Great River Road Tour

One of the best ways to see the Mississippi River is by traveling the Great River Road. This national scenic byway meanders on local, state and federal roads from St. Louis north to the Wisconsin state line.

Start your tour at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. This new museum features the story of America’s greatest river including its ecosystem, economic uses and history. The adjacent Illinois Esplanade Park offers terrific bird watching and picnicking.

After touring the museum, start heading north on the Great River Road. Approximately 100 miles north is Quincy.

Thanks to the Wireless Main Street program you can now access high-speed WiFi services along the Mississippi River in Quincy.

While surfing the net you might learn that Quincy’s founder, John Wood, later became Illinois Lt. Governor and Governor. Learn more Quincy history in the city’s many historic districts.

Your final stop on the Great River Road is Rock Island. Finish your Illinois history lessons at the numerous historic sites including the Rock Island Arsenal and Black Hawk State Historic Site.