The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River through ten states from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America.  Minnesota’s Great River Road is a network of roadways offering a bounty of river experiences in a parkway setting.  It spans 565 miles, 20 counties, 43 communities, three tribal nations and six unique destination areas.  From the headwaters at Lake Itasca to the forests and lakes of the Grand Rapids area, Twin Cities metro attractions, and bluffs of southeast Minnesota – there’s something for everyone along the Mighty Mississippi.  Minnesota is home to 12 National Great River Road Interpretive Centers, designated for their remarkable Mississippi River stories.  These centers are great places to include in your great adventure.  The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids holds this distinction and tells important stories from the region. For more information on the Minnesota Great River Road, visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and for things to see and do along the route in all ten Mississippi River states visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com.  Enjoy the iconic journey!