoot Lake (Tiptonville)
- Beale Street (Memphis)
- Anakeesta (Gatlinburg)
Wisconsin
- State Capitol Building (Madison)
- Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield)
- Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee)
- SC Johnson World Headquarters/Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
- Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island (Door County)
Movie & TV Attractions in Mississippi River Country
Arkansas
- Sling Blade (1996) – Benton
- Mud (2012) – Dumas
- A Face in the Crowd (1957) – Piggott
- Gone With the Wind (1939) – The Old Mill, North Little Rock
- Elizabethtown (2005) – Christ of the Ozarks, Eureka Springs
Illinois
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – Wrigley Field, Art Institute of Chicago & Willis Tower (Chicago)
- The Dark Knight (2008) – Old Chicago Post Office & McCormick Place (Chicago)
- The Untouchables (1987) – Chicago Board and Trade Building
- Groundhog Day (1993) – Woodstock
- The Blues Brothers (1980) – Old Joliet Prison
- Chicago Fire (2012-present) – Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 18
Louisiana
- Sinners (2025) – Donaldsonville, Braithwaite, Thibodaux, St. Bernard Parish
- Interview with the Vampire (1994) – Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie)
- Jurassic World (2015) – New Orleans
- Green Book (2018) – new Orleans, Houmas House Plantation (Darrow), Metarie, Hammond
- Easy Rider (1969) – St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (New Orleans)
- NCIS: New Orleans (2014-21) – Bourbon Street, Louis Armstrong Park, Jackson Square, Plaza Tower
Minnesota
- Purple Rain (1984) – First Avenue (Minneapolis), Paisley Park (Chanhassen)
- Charlie Brown, Snoopy & more “Peanuts” character statues in Landmark Plaza, Saint Paul – Charles Schultz was born in Minnesota
- The Mighty Ducks (1992) – Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Mickey’s Diner (Saint Paul), Mall of America (Bloomington)
- Grumpy Old Men (1993) – Lake Rebecca Park Reserve (Rockford), Wabasha
- Fargo (1996) – Brainerd Lakes
Mississippi
- Sinners (2025) – set in Clarksdale in 1932; filmed in Louisiana
- True Blood (2008-14) – Longwood Mansion (Natchez)
- Get On Up (2014) – Mississippi Coliseum & Thalia Mara Hall (Jackson), Dunleith Historic Inn (Natchez)
- The Help (2011) – Brent’s Drugs, Mississippi Capitol & Mayflower Café (Jackson)
- O Brother Where Art Thou (2000) – D’Lo Water Park (Mendenhall), Courthouse Square (Canton)
- A Time to Kill (1996) – Canton
Tennessee
- Elvis Presley attractions in Memphis – Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio
- The Firm (1993) – Memphis
- Walk the Line (2005) – Memphis
- The Green Mile (1999) – Tennessee State Prison (Cockrill Bend)
- Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) – Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)
- 42: The Jackie Robinson Story (2103) – Engel Stadium (Chattanooga)
Wisconsin
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Birthplace (Pepin) – Author of “Little House on the Prairie” books
- Public Enemies (2009) – Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo), Wisconsin State Capitol (Madison), Little Bohemia Lodge (Manitowish Waters)
- Back to School (1986) – University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2010) – Milwaukee Art Museum
- Winning (1969) – Road America (Elkhart Lake)
- Mr. 3000 (2004) – American Family Field (Milwaukee)
All About Frank Lloyd Wright
Discover stunning works from famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright throughout Mississippi River Country. Tour more than 20 buildings (including three UNESCO World Heritage
Sites) on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois and Wisconsin or find unique hidden gems designed by Wright in Minnesota and Arkansas.
About Frank Lloyd Wright
- Born in Wisconsin in 1867
- Pioneered the Prairie School movement of architecture
- Designed more than 1,000 structures in his 70-year career in the U.S. and worldwide
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois
- Self-guided route featuring 13 Wright-designed buildings open to the public for tours
- Includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Frederick C. Robie House (Chicago) and Unity Temple (Oak Park)
- Other notable buildings:
- Emil Bach House (Chicago)
- Charnley-Persky House Museum (Chicago)
- The Rookery (Chicago)
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio (Oak Park)
- Pettit Memorial Chapel (Belvidere)
- Laurent House (Rockford)
- Dana-Thomas House (Springfield)
Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Wisconsin
- 200-mile (320km) trail through southern Wisconsin featuring 9 Wright-designed buildings
- Taliesin & Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center (Spring Green) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Other notable buildings:
- SC Johnson Administration Building & Research Tower (Racine)
- Wingspread (Wind Point)
- Burnham (Milwaukee)
- Monona Terrace (Madison)
- First Unitarian Society Meeting House (Madison)
- Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center (Spring Green)
- AD German Warehouse (Richland Center)
Other Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings
- Bachman-Wilson House – Originally built in New Jersey, now located at the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art in Arkansas
- Elam House (Austin, Minnesota)
- Lindholm Oil Company Service Station (Cloquet, Minnesota)
- Malcolm & Nancy Willey House (Minneapolis, Minnesota)