Featured Photo by Visit Pepin/Buena Vista Park (Alma, WI)

Mississippi River Views on the Great River Road

There’s lots to see on the Great River Road.  The art! The culture! The history! But when you’re traveling along the Mississippi, you have to check out these views.

 ~Minnesota~

Garvin Heights Lookout (Winona, MN)

Walk along the dirt path on the bluff’s edge for a spectacular view of the island city in the Mississippi.

Barn Bluff (Red Wing, MN)

Contact a park naturalist for a guided hike or climb the trails on your own, you’ll enjoy the dual views of the Mississippi on one side and the city on the other.

 ~Wisconsin~

Buena Vista Park (Alma, WI)

Better Homes & Gardens magazine said, “Buena Vista Park is one of the river valley’s finest natural balconies.” They got that right!

Brady’s Bluff (Trempealeau, WI)

Hike the switchback trail up and the steps down, it’s well worth the work and a shelter at the top let’s you relax in the shade to take in the views.

~Iowa~

Photo Credit: Travel Iowa

Pikes Peak State Park (McGregor, IA)

Ascend to the top of a 500-foot bluff overlooking confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Dramatic views with a bonus – state parks in Iowa are free!

Mount Hosmer City Park (Lansing, IA)

The tiny town of Lansing is home to an expansive view of 50 miles of the Mississippi. You can see Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota from the top.

~Illinois~

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park (East St. Louis, IL)

Directly across from St. Louis with the best view of the Gateway Arch and the tallest water fountain in the US, plus a viewing tower with fantastic views of downtown St. Louis.

Mississippi River Visitor Center (Rock Island Arsenal, IL)

Learn about the lock and dam system on the Mississippi, then step out onto the viewing platform to see it in action.

 ~Missouri~

Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook

(Cape Girardeau, MO)

The old bridge is the perfect location to view the new Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge that is insta-worthy!

Gateway Helicopter Tours (St. Louis, MO)

The riverfront tour is a short hop, only a few minutes, but wow! What a view!

~Kentucky~

Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross (Wickliffe, KY)

Where the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers meet is a quiet spot to sit, relax and watch the river traffic.

Columbus Belmont State Park (Columbus, KY)

You’ve heard about the Battle of Belmont, but did you know it took place in such a beautiful location? History with a view!

~Tennessee~

Big River Crossing (Memphis, TN)

The longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River. Now that’s a view you don’t often get to see.

Mud Island River Park (Memphis, TN)

Watch the Mississippi or watch Memphis… we won’t judge.

~ARKANSAS~

Helena River Park (Helena, AR)

A boardwalk takes you to the edge of the river in downtown Helena. Mark Twain described Helena as occupying “one of the prettiest situations on the Mississippi”.

~Mississippi~

Bluff Park (Natchez, MS)

The sunsets over the Mississippi at Natchez are gorgeous and this is the spot to see it.

Riverfront Park (Vicksburg, MS)

The Mississippi River Overlook at the park is higher than the park itself and lets you see past the tree tops to the river below.

~Louisiana~

Mississippi River Levee Path (Baton Rouge, LA)

Enjoy the Mississippi River views as you walk, jog, bicycle or rollerblade.

Crescent Park (New Orleans, LA)

Crescent Park is a 1.4 mile, 20 acre urban linear park that connects Community and visitors to the riverfront.