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The Great River Road
In 1938, the Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission was formed to formally designate and maintain as "The Great River Road" a collection of state and local roads through the 10 United States which border the Mississippi River. The Road covers 2,340 miles, starting at the recognized Mississippi headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and ending at the Gulf of Mexico at Port Eads, Louisiana. For much of the length of the river, there are actually two designated routes - one on each side of the river. In my seven-day, 2,138-mile journey, I crossed the river several times to cover portions of the Road on both sides of the river. Unlike Route 66, The Great River Road is not as well-recognized or well-delineated. While there are some interactive centers and designated stops along the way, one does not see the meticulously restored service stations, diners, and motels that characterize Route 66. At times, the Road is nothing more than gravel and dirt. Following the Road faithfully is as tortuous and complex as following what remains of the original Route 66; however, it is well worth the trip and a very rewarding, in-depth look at middle America. Following the Mississippi River as it develops from a tiny trickling stream to the Mighty, Muddy MIssissippi is a delightful exploration. From tiny hamlets with less than 100 occupants to teaming metropolises like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans, a journey along The Great River Road is an absolute must for road trip purists!
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