Epic RV Road Trip Along the Great Mississippi

Cruising Up and Down the Mississippi River in an RV Rental Makes a Great Time.

At 2,348 miles long, the Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America. It stretches through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana and has so many amazing attractions along the way. This is the river that sparked the imagination of one of the USA’s finest authors, Mark Twain.

The mysterious and beautiful Mississippi River is a sight to behold, and taking an RV road trip along this majestic waterway is one of the best ways to see what the river has to offer. Starting along the Great River Road in northern Minnesota to Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa, there’s plenty to see on this epic journey that spans six states and thousands of miles of spectacular landscapes. We are going to drive South through Iowa and Missouri and cross the river into Kentucky and head North through Illinois and into Wisconsin and back home to Minnesota, taking in the incredible sights and eateries and beautiful destinations to take a rest.

Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Start your RV trip where the mighty Mississippi River begins: At Lake Itasca in the state of Minnesota, marked by a monument that says “Here 1,475 ft above the ocean the Mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico”.

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota. This gorgeous area has numerous parks that can be accessed by RV’s, letting you fish, swim, boat, hike, and more. Visit the Visitor Center, located along the melodic banks of the river, to check out other activities you can do while there.

Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa

Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa. Ideal for RV renters, Pikes Peak State Park features a campsite that you can reserve through the park reservation system, making it easy to enjoy the trails, many overlooks, a rustic stone picnic shelter at the main area of the site, a playground, a trailer (RV) dump station and even convenient electrical sites for hooking up electronics and RV items. The picturesque town of LeClaire, Iowa is the perfect place to take a ride on an iconic Mississippi River riverboat complete with a red paddle wheel that will take you back in time. The cruises are 90 minutes long and discuss the importance of the Mississippi River. Afterwards, stop at the not-to-be-missed Buffalo Bill Museum, commemorating LeClaire’s most famous native son William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his Wild West Show. For birdwatchers, LeClaire has some of the best viewing areas for migratory bald eagles.

Hannibal Missouri

The Missouri Great Mississippi River Road is an epic, majestic scenery filled drive. From the notable beginnings of Mark Twain in Hannibal to the soaring majesty of the St. Louis Arch, the Missouri Great Mississippi River Road spans a broad range of American culture. Indulge in a town steeped in Mark Twain history. Another point of interest is the Mark Twain Cave Complex which served as inspiration for his novels. The town is a favored stop among RV Renters, a highlight being visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.

St. Louis Missouri

As you drive into St. Louis, Missouri, the state’s second largest city, you will see the famous Gateway Arch. Marvel at the massive landmark from below, then take the elevator up to the top for panoramic views of the city. Take a break from driving with a stroll through the sprawling Forest Park, where you’ll find the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum and more. On your trip make sure to visit the Soulard District of St. Louis, where you’ll find some of the best barbecue in the world, as well as numerous blues clubs playing live music. Of course you’ll also have an opportunity to visit and take an elevator to the top of the famous Arch.

Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri

Here you’ll encounter a very painful moment in America’s past. The state park dedicated to this event features a memorial, as well as several hiking paths and campgrounds. It lies right on the bank of the Mississippi. The State Park is a public recreation area covering 3,415 acres bordering the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The state park stands as a memorial to those Cherokee Native Americans who died on the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

Natchez National Historical Park, Natchez, Mississippi

End your Southern leg of the RV road trip at the historic and oldest settlement along the Mississippi River, Natchez National Historical Park features preserved structures and sites from the native Natchez people and is a great RV campsite and base for exploring the 400-mile Natchez Trace Parkway that meanders into Tennessee.

Memphis Tennessee

Cruise North into Memphis, Tennessee. Catch some of the city’s favorite tunes along Beale Street and learn about music history at Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Make sure to track down some authentic Memphis barbecue at spots like Central BBQ or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. The two major attractions in Memphis are Graceland and The National Civil Rights Museum. Graceland is the iconic estate of the King of Rock ‘n Roll Elvis Presley.

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Kentucky

Historically significant during the Civil War, this state park in Kentucky was once fought over because of its strategic location on the Mississippi River. The 156-acre park is a beautiful setting for RV camping, and it features a museum, snack bar, campground with RV hookups, descriptive plaques detailing the vivid history of the area, camping trailers, and a quaint log-cabin that can be rented for a longer stay on your RV road trip.

Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois

A gorgeous stop on any RV journey is Pere Marquette State Park in southwestern Illinois, featuring a campground with electric hookups, showers, a dump station for RVs, hiking trails, deep swimming areas, and much more. This picturesque park also features the merging of the Illinois River with the great Mississippi.

Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

The last stop on this Epic Mississippi RV Road Trip, Just across the river from Pikes Peak is the gorgeous Wyalusing State Park, picturesquely set atop bluffs that overlook where the Mississippi River meets the Wisconsin River. It has an RV campsite with electric hook-ups and offers swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing. When you’re ready for your trip visit RVnGO to start your adventure. Pick the perfect RV and hit the road.