What spans thousands of miles and passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns? The Great River Road! One of the best road trips you can take in America, the route, which (luckily) runs right through Mississippi, boasts history, nature, recreation, culture, and scenic beauty. Let’s learn more about the portion of the Great River Road in Mississippi.

Great River Road traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
It's one of the longest scenic byways in America.
The Federal Highway Administration designated it an All-American Road. And that's because it’s highlighted by rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty.
The Great River Road/Facebook
In Mississippi, the Great River Road runs just about the entire length of the state, from Woodville in the south to Tunica in the north.
Picture Mississippi - photography by Kim Hunt, Contributed Photo
Amazing sites and attractions line the entire roadway – and the Mississippi portion is no exception.
Peter Burka/Wikipedia

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As you make your way along the Great River Road in Mississippi, you’ll come across some great historic sites and museums, including The Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum in Tunica.
The Great River Road/Facebook
It’s touted as a "can’t-miss stop."
You’ll find lots of river-related sites, too, such as the Tunica River Park Museum and the Lower Mississippi River Museum in Vicksburg.
Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum/Facebook
Interpretive centers are another hallmark of Great River Road.
Zephyr_Travel/TripAdvisor
Housed in museums and historic sites throughout the route, they’re great places to pick up some travel info, discover area attractions, and learn about the Mighty Mississippi.
As an added bonus, the Great River Road runs right into one of the state’s other famous roadways – the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Tony Wesbster/Flickr

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on one of America’s best road trips? Have you ever driven along the Great River Road in Mississippi? If so, did you stick to the Mississippi portion or venture out of state? What’d you think? Tell us! And don’t forget to take a look at our list of road trip essentials before embarking on your drive.

Just like Great River Road, the Natchez Trace Parkway boasts lots of must-see sites. Make sure you don’t miss a thing by embarking on this road trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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More to Explore

Scenic Drives in Mississippi

Sarah M. | April 28, 2023

What are some other scenic road trips in Mississippi?

In addition to Great River Road, Natchez Trace Parkway is another of our all-time favorite scenic road trips through Mississippi. Spanning 444 miles through three states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee), the Natchez Trace Parkway passes by more than 90 points of interest, which run the gamut from natural wonders to perfectly-preserved historic sites. This is a road designed to showcase the bucolic beauty of the American South, and you'll want to allow for plenty of time to sit back, soak up the scenery, and see where the road takes you -- because it's going to be someplace beautiful.

Tell me more about the Great River Road.

We’ve all heard of the ‘Great American Road Trip,’ an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This resplendent road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful. This All-American Road is lauded as *the* single-best scenic drive in the country, and it's hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your bucket list.

What's the best scenic drive in Mississippi?

When it comes to beautiful drives in Mississippi, the options are virtually endless. With miles upon miles of back roads, it’s easy to lose yourself (literally and figuratively) in the stunning scenery. It’s also a bit difficult to keep track of all the stunning views found along country roads in Mississippi. Some of our favorite scenic drives in MS include:

  • Highway 16 near Benton
  • Highway 78 near Tupelo
  • Highway 90, which travels along the Gulf Coast
  • Highway 22 near Flora
  • The Wildflower Trail on U.S. 51

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