Bluffs, Blues, and the Big Muddy
Bluffs, Blues, and the Big Muddy
Minneapolis, MN 55401Memphis, TN 38103
Trip overview
Follow the mighty Mississippi River on a journey from the northern bluffs of Minnesota to the soulful delta blues of Memphis. This trip traces America's greatest waterway through historic river towns, ancient mounds, and the heartland of American music and cuisine.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Minneapolis
Mill City Museum
Explore the history of Minneapolis's flour milling industry in the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, right on the banks of the Mississippi River.
704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
National Eagle Center
Get an up-close look at majestic bald eagles and golden eagles. This riverside center offers live eagle programs and viewing decks to spot wild eagles over the Mississippi.
50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha, MN 55981
Great River Bluffs State Park
Hike to breathtaking overlooks for classic Mississippi River Valley views. The park's trails wind through prairies and forests high atop the river bluffs.
43605 Old Hwy 26, Winona, MN 55987
The Charmant Hotel
Stay in a beautifully restored 1898 candy factory turned luxury boutique hotel, offering river views and a rooftop terrace.
101 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Day 2 — Harpers Ferry
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Walk among over 200 ancient, sacred mounds built by Native Americans, many in the shapes of animals like bears and birds. The trails offer serene walks and stunning views of the river valley from high bluffs.
151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
A must-see Smithsonian-affiliated museum that dives deep into the history, culture, and wildlife of America's rivers. Explore riverboats, an impressive aquarium, and interactive exhibits.
350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection
Spend the night in a historic, magnificently restored 1915 hotel that has hosted presidents and celebrities, blending classic elegance with modern luxury.
200 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Day 3 — Hannibal
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Step into the world of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn at the home and museum dedicated to Samuel Clemens. Explore the well-preserved buildings that inspired some of America's greatest literature.
120 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401
Gateway Arch National Park
Ride a tram to the top of the iconic 630-foot arch for unparalleled views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. This monument symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States.
11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
The Last Hotel
Check into this stylish hotel housed in the former International Shoe Company building, featuring eclectic design, a rooftop pool, and a glimpse into St. Louis's industrial past.
1501 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
Day 4 — St. Louis
Pappy's Smokehouse
Experience legendary St. Louis-style BBQ. Known for its Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs that are slow-smoked over apple and cherry wood, Pappy's is a local institution.
3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Lambert's Cafe
Dine at the famous 'Home of Throwed Rolls,' where servers literally throw hot, fresh dinner rolls across the dining room to waiting customers. It's a fun, unique dining experience with huge portions of Southern comfort food.
2305 E Malone Ave, Sikeston, MO 63801
Day 5 — Memphis
Sun Studio
Tour the legendary 'Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll' where icons like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King made their first recordings. You can even hold the same microphone that Elvis used.
706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
A profoundly moving experience built around the former motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The museum traces the history of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present day.
450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
Day 6 — Memphis
Graceland
Make the ultimate pilgrimage for music fans with a tour of Elvis Presley's iconic home. See the famous Jungle Room, his collection of cars and planes, and pay respects at his final resting place.
3764 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Central BBQ
End your trip with a taste of quintessential Memphis barbecue. Consistently ranked among the city's best, Central BBQ is famous for its slow-smoked meats, especially the pulled pork and ribs.
437 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Mighty Lights at Big River Crossing
Take a final sunset stroll on the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi. As night falls, the bridge comes alive with a dynamic LED light show, a perfect farewell to the mighty river.
Harahan Bridge, Memphis, TN 38103
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Mississippi River road trip covers about 932 mi and roughly 16h 3m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 17 stops from Minneapolis, MN 55401 to Memphis, TN 38103. Highlights include Effigy Mounds National Monument, Gateway Arch National Park, and National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.
It begins in Minneapolis, MN 55401 and ends in Memphis, TN 38103, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,824, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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