Follow the Mighty Mississippi River on a magical and history filled adventure. Join us as we cycle the back country roads to include the "National River Road" and the "Mississippi River Trail" (MRT) as we depart Minneapolis for the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and our ultimate destination, New Orleans.

For over 1700 miles you will ride the road less traveled, experiencing first-hand the history of the great river, the industrial periods, the Civil War history and the Great River Boat days as you cross back and forth over the great river many times. You'll also meet some friendly folks as you roll through nine States on your way to the "Big Easy".

The northern sections of the Great Mississippi River Ride roll up and down along huge bluffs created by the great glaciers that created the tremendous Mississippi River Valley. Once you depart Minneapolis, the riding gets rural. You'll find the people friendly as you pass through small town America.

From Hastings, you'll follow the "National River Road" all the way to Red Wing, a quaint river town made famous for its shoes and pottery. You'll soon notice the many locks on the river. Stop and learn the need for them and their history. The scenery and views are fantastic from on top of the bluffs.

Continuing on the "National River Road", you'll cycle through Wisconsin and into Illinois. Then you'll roll into the historic town of Hannibal, Missouri. Tour the town and see the Hannibal that inspired Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. You'll even get a chance to white wash the picket fence in front of Tom Sawyer's house.

The Great Mississippi River Ride stops over in St. Charles, Missouri, just a stone's throw from St. Louis. Here, we'll take a day to tour downtown St. Lois and visit the Gateway Arch.

The adventure continues from St. Charles as we cycle through eastern St. Louis County and travel south to meet the river. The Katy Trail gives you a first-hand look at the mighty Missouri River. Here, we'll cross and wind along the more rural and back-country roads, pausing to view the always majestic Mississippi again. Past Ste. Genevieve, the riding is fantastic as we cycle through the flat farm country of Missouri to Cape Girardeau.

The next day, you'll cycle through 4 states: Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. We'll take a ferry ride across the Mississippi River and roll through the countryside as we cross into Tennessee and overnight in Union City. From here, we'll jump on the "Mississippi River Trail" (MRT) and follow the river as it winds right into downtown Memphis. We'll stay overnight in the center of the city. Take the day off and see all the sights Memphis has to offer. Take a walk along Beal Street and visit Sun Records, tour Mud Island and Graceland, or get some real southern BBQ and listen to the great local music. There is something for everyone in Memphis.

The adventure continues as we depart Memphis and head into the Grand Old South. From Memphis, you'll cycle out into the rural countryside, right across the fertile delta farming belt. Pay attention as we cycle. It's the fall harvest period of Mississippi with the cotton, rice, sugarcane and fishing industries in full swing.

Mississippi is home to the Delta Blues. You are sure to hear everything from Cajun to Zydeco as we travel our way to Louisiana. Make sure you take a little time as the tour stops in Vicksburg and Natchez to explore the wealth of Civil War history.

As we make our final push to New Orleans, we'll ride through Baton Rouge and past Louisiana State University, then pick up the MRT and cycle right into downtown New Orleans. You'll have a chance to explore this charming southern city rich with history, food, music and tradition. WOW, what a ride!

Plan your cycling calendar now and don't miss the boat. This ride will average 70 miles per day allowing plenty of time for sightseeing. We also offer this ride in three separate parts for those who cannot spend 25 days away from home.

Check out the Great Northern River Ride, the Great Central River Ride, or the Great Southern River Ride, for more info!

The Great Mississippi River Ride will be a ride to remember!

The Great Northern River Ride
The Great Central River Ride
The Great Southern River Ride