Featured Photo by Houmas House Mansion (Darrow, LA)

Historic Homes on the Great River Road

Great River Road travelers can step into another time! These houses provide beautiful period architecture and rich history.

  ~Minnesota~

Judy Garland Museum (Grand Rapids, MN)

See where Judy Garland was raised! Their hands-on children’s museum is great for families on the Great River Road.

Charles Lindbergh House and Museum (Little Falls, MN)

Visit the childhood home of the man who completed the first solo, nonstop flight between New York City and Paris! The house is furnished with Charles Lindbergh artifacts. 

 ~Wisconsin~

Villa Louis Historic Site (Prairie Du Chien, WI)

Walk through the doors of the Villa Louis Mansion and step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most prosperous historic families. Located on the banks of the Mississippi.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Cabin (Pepin, WI)

​Located Seven miles northwest of Pepin, Wisconsin is the “Little House Wayside” that includes a replica of the now-famous “Little House in the Big Woods”.

~Iowa~

Garrett-Phelps House (Burlington, IA)

Sitting atop Snake Alley, one of the crookedest streets in the country (per Ripley’s Believe It or Not!), this house became a medical facility and it exhibits the medical tools used during the 1800’s.

Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead (Princeton, IA)

This 1847 farmhouse was the boyhood home of Buffalo Bill Cody.  The building has been restored and tours are available April through October.

~Illinois~

The Hauberg Estate (Rock Island, IL)

The estate was built between 1909 and 1911. The Haubergs were philanthropists and influential residents in the Rock Island area.  Be sure to tour the gardens.

McPike Mansion (Alton, Il)

Atop Mount Lookout Park, the highest point in Alton, stands the McPike House.  Monthly ghost tours with a local medium include stories of paranormal happenings.

 ~Missouri~

Bequette Ribault House (Ste. Genevieve, MO)

Visit a unique post-colonial, Creole house! The property is now owned by Chaumette Vineyards & Winery, so there is an opportunity to sip and learn about the rich history!

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum (Hannibal, MO)

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum preserves Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal, MO by preserving his boyhood home and 7 related properties along with thousands of artifacts.

~Kentucky~

Barlow House (Barlow, KY)

The house hosts a collection of memorabilia, art,  and artifacts collected by the original owner’s son. With 11 rooms and turn-of-the-century elegance, visitors will enjoy a tour of the premises!

Lloyd Tilghman House (Paducah, KY)

Visit the General’s home during his role in the Confederate Army and Kentucky Militia! Visitors can step into the Civil War period and look at various artifacts.

~Tennessee~

Mallory-Neely House (Memphis, TN)

The decor of the house includes original pieces from the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and St. Louis World’s Fair. The house is located in the Victorian Village area of Memphis. 

Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center (Henning, TN)

Visit the home of Alex Haley’s grandparents—who inspired Haley’s characters in his 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family”. Some of the family’s classic 1919 furniture remains among other artifacts as well.

~ARKANSAS~

Lakeport Plantation (Lake Village, AR)

The plantation represents Arkansas’ deep connection to agricultural development in the area. Keep an eye out in curated programming and exhibits!

Pillow Thompson House (Helena, AR)

The house is a great example of Queen Anne architecture! The house is the only Victorian building in Arkansas with full-wood construction. 

~Mississippi~

Stanton Hall (Natchez, MS)

The Greek Revival mansion occupies an entire city block. The infrastructure holds beautiful marble columns and large pier mirrors.

The Thompson House (Leland, Mississippi)

Visit the grounds that inspired Jim Henson to create Kermit the Frog! Located near Deer Creek, the premise offers beautiful Delta landscape and upholding the title “Beauty Spot of the Delta”. 

~Louisiana~

Houmas House and Gardens (Darrow, LA)

In the 1800s, the house was part of a wealthy sugar cane plantation business. Visitors can contact the main personnel to tour or reserve space.

Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie, LA)

Located between the historic Louisiana cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation, is dedicated to preserving the history its inhabitants left behind.