This 3,000-mile Route Is One of the Most Exciting Drives in the U.S. -- and It Follows the Longest River in North America

The Great River Road is described as one of the most exciting U.S. drives, following the Mississippi River across nearly 3,000 miles and 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. The route is labeled a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, and the article argues it’s more than scenery: travelers also encounter historic river towns, local businesses, and cultural stories tied to Native American heritage, westward expansion, Abraham Lincoln, and river commerce. Cory Jobe, CEO of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, says the drive can work for history, outdoor activities, and food-focused trips. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends 6 to 10 days, with flexibility via segments and attention to white signs with a green pilot-wheel symbol.