Great River Road Trip

The Great River Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through the heartland of the United States. Starting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you'll make your way south along the Mississippi River, passing through the cities of St. Paul, Minnesota; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and finally, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. With a total distance of 3029 km, this trip is estimated to take 13 days to complete. The best time to make this journey is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roads are in excellent condition. This road trip is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and memorable experience. Along the way, you'll see everything from the rolling hills of Minnesota to the majestic Mississippi River, to the vibrant culture of New Orleans. You can also find plenty of activities to enjoy and sights to explore, all while managing a moderate budget. So, pack your bags and hit the open road – the Great River Road Trip is waiting for you!

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a great starting point for the Great River Road Trip. This city is located on the Grand River, where it offers plenty of exciting things to do, from outdoor activities and sightseeing to fine dining and shopping. The city is home to several attractions that are worth a visit. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the state and features a wide range of works from various periods. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of the area, while the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a stunning outdoor attraction with beautiful gardens and sculptures. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Grand Rapids. The city is home to miles of trails for biking, hiking, and running, as well as several parks and beaches for relaxing. Grand Rapids is also a great place for water sports, with the Grand River offering plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. If you’re traveling to Grand Rapids by air, the closest international airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to get around the city and start your Great River Road Trip. With so many things to do, Grand Rapids is an ideal starting point for your road trip. From outdoor activities and sightseeing to fine dining and shopping, you’ll find plenty to do in this vibrant city.

Embark on a 239-mile journey from Grand Rapids to St. Paul! This exciting road trip will take you less than 5 hours and offer plenty of interesting sites to visit. Start your journey in Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan, and explore its vibrant art scene, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Then, make your way to St. Paul, the state capital of Minnesota and home to the historic Cathedral of St. Paul. Don't forget to check out the Minnesota State Capitol, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Along the way, keep an eye out for historical sites, charming towns, and breathtaking views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from St. Paul to La Crosse? This 149mi journey will take you less than 4 hours and it will be full of surprises! Start your trip in St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, and explore its historical sites, such as the Minnesota State Capitol, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, and the James J. Hill House. Then, take a scenic drive along the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful views it offers. Continue your journey to La Crosse, a charming city located in the Mississippi River Valley. Here you can visit the famous Grandad Bluff Park and admire the breathtaking views of the city. You can also explore the Riverside Park and the La Crosse Queen, a historic paddlewheel riverboat. This is just one of the stages of your larger tour, and there is so much more to discover! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip from St. Paul to La Crosse and have the time of your life!

Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start your journey in La Crosse, Wisconsin and make your way to Dubuque, Iowa! This 117-mile journey will take you less than 3 hours, so you can enjoy the scenic roads and make plenty of stops along the way. In La Crosse, be sure to check out the Grandad Bluff Park for amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River. After that, head to the Great River Road National Scenic Byway for a beautiful drive along the river. When you get to Dubuque, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. Visit the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for a peaceful walk among the flowers. Or explore the Mines of Spain Recreation Area for a unique look into the area's history. No matter what you choose to do, you'll have a great time on this road trip. Keep an eye out for more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!

Welcome to the Dubuque to Burlington road trip! This stage of your journey will take you on a 188-mile voyage through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the Midwest. In fewer than four hours, you'll travel through time and culture, with plenty of amazing places to explore along the way. Start your journey in Dubuque, the oldest city in Iowa. Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, explore the city’s historic downtown, and take in the stunning views from the top of the Fenelon Place Elevator. Continue your journey to Dyersville, home of the iconic Field of Dreams. Take a tour of the baseball diamond, explore the surrounding countryside, and stop in the Field of Dreams movie museum. Next, head to Anamosa. You'll find a variety of historical sites here, including the National Motorcycle Museum, the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum, and the Anamosa Public Library. Finally, make your way to Burlington. Spend some time exploring the historic downtown, take a stroll along the Mississippi River, and visit the Snake Alley Art Center. As you travel, be sure to take in the breathtaking views, explore the many historical sites, and take some time to relax and enjoy the journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Bon voyage!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Burlington to St. Louis? This 243-mile journey will take you fewer than 6 hours, but you will be able to experience a lot of historic and natural attractions on the way. You can visit the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just outside St. Louis. You can also take a detour to the charming town of Hannibal, the birthplace of Mark Twain. There are several scenic roads and parks to explore along the way, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. You can also find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information about attractions, accommodation, and other points of interest, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from St. Louis to Memphis? This 325 mi journey will take you less than 7 hours of driving and you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the United States. St. Louis is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the country, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a beautiful church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you make your way to Memphis, you'll get to admire the scenic roads of the Ozark Mountains. Plus, you'll get to explore the Mud Island River Park, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Beale Street Historic District, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, don't forget to take some pictures along the way and make sure to check out our itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Memphis to Vicksburg? This 245 mi journey will take you less than 5 hours, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most interesting places in the United States. Start your trip in Memphis, the home of the blues, and visit the renowned Sun Studio and the Graceland Mansion. As you drive south, you will have the chance to admire the beauty of the Mississippi River and the Delta. Once you arrive in Vicksburg, you can explore the city's rich history and visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, the USS Cairo Museum, and the Old Courthouse Museum. The road trip from Memphis to Vicksburg is definitely a great way to explore the culture, history, and beauty of the region. Make sure to pay attention to the historical sites and the scenic roads that you will find along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Set off on an unforgettable road trip from Vicksburg to Baton Rouge! This 155-mile drive will take you less than 3 hours and is part of an amazing tour. Along the way, you'll find many historical sites, scenic roads, and other attractions. Start your journey in Vicksburg, Mississippi and make sure to visit the Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Museum. Then, drive through the beautiful countryside of Louisiana and take in the breathtaking views. Stop at Angola Prison, the oldest and largest maximum security prison in the United States, and then head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital. In Baton Rouge, explore the Old State Capitol and take a stroll along the Mississippi River. Don't forget to visit the USS Kidd, a historic World War II destroyer, and the Louisiana State Capitol. This is just a taste of the amazing things that await you on this road trip. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a road trip you'll never forget!

