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The Ojibwa Indians are credited for naming the Mississippi River. They called it Missi sepi meaning a great river. It is the longest river in North America and one of the world’s greatest rivers noted for its beauty, grandeur, and diversity. A journey along this meandering historical treasure has been enjoyed on stream and on land. Since 1938 travelers and adventurers have experienced the wonders of the Mississippi River Valley on what has become The Great River Road Scenic Byway of the Mississippi River.

Traveling through 10 states for nearly 3,000 miles, The Great River Road is the Gateway to the wonders of the Mississippi River Valley. The Great River Road was the Nation’s first designated scenic byway.

Day 1 – Twin Cities to La Crosse, WI

Our first stop on our backroads, river road adventure is across the St. Croix River to the Great River Road Welcome Center in Prescott WI. Our road winds south on Hwy-35 across a portion of the glacial plain, whose rolling hills sown in corn, account for an important part of the nation’s breadbasket. We will then cross back over the river to beautiful Red Wing with its beautiful hanging flower baskets. We have a treat awaiting us at the very historic St. James Hotel, an included lunch in the Veranda Room! After lunch, we leave Red Wing and again travel along the Great River Road to The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN. We will be guests at the Eagle Center and enjoy a very educational and interesting demonstration with the eagles. Wabasha is also home to the filming of “Grumpy Old Men.” We find ourselves crossing once again to the Wisconsin side as we amble our way along the mighty Mississippi with its beautiful vistas and river bluffs. Our home for the night is the very cozy and comfy Stony Creek Inn in La Crosse. Once we get settled into our room we will board the coach and head out for our wonderful included dinner at the Freighthouse, a historic shipping depot in downtown La Crosse, located at the confluence of three rivers.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Stoney Creek Inn 

Day 2 – La Crosse to Dubuque, IA

We enjoy a hearty breakfast before we head off and experience the stunning views as we skirt along the banks of the river to Dubuque. Crossing over to the Iowa side we stop in McGregor at the unqiue River Junction Trading Co. Once inside, we will experience life as it was in the days of the old westerns. Everything in this store could well be called antiques. They ship out to many movie locations, all the way from clothing to movie props. Moving on from there we will motercoach over to Guttenberg, where we will pick up our picnic lunch at The Picket Fence Café, and enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park alongside the river. Then we make our way over to the Lockmasters House for a tour before heading to Dubuque where we will enjoy a tour of Dubuque by a step-on guide. This evening our meal will be a Progressive Dinner and tour of several Victorian Homes. It is a fantastic event you will not quickly forget. After an evening well spent, we will be guests at the historic Julien Inn with its magnificent Victorian décor.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Julian Inn 

Day 3 – Dubuque to Le Claire IA

After breakfast we tour the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, one of the two best and biggest dedicated to the history and culture of “Old Muddy.” A large collection of historic riverboats is highlighted by the steamboat, William M. Black, an official National Landmark, while other galleries include a National Rivers Hall of Fame, which tells the stories of explorers and adventurers like Lewis and Clark and John Wesley Powell. The introductory film “River of Dreams” is narrated by Mr. Lake Wobegon himself, Garrison Keillor. Follow the path of the Mississippi from Minnesota to the Gulf. It is the best place in the country to explore the culture and natural history of the river. Departing the museum, we cross the River to search out the quaint and charming village of Galena, one of the most preserved historic towns in America. Step back in time to the 1800’s as we experience this unique community. You will be on your own to shop and enjoy lunch. We will follow the river to Le Claire and check into our lovely riverfront hotel. Tonight you will enjoy being guests at the spectacular Steventon’s overlooking the river.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Day 4 – Le Claire to Hannibal, MO

We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting out on our way to the Lock and Dam #15 Tour in Rock Island, IL. Lunch will be on our own in Burlington. We then proceed to Nauvoo and enjoy viewing the majestic Morman Temple. We travel through Hamilton and Quincy, which will take us to our home for the night: Hannibal, MO. We will tour Mark Twain’s boyhood home and museum. After checking into our hotel, we depart for our evening cruise on The Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise on the glorious Mississippi.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Best Western on The River 

Day 5 – Hannibal to Home

We start out with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on our last leg of the journey. We will stop only to wet our whistle for a coffee stop and lunch, before arriving back home in the Twin Cities and the conclusion of another great R&J Backroads Tour.

Included Meals: Breakfast