Bluffs, Blues, and the Mighty Mississippi
Rock Island, IL 61201Memphis, TN 38103
Rock Island, IL 61201Memphis, TN 38103
Embark on a journey down the Great River Road, tracing the Mississippi from the rolling bluffs of Iowa to the soulful heart of the Tennessee Delta. This trip blends American history, iconic music, and hearty river cuisine, showcasing the evolving landscape and culture along the nation's most storied waterway.
Start your journey at the Rock Island Arsenal, where this center offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam 15. Watch as barges and boats navigate the locks, and learn about the river's vital role in commerce and ecology from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Enjoy lunch in a historic 1851 river pilot's home with beautiful views of the river. This charming café serves creative sandwiches, salads, and entrees, offering a perfect taste of local hospitality in the town where the show 'American Pickers' began.
Step into the world of Samuel Clemens and his famous characters, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. This collection of eight historic properties includes Twain's home, the J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace office, and interactive exhibits that bring 19th-century river town life into focus.
Stay overnight in a magnificent Second Empire Victorian mansion where Mark Twain was a frequent guest. This historic bed and breakfast offers elegant rooms, beautiful grounds, and a peaceful retreat just outside of downtown Hannibal.
Explore the very cave that Mark Twain made famous in 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.' Take a guided tour through the labyrinthine passages of Missouri's oldest show cave and see the signatures left on the walls by visitors since 1819.
Witness the iconic 630-foot monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Take the tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River, and explore the excellent museum below detailing the story of St. Louis's role in American history.
Experience legendary St. Louis-style BBQ. Known for its slow-smoked Memphis-style ribs that are finished with a sweet, tangy glaze, Pappy's is a local institution that consistently ranks among the best barbecue joints in the country. Expect a line, but it's well worth the wait.
Spend the night in a beautifully restored historic building that once housed the International Shoe Company. The hotel blends industrial chic with modern luxury and features a stunning lobby, a rooftop pool, and a unique, vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Make a unique stop at the 'Illinois' Liberty Bell,' a gift from King Louis XV of France in 1741. This site is located on Kaskaskia Island, the only part of Illinois west of the Mississippi, accessible via a bridge from Missouri. It's a fascinating and often overlooked piece of regional history.
Experience the one-of-a-kind 'Home of Throwed Rolls.' This iconic restaurant is famous for its hearty Southern cooking and for servers who literally throw hot, fresh dinner rolls across the dining room to waiting customers. It's a fun, memorable, and delicious stop.
Walk across the Mississippi River on the country's longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge. The nearly mile-long crossing offers incredible views of the Memphis skyline and the river itself, providing a dramatic entrance to the city as you literally cross the state line from Arkansas to Tennessee on foot.
Stay at the legendary 'South's Grand Hotel,' famous for its opulent architecture and the twice-daily march of the Peabody Ducks through the lobby. This historic hotel is an attraction in itself and places you in the center of downtown Memphis.
A profoundly moving and essential American experience, this museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The exhibits trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present day.
Visit the 'Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll' where legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their first recordings. Take the guided tour to hear priceless outtakes, stand in the exact spot where Elvis first sang, and feel the history of a room that changed the world.
End your trip with a Memphis culinary institution. Gus's serves up spicy, crispy, and juicy fried chicken that has locals and tourists lining up. The recipe is a closely guarded family secret, delivering a perfect kick in a no-frills, authentic Southern atmosphere.
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
