BEST OF THE RIVER 2019 

Best of the River is focused on the best attractions, accommodations,  food & drink, and trails & tours along the Great River Road from northern Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Best State Trail

1.Great River Road

The Great River Road’s network of more than 70 museums and historic sites, known as interpretive centers, showcase fascinating stories of the Mississippi River.

2.Mississippi Blues Trail (MS)

Whether you’re a die-hard blues fan or a casual traveler in search of an interesting trip, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the area that gave birth to the blues.

3.Yellow River State Forest (Harpers Ferry, IA)

Yellow River’s backpacking trails were featured in an article which appeared in “Outside” magazine entitled “America’s Top 50 Hikes–The Finest in Every State”.

4.Great River State Park Trail (Onalaska, WI)

This 24-mile trail travels through prairies and backwaters of the upper Mississippi River valley. Built on an abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line.

5.Columbus-Belmont State Park (Columbus, KY)

There is a self-guided hiking trail. Dramatic images of the Civil War come to mind when walking on the bluffs and massive earthen works that formed the Confederate trenches.

See results for Best of the River 2019

In 2019, thousands submitted their Best of The River choices in categories ranging from best cultural trail, best monument, best public art, best river boat tour, best brewery and more.