Lansing, Iowa museum showcases the area’s geology, archeology, wildlife

MADISON, Wis. [October 5, 2017] – The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is excited to announce the addition of a new interpretive center to serve visitors along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Burlington, Iowa museum tells the story of Des Moines County

MADISON, Wis. [October 5, 2017] – The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is excited to announce the addition of a new interpretive center to serve visitors along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Mississippi River Parkway Commission launches Great River Road biking giveaway Bike the Great River Road Giveaway promotes cycling in 10 states along river

Birding Bonanza Giveaway runs through May 31; winner receives $250, Great River Road gear

MADISON, Wis. (March 23, 2016)—Some of the best birding in the country can be found along

National Scenic Byway draws motorists to 10-state route; $500 giveaway runs all month long

 

MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 1, 2015)?The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) has announced the start of Drive the Great River Road Month, the annual celebration of America's oldest and longest National Scenic Byway.

During Drive the Great River Road Month, motorists are encouraged to plan their own trip along the 3,000-mile Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Travelers can spend a day or a month exploring one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America.

Fall is the perfect time to travel the Great River Road. Amazing panoramas of fall color greet motorists as they travel alongside the Mississippi River along the northern section of the Great River Road. As fall progresses, travelers can follow the autumn colors south as they pass through cozy river towns and bustling big cities and visit more than 70 interpretive centers?museums, historical sites, wildlife refuges and more?as well as agritourism attractions like fall festivals, orchards and farmers markets.

Fans can win $500 in Great River Road Sweepstakes

To help celebrate Drive the Great River Road Month, the MRPC has launched the Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes, which runs through Sept. 30 and will award one grand-prize winner with $500 to spend on their next Great River Road trip.

To enter, fans can visit the Great River Road's website or find them on Facebook.

MPRC launches online shop for Great River Road merchandise

Drivers who have navigated all?or even part?of the Great River Road now have a way to show off their achievement. The MRPC has launched a new online store that sells Great River Road merchandise, including apparel, bags, travel mugs, car magnets and more.

Plan your Great River Road trip with the help of www.experiencemississippiriver.com. There, you'll find information on all 10 Great River Road states, interpretive centers, upcoming events and must-see attractions, along with suggested itineraries and maps.

You can also find The Great River Road on Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

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Celebration encourages motorists to travel the National Scenic Byway all month long

MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 5, 2014) - The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is inviting motorists to travel the Great River Road during the second annual celebration of Drive the Great River Road Month in September.

Drive the Great River Road Month is an open invitation to plan a fun and memorable road trip along the nearly 3,000-mile National Scenic Byway that runs through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. It is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America, offering a gateway to the Mississippi River Valley's great history, the blending of cultures and a host of recreational options to all visitors.

The long list of must-see attractions and exciting family-friendly events is certainly a big draw for visitors along the Great River Road. There are magnificent natural wonders, captivating historical sites and unique cultures to experience. Many travelers also take interest in the Great River Road's agriculture, exploring the area's delightful orchards, cheese factories, nurseries, tree farms, wineries and farmers markets.

To help celebrate Drive the Great River Road Month, the Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes will be held from Sept. 1-30, offering travelers a chance to win $500 to use on their own trip along the Great River Road. More information can be found on www.experiencemississippiriver.com and www.facebook.com/GreatRiverRoad.

Plan a day's drive or a month-long excursion along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway with the help of www.experiencemississippiriver.com. Here you'll find information on all the Great River Road states, interpretive centers (museums and historic sites showcasing the stories of the Mississippi), upcoming events and must-see attractions, along with suggested itineraries and maps to help plan a trip that's just right for you.

You can also find the Great River Road on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/GreatRiverRd or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/TheGreatRiverRoad.

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. (October 24, 2013) - Bob Miller was elected Pilot/CEO of the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) at their annual meeting in St. Louis, MO September 18-20, 2013.

Mr. Miller has served on the Executive Committee for the past three years. In the past Miller served as chair of the MRPC Environment, Recreation and Agriculture Committee and the Endowment Foundation Committee, and spent seven years as the Wisconsin Commissioner.

"It is an honor to have been selected to lead this great organization," Miller said. "I've enjoyed being a part of it for many years and I'm excited to bring that experience to this new position."

In addition to his dedication and contributions to the MRPC, members also chose Miller for his instrumental role in developing a 10-state agritourism promotion funded in part by a National Scenic Byway grant.

The Mississippi River Parkway Commission was formed in 1938, made up of the 10 states that parallel the Mississippi River on both sides, for the purpose of developing the Great River Road.

The MRPC continues to support, preserve and enhance the resources and economic opportunities of the Mississippi River Valley and to develop highways and amenities of the Great River Road. The road stretches nearly 3,000 miles from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information about the MRPC, log on to experiencemississippiriver.com or call (866) 763-8310.

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Mississippi River states to host celebrations throughout 2013

MADISON, Wis. [May 6, 2013] - The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

In 1938, the governors of the 10 river states developed the concept of a transcontinental Great River Parkway along the Mississippi River. Choosing to conserve precious resources, among them land, time and dollars, they decided rather than building a new continuous road, the existing network of rural roads and then-fledgling highways that meandered and crisscrossed the river would become the Great River Road. The green Pilot's Wheel road sign that marked the route of the new byway more than seven decades ago still heralds the road today.

As one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America, the Great River Road offers respite to millions of travelers seeking a getaway - from a leisurely day's drive to an extended vacation. Nearly 3,000 miles long and running through 10 states along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road has offered a gateway to the river valley's great history, the blending of cultures and a host of recreational options to all who journey it for three-quarters of a century and counting.

Plan a day's drive or a month-long excursion along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway with the help of experiencemississippiriver.com. Here you'll find information on all the states' interpretive centers, upcoming events and must-see attractions, along with suggested itineraries and maps to help plan a trip that's just right for you.

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Fans can share recipes, restaurant reviews for chance to win $250

MADISON, Wis. (November 13, 2012) - For folks along the Mississippi River, food is more than simple sustenance; it's woven into the area's culture and history. Now travelers along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway have a chance to share their own experiences with food along the river for a chance to win $250 in the Tasty Traditions Contest.

Fans can share a restaurant review of their favorite place along the Mississippi, a photo, a favorite recipe or a personal story about their own tasty traditions for a chance to win $250. The entries will be compiled into a blog so readers can share each other's experiences.

To enter, visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com or www.facebook.com/GreatRiverRoad before January 11, 2013.

The Mississippi River Parkway Commission is a 10-state cooperative organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors to the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and Mississippi River Valley.

Established in 1938 and nearly 3,000 miles long, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway offers travelers charming river towns, lush forests, bluffs, big cities and sprawling rural vistas. Along the way, more than 60 interpretive centers in 10 states tell the fascinating story of the Mississippi River. From Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, visitors experience rich and diverse history, culture and landscape. Year-round, there's something for every traveler along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

For more information and to start planning your trip along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, visit www.facebook.com/GreatRiverRoad or  experiencemississippiriver.com.

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