If you're looking for a road trip in Arkansas, it really doesn't get any better than The Great River Road. This 3,000-mile byway follows the course of the Mississippi River from the U.S./Canada border all the way down to the Gulf Coast and is easily among the best road trips in the USA. In February 2021, Arkansas’ section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway was designated the state’s first All-American Road, a distinction that's a huge point of state pride. Come and experience Arkansas' first All-American-Road for yourself; it's an epic adventure that will have you marveling at the beauty of The Natural State.
Great River Road is the ultimate road trip adventure. Winding through 10 states --Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin -- this scenic route gives new meaning to the phrase "America The Beautiful."
But not all states along the route have the "All-American Road" designation. To receive this title, the state's route must meet a variety of criteria.
For starters, is the state's portion of the byway scenic and beautiful?
Does the road possess one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere?
Lastly, and most notably: is the road in and of itself an experience?
In February 2021, the national committee answered: "Yes."
Yes, Arkansas, you are a natural beauty, a perfect piece of All-American pie.
The state's All-American Road cruises through 362 miles of the most spectacular natural wonders, like the Arkansas Delta.
These roads are considered the very best of America’s National Scenic Byways; it's truly a huge honor to be part of this elite club.
When Arkansas applied for All-American Road status, it focused on two intrinsic main qualities: history and culture.
Along the Great River Road, there are more than 70 Interpretive Centers and museums wherein travelers can learn about the people, history, and culture of the Mississippi River region.
And Arkansas is a state rich in history; Lakeport Plantation in Arkansas is merely one example along the Great River Road route.
And in terms of culture, we have just two words: Johnny Cash.
The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess combines both history and culture along the state’s section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
The favorite son of Arkansas, Johnny Cash changed country music. He was proud of his roots, and put the state on the map in a big cultural way.
It's a must-visit attraction in Arkansas.
And now, with the addition of Arkansas' first All-American Road, the state has national notoriety. (But we've always known Arkansas is wonderful.)
There's a Johnny Cash song called "I've Been Everywhere" that rolls through all the small towns and big cities he visited while on tour.
This would be the soundtrack of Great River Road. The song of Arkansas' favorite son; a song of the open road; an anthem inspiring American adventure.
To learn more about Arkansas' route along the Great River Road, visit the Discover Arkansas website. And for another bucket-list adventure in Arkansas, definitely check out this road trip to Johnny Cash's childhood home.
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