Embark on a memorable road trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans! This 132-mile journey along the Mississippi River is full of amazing sights and attractions. In Baton Rouge, take the time to visit the Old State Capitol, which is a National Historic Landmark, and the USS Kidd, a historic World War II destroyer. As you drive along the scenic road, you will be able to admire the beauty of the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas. Once you reach New Orleans, you will find a plethora of attractions. From the iconic French Quarter and the historic Jackson Square to the Audubon Zoo and the National World War II Museum, there is something for everyone. You can also take a stroll down the world-famous Bourbon Street or take a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar. Make sure to check the itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans!

Welcome to your road trip from New Orleans to Venice! This stage of your journey is a short 82mi drive that should take you fewer than 2 hours. You’ll get to experience the unique culture of New Orleans as well as the picturesque landscapes of Venice. In New Orleans, you can’t miss out on the iconic French Quarter. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most famous restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of historical sites to explore. As you make your way to Venice, keep an eye out for the stunning views of the Mississippi River. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the Louisiana countryside. Once you arrive in Venice, you’ll be able to take a boat tour to explore the area’s marshlands and swamps. You may even spot some of the area’s famous alligators! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Venice, Illinois is the perfect end of the Great River Road Trip. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, this small town is full of history and charm. Take a stroll down the historic Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants, and you'll find a number of attractions that will keep you entertained for days. The World Shooting and Recreation Complex is the largest public shooting range in the United States, and the National Great Rivers Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Hennepin Canal State Park boasts miles of nature trails, a scenic overlook, and a number of picnic areas. The Hennepin & Hopper Lakes Wildlife Management Area is also a great place to spot wildlife or take a hike. For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is the St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Venice is also conveniently located just a few hours' drive from Chicago, making it an ideal place to end a road trip. No matter how you choose to get there, a trip to Venice, Illinois will leave you with lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Midwest. Whether you're looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Venice is the perfect place to end the Great River Road Trip.

Hopefully, the presented Great River Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If you are planning on travelling by car in United States, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of things to be mindful of to turn your adventure into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are interested in vehicle rental or camper rental.
When on a tour around United States, there are numerous road rules to be remembered. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price if United States is your travel destination. Holidayers should remember that the legal alcohol limit is not that high and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed when travelling around the urban areas. Around rural areas, tourists can travel at the maximum car speed of 72km/h. While on motorways, you can drive at the maximum speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole road trip can vary depending on the budget option of your choice. A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest offer to cover the planned 11 stages across United States, it can cost roughly 413 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 1,034 EUR for economy accommodation options. When it comes to the travel expenses connected with restaurants and food in this offer, the average expenses are 936 EUR. Travellers will have to pay approximately 585 EUR if they choose the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from around 2,383 EUR to around 2,968 EUR.
Holidaymakers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 538 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to approximately 1,540 EUR. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants can cost up to about 1,404 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of approximately 702 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 4,184 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 3,482 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 6,354 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 3,482 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium rental car can expect a cost of roughly 1,170 EUR. In the top standard version of the road trip, you will pay around 738 EUR for gasoline. Holidaymakers should expect to pay around 1,872 EUR for restaurants and food and around 2,574 EUR for accommodation options if they are interested in the highest standard of services.
Our trip will also be perfect for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. When it comes to this means of transport, the costs will be up to around 2,925 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline expenses for the whole road trip, they will amount to roughly 813 EUR. Tourists who would like to go for camper rental should expect to pay roughly 715 EUR for accommodation and more or less 936 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the mentioned costs in detail.
The showed 11 stages stages are perfect for exploration in a car or camper between April and October. If Great River Road Trip has sparked your creativity, you should see other thrilling scenic drives and road trips that are available on our website. The great variety of options will definitely come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.