You don't have to go far in Kentucky before you reach some sort of body of water. Our beautiful state is filled with rivers, lakes, creeks, and waterfalls, and they are the source of much excitement in the Bluegrass State. One thing that is often forgotten about Kentucky is that a stretch of our western border is formed by the Mississippi River. It's a gorgeous area of our state and you can even take a drive along the Kentucky Great River Road to experience it for yourself.
Located in the southwestern corner of Kentucky is a stretch of the Great River Road, which takes you along the Mississippi River. This road actually begins in Minnesota and follows our America's largest river all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. In our state, it traverses four counties and many scenic stops along the way.
The drive on its own is beautiful any time of year and provides a wide variety of scenery. You'll be able to take in many views of the river and the stunning landscape of this region of Kentucky.
There are many designated stops along the road, and you can learn all about them on the road's website (linked below). The state parks on the road are definitely worth visiting and make for great overnight accommodations at the campgrounds.
The history of the Mississippi River is vast. Learn about the part this region played in our country's history, and see how it's working to preserve it today.
Plan for several stops for photos and experiences along the way. Each season brings its own magic to the area, so feel free to visit any time of year.
In addition to the historic destinations along the route, there are numerous natural attractions to visit. The wildlife is also a highlight of the experience.
The small towns along the road are worth checking out, many of which have restaurants, shops, and much more to experience. Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton counties all graciously open their doors for visitors traveling along this great road.
The Kentucky Great River Road is a little-known attraction in our state that takes you along our country's greatest river. If you had forgotten that our state borders the Mississippi, or maybe if you never even realized it, make sure to explore this road and take a drive on it for endless history and scenery in Kentucky.
The Great River Road is a beautiful and historic attraction in our country and we are lucky to have a stretch of it right here in Kentucky. Have you explored this region and driven this route? Let us know in the comments!
To learn more about the Kentucky Great River Road and the region, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for more on one of the stops along the road, Columbus-Belmont State Park, check out our previous article here.
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