It’s a fact not many know – there are multiple cities on the Mississippi River, all with varied and vibrant characters of their own. From music to military history and cuisines to culture, these cities along the Mississippi River offer an array of activities and sights to explore.
St. Louis, Missouri is one of the most famous of the cities located on the Mississippi River. Home to the 630-foot Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the United States, there is no better place to start exploring what the Mississippi River and her cities have to offer. A popular hot spot for jazz bands, theatre performances, and art galleries, visitors will find plenty to do and enjoy here.
The twin cities of Minneapolis, Minnesota and St. Paul, Minnesota are the second largest urban areas on the Mississippi River. Spanning from St. Anthony Falls and the University of Minnesota, along the rolling hills and lined with parks, these two cities have it all. From historic sites to music venues, Minneapolis/St. Paul give visitors an opportunity to take in the culture and landscape of the great Mississippi River Valley.
Nashville, Tennessee has become well-known for its music industry, but it is also home to the Ryman Auditorium, the original site of the Grand Ole Opry. With its vibrant downtown area, visitors are sure to be able to find something that appeals to them. Home to some of the best restaurants in the country, world-class museums, and plenty of entertainment, Nashville is a great choice for exploring cities along the Mississippi River.
Memphis, Tennessee is the largest city located on the lower part of the Mississippi. Home to the blues and Elvis Presley, Memphis has been at the center of American music culture since the 1960s. It is also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, a landmark that commemorates the civil rights struggle in America. From authentic Southern cuisine to unique attractions like the Peabody Ducks, there’s something for everyone in Memphis.
Vicksburg, Mississippi is the second largest city on the lower Mississippi River. During the Civil War, it was the site of a prolonged Union siege and one of the pivotal battles of the war. Today, Vicksburg is home to some of the best preserved battlefields in the country and a variety of museums dedicated to the history of the region. With its unique architecture, unique cuisine, and plenty of festivals, Vicksburg is a great place to explore.
Louisville, Kentucky is the largest city located on the Ohio River. Home to some of the most famous horses in the world, including the Kentucky Derby, Louisville has something for everyone. From art galleries to music venues, Louisville is an ideal spot for exploring some of the cultural attractions that the South has to offer. Louisville is also home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where visitors can get up close and personal with the sport of baseball.
New Orleans, Louisiana is the largest city on the Mississippi River. Known for its music, culture, and unique architecture, New Orleans is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the Mississippi. It is home to some of the most iconic jazz and blues artists, and visitors will find plenty of festivals and activities to enjoy here. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, New Orleans has an incredible array of attractions to explore.
Natural Wonders & Activities Along the Mississippi River
There are plenty of natural wonders and activities to explore in cities along the Mississippi River. One of the most popular is Great River Road, a ribbon of roads traversing all the states bordering the Mississippi. Awarded with the All-America Road designation, it is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
From wildlife refuges to national parks, visitors will find plenty of outdoor activities to explore. The St. Petersburg National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota is just one of the many sites that protect and preserve the habitats of the area’s wildlife. In every city along the Mississippi there is something to see and discover.
For those wanting to explore the culture of the area, there is something for everyone. Minneapolis offers many art galleries and theaters, Memphis is home to the legendary Beale Street and the Rock and Soul Museum, and Louisville’s historic sites and museums showcase the city’s history.
For those wanting to get out on the water, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park and take a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi. Explore one of the many marinas in St. Louis or take a riverboat ride to Memphis and take in the breathtaking views.
History and Heritage of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is dotted with historical and cultural sites, providing visitors with an insight into the history and heritage of the area. The Lower Mississippi Valley National Heritage Area in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi commemorates the unique history of one of the world’s most significant waterways. Macon, Georgia is home to the historic Old South Carnegie Library, and New Orleans has dozens of historic sites and museums, showcasing the city’s role in the civil war and the slave trade.
The U.S. National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota is a memorial dedicated to those who fought and died in the Civil War. The New Madrid Earthquake Museum in Kentucky is another site devoted to the natural disaster that struck the region in 1811. Other sites include the USS Cairo Museum in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the Hannibal and Mario Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, preserving the revolutionary worlds of two of the great authors.
For those wanting to explore the military history of the region, there are plenty of sites to visit. The National Sherman Museum in Kentucky, the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, and the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans all provide an insight into some of the most important battles of the war.
More about Food, Music & Culture Along the Mississippi River
The cities along the Mississippi are home to a wide array of vibrant and unique cultures. The Deep South is renowned for its distinctive cuisine, and each city along the river has its own distinct flavor. From Cajun in Louisiana to Memphis-style BBQ in Tennessee, visitors can experience authentic local dishes in each city. Tours and culinary classes are available in many of the cities, offering a variety of cultural experiences.
When it comes to music, the cities along the Mississippi have very distinct sounds. From blues in Memphis and jazz in St. Louis to rock in Minneapolis and Nashville’s country music, the Mississippi River is a melting pot of sounds. Every year, festivals and events pop up throughout the region, offering music fans a chance to experience the diverse sounds of the region.
The Mississippi River is also home to many cultural attractions. The National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, for example, is a fascinating site dedicated to the art of metalworking. Other popular attractions include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in St. Louis, the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Attending one of the many annual festivals is another great way to get to know the cities along the Mississippi. From the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, visitors can experience something unique whenever they visit the cities along the Mississippi River.
Explore the Outdoors Along the Mississippi River
The cities along the Mississippi are full of outdoor activities for visitors to explore. Swimming and fishing in one of the many rivers, lakes, and streams is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include canoeing and kayaking on the Mississippi River, cycling and hiking along the riverbanks, and camping in one of the many state parks and forests.
For those wanting to explore the cities from the comfort of their boat, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the perfect place. Spanning from Minnesota to Missouri, the refuge covers over 12,000 miles of the Mississippi River. Here visitors will find plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife, relax, and explore the region.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and bird watching, the Mississippi River has plenty to offer. The region is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, bass, walleye, and sturgeon. Hunting and trapping are also popular in the area, with black bear, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer amongst the most sought after species.
The cities and towns along the Mississippi River have something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, taking in the culture of the cities, or simply admiring the beauty of the river and its many tributaries, visitors can expect to find something to suit their interests.
