Minnesota has 22 designated scenic byways. The Great River Road is the grand daddy of them all. At 575 miles, this drive follows the Mighty Mississippi River from Itasca State Park in northwest Minnesota and grows from a small wilderness stream to a wide expanse lined by tall, wooded bluffs as it passes through the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and along the southeast border of the state.

Traveling along the Great River Road through quaint towns along dramatic river bluffs will conjure up stories of riverboat captains and gamblers. Mark Twain considered it “the most beautiful part of the Mississippi River.” Be prepared for some surprise if you have not traveled through this part of Minnesota before.

Get itinerary suggestions on the Northern half of the route

Get itinerary suggestions on the Southern half of the route

Learn about all of Minnesota’s scenic byways.