Mississippi’s Great River Road is more than a scenic drive—it’s a journey of music, history, food, and small-town charm along the state’s western edge. From iconic cities to hidden gems, here’s how to experience the best of Mississippi’s Great River Road.
Start in Memphis, TN
Though technically in Tennessee, Memphis is the perfect launching point for exploring Mississippi’s Great River Road. Music pulses through the streets here, and you can feel the energy of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Before heading south, fuel up on barbecue, visit Beale Street, and take in the sights at Graceland or the National Civil Rights Museum.
First Stop: Tunica – Gateway to the Blues
Just a short drive south of Memphis, Tunica is your first taste of Mississippi’s Delta region. Stop at the Gateway to the Blues Museum, located in a restored 1895 train depot. The museum celebrates the roots of the blues with interactive exhibits and memorabilia, all set to a soundtrack of authentic Delta blues.
Outside, the flat farmland stretches for miles, and you’ll quickly understand how this land helped shape the soul of American music.
Clarksdale – The Heart of the Blues on Mississippi’s Great River Road
No trip down the Great River Road is complete without a stop in Clarksdale. This small town is legendary in the world of music. Visit the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49, where legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul for exceptional guitar skills. Stop at the Delta Blues Museum to see Muddy Waters’ former cabin and explore the town’s deep musical roots. Please note the museum is closed on Sundays.
Grab a bite at Abe’s Bar-B-Q across from the Crossroads, and if you’re lucky, catch a live show at Ground Zero Blues Club or Red’s Lounge. Blues concerts happen here almost every night.
Cleveland – A Grammy-Worthy Detour
Next up is Cleveland, home to the only Grammy Museum outside of Los Angeles. Dive into the history of music, test your own skills in the interactive pods, and explore the connection between Mississippi artists and the global music scene. Just outside town, Dockery Farms is a must-visit for blues fans.
Often called the “Birthplace of the Blues,” this historic cotton plantation was a hub for early artists like Charley Patton. Don’t leave without visiting Peter’s Pottery in Mound Bayou or McCarty’s Pottery in nearby Merigold for handmade Mississippi keepsakes.
Greenville – Culture, Nature, and Kermit the Frog
Continue south to Greenville, where Delta culture meets outdoor beauty on your Great River Road trip. Explore the Winterville Mounds, an ancient Native American site, and visit the Museum of the Delta or the River Road Queen Welcome Center.
Vicksburg – Battlefields and River Views
As you head into the hills of Vicksburg, the landscape changes dramatically. The city’s Civil War history is on full display at Vicksburg National Military Park, where you can drive through battlefields, visit the USS Cairo gunboat, and pay respects at the Vicksburg National Cemetery.
But there’s more than history here. Tour the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, and check out the Beidenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where Coke was first bottled. For dinner with a view, try Anchuca (also an excellent historic, luxury lodging choice) or 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill.
Port Gibson – A Hidden Gem
Nicknamed the town “too beautiful to burn” by General Grant, Port Gibson boasts both antebellum homes and a rich historical charm. Don’t miss the iconic Windsor Ruins—just 29 towering columns remain from what was once a sprawling mansion.
In town, admire the golden hand on top of the First Presbyterian Church and the stunning Moorish architecture of the Gemiluth Chesed Synagogue.
Natchez – Southern Splendor
Natchez offers one of the most complete collections of antebellum architecture in the South. Visit historic homes like Longwood, an unfinished mansion that has been frozen in time. Stroll the Natchez Bluff Trail for sweeping river views or dine at places like Fat Mama’s Tamales or Dunleith Castle Restaurant.
For context on the city’s complicated past, visit the Forks of the Road site, once one of the largest slave markets in the Deep South, and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture.
End Your Journey in Woodville
If you’ve still got energy, end your Mississippi road trip in Woodville. Explore the charming Main Street Market antiques mall and enjoy a meal at its café. The nearby Clark Creek Natural Area features over 30 waterfalls—a surprising sight in the flatlands of Mississippi and a refreshing end to your adventure.
Travel Tips for the Great River Road:
- Plan for slow travel. This road trip is about enjoying the journey, not rushing from place to place.
- Pack for all kinds of weather. Mississippi can be hot, humid, and rainy, depending on the time of year.
- Bring cash. Some local spots still don’t accept cards.
- Try the food. From hot tamales to Delta BBQ, the local cuisine is an integral part of the experience.
- Stay overnight in a mix of B&Bs, boutique hotels, and historic inns for full Southern charm.
Whether you’re following the music, discovering Mississippi’s rich culture, or just craving a memorable road trip, the Great River Road offers something special at every turn. Start planning your adventure and let the river’s rhythm guide you.
Want more Great River Road? Check out what I found on the Minnesota portion in this blog post: 8 Places in Minnesota You Can’t Miss on a Mississippi River Country Adventure.
While you are so close, add Coastal Mississippi to your adventures for five small towns that will blow you away with beach views, attractions, world-class casinos, and excellent dining options.
Roxie of Roxie on the Road/Rye Media Group originally wrote this article for our Travel the South Bloggers website. It has been updated and republished by staff in 2025.