Take This Road Trip To The Most Charming Great River Road Towns In Mississippi

Fasten your seatbelts – we’ve planned the perfect Mississippi River road trip itinerary! Nearly 400 miles, the route spans almost the entire length of the state and includes stops in the most charming towns along the iconic Great River Road.

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Tunica, MS 38676, USA

Town of Tunica/Facebook

The Great River Road spans the entire state and is bookmarked on one end by Tunica, making the town a great place to begin your road trip. It’s most known for its casinos and resorts, but it’s got a lot more to offer, including the Blue and White Restaurant, a decades-old diner known for serving up a true taste of the Delta. Other Tunica must-visits include RiverPark, a 130-acre park with a museum, aquarium, and nature trails, and Gateway to the Blues Museum, which celebrates the region’s rich musical heritage.

Oxford, MS 38655, USA

Visit Oxford/Facebook

Not your typical small town, Oxford boasts an amazing arts scene, earning it the nickname the “cultural Mecca of the South.” It’s also touted as a foodie paradise, as it offers some of the state’s best culinary experiences. In addition to culture and food, visitors to Oxford can spend their time strolling around the Square, which is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, including the South’s oldest department store, Nielson’s, and one of the nation’s most renowned independent bookstores, Square Books. Oxford is also where you’ll find Rowan Oak, the former home of legendary author, William Faulkner.

Clarksdale, MS, USA

Visit Clarksdale/Facebook

Clarksdale might be the home of the blues, but you definitely won’t be singing the blues when in Clarksdale – and that’s because there’s so much to see and do! Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s musical heritage by exploring historic sites, catching live blues performances at one of the city’s many music venues, or visiting the state's oldest music museum, The Delta Blues Museum.

Greenville, MS, USA

City of Greenville, Mississippi – Government/Facebook

Touted as the “heart and soul of the Delta,” Greenville is the perfect place to experience one of the state’s most famous regions. In addition to a ton of blues-related sites and festivals, visitors can learn about local history at one of several museums or stroll among centuries-old cypress trees at the Greenville Garden Club Cypress Preserve.

Vicksburg, MS, USA

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History, natural beauty, nightlife, culture, and more await in Vicksburg! The city really does have it all. Any visit to Vicksburg should include a tour of the famed Vicksburg National Military Park, which boasts over 1,000 monuments and markers. There are several other must-sees in Vicksburg, including the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals. Overlooking the Yazoo River, the giant paintings depict the city’s rich history. Other Vicksburg highlights include Catfish Row Children’s Art Park, Biedenharn Coca Cola Museum, and 10 South, one of the state’s few rooftop restaurants.

Natchez, MS 39120, USA

D. Mazary/Flickr

Wrap up your road trip in Natchez, which is not lacking when it comes to things to see and do. Luckily, you won’t have any trouble getting around since Natchez is revered as one of America’s most walkable small towns. It also offers a “hop on, hop off” double-decker bus tour. Natchez boasts some amazing restaurants, too, including several known for their biscuits, which makes sense since the city is the biscuit capital of the world. While in Natchez, Darby’s is a must-visit. The 20,000-square-foot shop is brimming with great merchandise, including the best fudge in Mississippi. With so much to see and do, it's a good idea to stay in Natchez overnight. And since it’s the bed and breakfast capital of the South, you won't have a problem finding somewhere to stay.

So, what do you think of this Mississippi River road trip itinerary? Ever visited any – or all – of the towns mentioned above? Know of any other must-visit towns along the Great River Road? Tell us!

When it comes to Mississippi road trips, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much to see in the Magnolia State. Looking for a route the whole family will love? Check out this family-friendly road trip in Mississippi.