United States Map Mississippi River

Top Attractions

Mississippi River is one of the most iconic destinations in the United States. It’s a place of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Some of the top attractions in the area include:

Gateway Arch
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Buffalo Bill Museum
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Hidden Gems

For those who want to explore the lesser-known spots, Mississippi River has plenty of hidden gems to offer. Some of the hidden gems include:

Wyalusing State Park
Lost Mound Unit of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Lock and Dam No. 13 Observation Deck
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Food Scene

Mississippi River offers a diverse food scene that blends Southern and Midwestern flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Barbecue ribs
Fried catfish
Gumbo
Beignets
Hot tamales

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget is possible in Mississippi River. Here are some tips to help you save money:

Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels and motels
Eat at local diners and food trucks
Visit free attractions like parks and museums
Use public transportation or rent a bike instead of a car

Outdoor Adventures

Mississippi River is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures to try:

Kayaking and canoeing
Hiking and camping
Biking
Fishing
Zip-lining

Historical Landmarks

Mississippi River is steeped in history. Here are some of the most significant historical landmarks to visit:

Civil War battlefields
Plantation homes
Indian mounds
Museums dedicated to famous historical figures like Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill
Historic districts like Vicksburg and Natchez

Family-Friendly Activities

Mississippi River is a great destination for families. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities:

Visit amusement parks like Six Flags St. Louis
Explore children’s museums like The Magic House in St. Louis
Go on a riverboat cruise
Visit petting zoos and farms
Attend local festivals and fairs

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For those who want to step off the beaten path, Mississippi River has plenty of unique experiences to offer. Here are some ideas:

Visit the world’s largest catfish statue in Selkirk, Missouri
Explore the La Crosse River Marsh in Wisconsin
Take a paranormal tour in Alton, Illinois
Visit the Little Grand Canyon in Illinois
Go on a cave tour at Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal, Missouri

Natural Wonders

Mississippi River is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Here are some of the must-see natural wonders:

Great River Bluffs State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Pere Marquette State Park
Lock and Dam No. 14 Observation Deck
Effigy Mounds National Monument

Vibrant Nightlife

Mississippi River has a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a night out:

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee
The Loop in St. Louis, Missouri
The District in Rock Island, Illinois
Old Town Cape in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Downtown Dubuque in Iowa

Local Markets

Mississippi River is home to some of the best local markets in the United States. Here are some of the must-visit markets:

St. Louis Soulard Farmers Market
Quincy Farmer’s Market
Burlington Farmers Market
La Crosse Farmers Market
Dubuque Farmers Market

Beaches and Mountains

Mississippi River is not all about rivers and plains. There are also beautiful beaches and mountains in the area. Here are some of the best beaches and mountains to explore:

Clear Lake Beach in Iowa
Emerald Mound in Mississippi
Shawnee National Forest in Illinois
Great River Road Scenic Byway in Wisconsin
Missouri Ozarks in Missouri

Cultural Immersion

Mississippi River is a melting pot of cultures. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture:

Visit Native American reservations and cultural centers
Attend local festivals and fairs
Explore historic districts and landmarks
Visit museums and galleries showcasing local art and music
Try local cuisine and attend cooking classes

Art and Music Scene

Mississippi River has a thriving art and music scene. Here are some of the best places to experience the local art and music:

The Grand Opera House in Dubuque, Iowa
The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries in St. Louis, Missouri
The Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa
The Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, Missouri
The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience in Meridian, Mississippi

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Mississippi River’s history and culture. Here are some of the best walking tours:

The Riverfront Trail in Mississippi
The Gateway Arch Walking Tour in St. Louis, Missouri
The La Crosse Riverwalk in Wisconsin
The Dubuque Riverwalk in Iowa
The Civil War Walking Tour in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Architectural Marvels

Mississippi River is home to some of the most impressive architectural marvels in the United States. Here are some of the best buildings to visit:

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri
The Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines, Iowa
The Old Courthouse in Vicksburg, Mississippi
The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France in St. Louis, Missouri

Historical Sites

Mississippi River is a place of rich history. Here are some of the most significant historical sites to visit:

The Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi
The Jefferson Barracks Historic Park in St. Louis, Missouri
The Nauvoo Historic District in Illinois
The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site in Galena, Illinois
The Gateway Arch Museum in St. Louis, Missouri

Biking Routes

Mississippi River has some of the best biking routes in the United States. Here are some of the best biking routes:

The Great River Trail in Illinois and Iowa
The Mississippi River Trail in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana
The Katy Trail State Park in Missouri
The Root River State Trail in Minnesota
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail in Iowa