Great River Road
Literally the road less traveled, but far more rewarding. America’s favorite backroad is rich in history and unique finds for any traveler. The Great River Road Historic Byway of the Mississippi River offers the classic American way to relax and connect to the countryside on a leisurely scenic drive. As one of the oldest, longest and most interesting scenic byways in North America, the Great River Road is a respite to millions of travelers seeking a getaway— from a leisurely day’s drive to an extended vacation. And there’s plenty of Great River Road to see. Nearly 3,000 miles long and running through ten states along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is an enjoyable and accessible gateway to the gently-flowing backbone of this country.
Did you know…
Dating back to 1938, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, the concept of a transcontinental Great River Parkway along the Mississippi River was developed by the governors of the ten river states. Wishing to conserve precious resources – among them land, time and dollars – it was decided that 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 decades ago still heralds the byway today.
River Road Queen Welcome Center & Museum of the Delta
Highway 82 West at Reed Road, Greenville, MS 38704 • 662-332-2378
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Great River Road parallels the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. In similar grand tradition, our state Welcome Center resembles the Victorian riverboats that once ruled the Mighty Mississippi. This unique structure originally served as the State of Mississippi Exhibit in the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair. Today it’s also home to unique Delta exhibits, including a famous frog and our nationally renowned writers. Stop in and stay a while as you learn about all the amazing sights and sounds Washington County and the great state of Mississippi have to offer. The River Road Queen Welcome Center hosts many special events during the year.
Scenic Levee 1.7 Mile Walking Trail
Central Street, Greenville, MS 662-337-2711
Enjoy and wind down as you exercise on the 1-7 mile beautiful walking trail overlooking Lake Ferguson, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Delta, as well as the tow boats and other activity on Lake Ferguson. The Trail has two entrances from Central Street to Broadway Loop, where South Theobald Street once crossed the levee.
The Belmont 1857 Bed & Breakfast
3498 Highway 1 South, Wayside, MS 38780
The Belmont 1857 is the only remaining antebellum mansion on the Mississippi River in Greenville/Washington County. Built in 1857 for W.W. Worthington and restored to its original grandeur, Belmont is now a Bed and Breakfast and is available for weddings, events and tours. Visit their website for more information or contact Brad Hauser at 501.650.2296 or info@thebelmont1857.com
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