Travel the Mississippi: It's Time to Really See America!

The mighty Mississippi has many attractions and events right along the river. While it is no longer necessary to build a raft and float on down Huckleberry Finn style, a trip down the river will provide any family or traveler plenty to do, see and take part in.

Taking a trip along the Mississippi River is one way to have an amazing adventure in the Midwest. A few of the favorite attractions to see are the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Missouri and Laclede's Landing in the same city.

The Great River Road, established in 1938, rolls through ten states and allows for plenty of pit stops.

In Sourthern Louisina, the Steel Magnolia dressing room is available for tourists to see. In Little Rock, Arkansas along the Great River Road, a tribute to 1964 is a band featuring Beatles music and is featured in Louisiana as well.

Another favorite destination along the river are Marquette and McGregor Iowa. The two towns are divided by a bluff and feature a beautiful National Monument and a state Park. The two little towns also feature beautiful hiking trails that go on for miles and miles.

Another favorite site along the river is the historic downtown of Paducah. Paducah features the Museum of the American Quilter's Society which houses beautiful stained glass windows and a variety of quilted patterns.

Located in Clarksville Tennessee, there is a gorgeous River Center Exhibit titled, "As the River Flows." The exhibit includes chronological displays from 1780-1784 when the city of Clarksville was displayed. The exhibit continues to display panels on the Cumberland River from 15,000 B.C. to today. The exhibit is located in McGregor Park on 630 N. Riverside Dr.

The city of New Orleans, located right on the Mississippi River, also has dozens of events and attractions for visitors and tourists.

The 1415 Creole Gardens Guesthouse located in New Orleans features 26 rooms and is nested in the beautiful garden district.

New Orleans also has an 1870 banana Courtyard French Quarter B&B ensuring an overnight trip with a beautiful morning.

The Great River Road also as a thriving network of museums for those who love to learn by seeing history preserved.

There are actually 62 museums along the way in all 10 of the river states. 4 museums in Arkansas alone allow tourists to visit the Delta Cultural Center, the White River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

Illinois is also home to 9 Great River Road Interpretive Centers. In Rock Island Illinois, there is a Mississippi River Visitor Center and a Black Hawk State Historic Site.

The Mississippi River Visitor's Center overlooks the river and welcomes over 60,000 people annually. The center is also handicap accessible and provides lock and dam tours during the summer months.

Also in Illinois along the Great River road is the Cairo museum in Cairo Illinois. Cairo is another post boom town of the mining era in the early 1800s. Visitors to Cairo will still here of riverboat calliopes and sample Victorian luxury in many historic buildings. It is also a place where history buffs have the opportunity to revisit the romance and charm of a 19^th century river town.

During a visit to the Cairo museum, an outdoor BBQ is highly recommended. The Horseshoe Lake area in Cairo is known as the 'goose capital of Illinois.' Many tourists visit this area to hunt with bow and arrow, fish and take photographs.

Also along the Great River Road, there are plenty of biking, hiking and fishing options. Making a trip out of traveling the Mississippi is a great way to see the United States up close and personal. It will also give you a chance to play Louis&Clark and see the many historical sights.

For the adventurous types, and those who love history, a trip down the Great River Road is an excellent opportunity!