Route Description
The route to travel between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River isn’t necessarily the most direct path, but it can be done relatively easily. To start, the journey takes place on a road called the Great River Road, which starts in Minnesota and then winds its way down through Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. As you drive along this road, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, as well as taking in some of the cities and towns along the way. It’s important to note that the Great River Road is designed for passenger vehicles, so be sure to make proper preparations for a more rugged form of transportation.
Once you pass through Wisconsin and get to the Eastern edge of the state, you’ll be near the city of La Crosse. From here, you’ll head south until you reach the city of Prairie du Chien. After traveling through this city, you’ll travel on Highway 61 until you get to Dubuque, Iowa. It’s important to note that Highway 61 has two bridges, which will take you to the west bank of the Mississippi River.
Once you cross the bridge into Iowa, the journey will become much simpler. You’ll stay on Highway 61 towards the city of Clinton, which marks the eastern edge of the Mississippi River. From here, you’ll take a westward course, travelling down the length of the river until you reach the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Once here, you’re only one more road away from crossing the Atchafalaya Basin bridge, which will bring you to the Lake Pontchartrain area of the Mississippi Delta.
Time for Trip
Depending on the exact route you take, the journey from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River may take anywhere from nine to twelve hours. However, this length of time is primarily going to be determined by the traffic you encounter and the speed at which you are able to travel. For example, if you’re travelling on the weekend, and there is no traffic in the major cities, then it is likely that you will make much faster progress. Alternatively, during busy days and times, the trip could easily extend to fourteen hours or longer.
When planning for the journey, it’s also important to consider any potential stops you may need to make alone the way. Stopping for food and gas, as well as any sights you may want to take in, will also add onto the time you spend travelling. If taking your time and making stops along the way is important to you, then make sure to factor this into your planning.
Stops Along The Way
One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to make stops and explore some of the places along the way. Depending on the exact route you take, there are some great towns and cities that warrant a little bit of exploration. For instance, some of the bigger cities you’ll encounter include La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa, and Clinton, Iowa. Each of these cities have a vibrant downtown area or historical sites that are worth a quick look.
If you’re looking for something a little more natural to experience, the nature preserves scattered all along the Great River Road are also excellent options. Beginning in Minnesota and then winding through Wisconsin and Iowa, these nature preserves offer sights that couldn’t be more different than cities. From views of the Mississippi River itself to mini-forests and open meadows, its always a welcome sight to explore these areas of natural beauty.
Safety Tips
Safety is always a top concern when embarking on a long journey, and the same is true when traveling between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. To begin, it’s important to make sure that you are abiding by the speed limits along the way. The Great River Road has a speed limit that is closely monitored, so be aware of how fast you’re travelling. Additionally, always travel with a full tank of gas, as you never know when you’ll come across a place that doesn’t sell fuel or is closed.
Finally, it is wise to bring a map of the route you’ll be travelling. This can be especially helpful if you encounter any unexpected detours or construction. Knowing the area ahead of time will help minimize confusion and keep you on the path you originally intended. Be sure to also carry a basic repair kit in your vehicle, as this helps to simplify any efficient repairs you may have to make.
Public Transportation Services
Although the majority of people choose to make the journey from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River by car, there are other transportation options available. For example, bus services are available throughout the entire length of the route. Starting in Minnesota and travelling down to Louisiana, these buses make regular stops which can be very convenient. In addition, there are also some train services which travel long distances, but you’ll want to call ahead to check their schedule and if the train will be available during the timeframe of your journey.
If travelling by public transportation is something that interests you, then be sure to look into the available options. Depending on how much time you have and how comfortable you are travelling on an actual train or bus, it can be a great alternative to driving yourself. And if you’re travelling as a group, then taking advantage of public transportation can also be a way of saving money.
Tips for Comfort
For those who do opt to make the entire journey by car, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that you arrive at the other side feeling refreshed and ready to go. The first and most obvious step is to make sure that you are wearing proper clothing for the trip. Dress for the weather, carry some snacks and drinks and also be sure to stop after every few hours to stretch your legs.
Sleep is also an important factor to consider, and if possible, you should make sure to get some rest during your travels. Either plan to stay the night at one of the towns and cities or take the necessary steps to ensure that you can sleep in your car. Use pillows and blankets, and always be sure to pull off the road to a safe area before attempting to sleep.
Cost Considerations
The cost of travelling between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River is going to vary depending on the route and stops you make, as well as the type of transportation you take. Starting with any necessary vehicle repairs or maintenance, the cost of gas and food will all have an impact. For example, if you’re planning to traverse the entire route with a passenger car, expect to spend at least $200 just on gas alone, depending on the price at the time.
If taking a bus or train, then the cost will be slightly lower, but depending on the exact route and connections, the journey may end up taking longer. To get a better idea of the cost, it’s best to research the available options and get an estimate of how much money you would be spending. This can also be done factors in any stopovers or sights you may want to take in along the way.
Emergencies on The Road
Sometimes, despite our best planning, accidents or unexpected issues can arise when travelling. Be sure to carry a basic emergency kit and always make sure you know your location. To help with this, download a GPS app on your phone and keep it up to date in case of an emergency. On top of the emergency kit, you may also find it helpful to have a first aid kit and some basic repair tools in the car, just in case you encounter any issues along the way.
Additionally, be sure to keep all your important documents in one accessible and secure place. This includes your driver’s license, your passport, and any other essential documents related to the vehicle or your trip. Lastly, if travelling in a group, be sure to create a plan to stay in contact in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
Pre-Planning
Before you set off on the journey, it helps to set the stage by doing a the proper research and pre-planning. Read up about the towns and cities you’ll be passing through, make yourself aware of any potential hazards that may arise, and always check the forecast for the potential weather you’ll be encountering. Having this information ready to go will help you customize your journey and ensure a smooth road trip.
Be sure to also set aside a couple of days for the journey and have a few back-up plans ready in case one activity doesn’t go as planned. His will give you the flexibility to accommodate for the unexpected and focus on the more enjoyable aspects of the road trip. Most importantly, pay attention to your budget and make sure that you don’t overspend or fall into debt because of the trip.
Planning A routes
To ensure that you are making the most of your journey and taking the most efficient route, it is recommended that you use online mapping platforms. This allows you to plan a route and accurately measure the distance and the time it will take. Furthermore, many of these sites will also provide you with an estimate of how much the overall trip will cost.
In addition, these platforms can also be used to search for potential stops or attractions along the way. Whether it’s a national park, a museum, or some of the best restaurants in a particular city, these sites will always have the information you need. And once you decide on the route, you’ll also be able to share it with friends and family, so that everyone is updated on your progress.
Advantages of Scenic Routes
Taking the route from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River is a great way to experience the countryside and the breathtaking views along the way. One of the great advantages of taking a scenic route is the opportunity to take in some of the small towns and cities, as well as discovering landscapes that you may never have seen before.
The journey also allows for some reflection and contemplation, which can be difficult to find in busy cities. And if you’re traveling with a partner or with friends and family, it can enable you to reconnect and build some great memories. Taking the time to travel and see the world is always a worthwhile experience.
