The historic Great River Road along the Mississippi River is a relaxing spot against the scenic countryside in this side of North America. Bikers will enjoy this experience of traveling through nearly 3,000 miles and running through 10 US states.
The Great River Trail along the winding Mississippi River was constructed in 1938 by the governors of the 10 river states who thought of connecting the then existing network of rural roads and highways to become the Great River Road, also called as the Mississippi River Trail. The result was a blending of cultures and varied very interesting sceneries in the river of each individual state like lush greeneries, big cities and rural rustic scenes as well as wide spaces, charming communities and the Delta.
From its headwaters along Itasca, Minnesota towards the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico, in Louisiana, the Mississippi River Trail is a world class bicycling route connecting 10 states as well as the cities of St. Louis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Memphis and the numerous towns along the way.
The Mississippi River Trail Project answered the need for an alternate transportation and, consequently, the conservation of natural resources. This has also become an added come on for tourism opportunities. Adventure seekers have also found the trails very appealing, particularly for bike enthusiasts.
The location is filled with interesting sites to see in the river trails for bike enthusiasts. In Minnesota, bikers will start at the Itasca Park, a 20 mile paved biking trail passing through pines and birch trees of Minnesota’s North Woods. After the park, the road will traverse along the river and country roads and to the city of Bemidji. The Paul Bunyan Trail will lead to the farming and lake country. There are also fishing spots and golf courses along the road.
South of St. Cloud is the twin river cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, which have urban characters. The important St Anthony Falls is within passing distance and the cities connect to parks and natural areas before and rural areas and then going to the state of Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, one will arrive at the small city of Prescott. Further on are country roads, farming fields on rolling hills and valleys. Occasionally, one can find wooded areas.
In Iowa, the first place to see is New Albin, a small community deeply connected to the river. More rolling hills and wooded areas can be found. The trail passes the Effigy Mounds National Monument, and the beautiful communities perched between the hills and the river. Iowa has some of the most spectacular scenic views in the northern side of the trail. Dubuque City, an industrial center is fast becoming a tourist destination because of its beautiful location and historic streets. The government manages forests, state parks and recreation areas along the Mississippi River.
The Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa, then the Davenport and Bettendorf of Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline in Illinois comes next. The trails follow a network called RiverWay, which connects natural sites with urban streets and connects the two states through a water taxi system. In some point, the RiverWay can be seen as a type of public art. At Horseshoe Lake, migrant Canada geese can be seen sometime within the year.
On the Missouri border, one can find more farms and small cities, which are quaintly beautiful in their own right. The trail also passes through Mark Twain s home. Hence, some areas still retain the old charm and historic influence of the former French colonizers.
Bikers will also pass by Kentucky. It is known to be the former place of the Chickasaw Indians. There are beautiful, rich and rolling farmlands with some forested areas. Overlooking the river is the Columbus Belmont State Park providing a spectacular view of the Mississippi river and the Missouri shore. One can put up camp here and watch the amazing sunset over the Mississippi River.
In Tennessee, attractions can range from spectacular to very quiet ones. The Reelfoot Lake State Park is a haven for amazing flora and fauna. One can also pass by Elvis Presley’s Mansion, the Graceland and the legendary Peabody Hotel.
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