Great River Road voted No. 1 Scenic Drive by USA Today

The Great River Road, a historic route that follows the Mississippi River, has been named the No. 1 Scenic Drive in the United States in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Stretching approximately 3,000 miles across 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana, the Great River Road is the longest National Scenic Byway in the nation. Originally established in 1938 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, the route was intended to promote tourism and economic development along the Mississippi River towns. The byway passes through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missis sippi and Louisiana. Beginning near Blytheville and continuing south to Eudora in Chicot County, the route in Arkansas spans 362 miles and travels through 10 counties including Lee, St. Francis and Phillips counties. Notable stops include the childhood home of music leg end Johnny Cash in Dyess, the Delta Culture Center in Helena-West Helena and the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum in McGehee. Travelers also enjoy the many parks, lakes and natural beauty along the drive. Arkansas Tourism Writer and Great River Road Direc tor Kim Williams praised the recognition, noting that parts of the Byway, including the Arkansas segment, have also been designated as an All American Road, which is a step above the National Scenic Byway title. According to Williams, this designation is an esteemed recognition and means so much to the agency, especial ly because it is an award from a publicly-voted contest in which individuals across the country vote. “We are super excited about this recognition," Williams said. “We have some great routes in the United States, like Route 66 for example, so for Arkansas and the rest of the Great River Road to be named best Scenic Drive is a big deal.” The announcement of the award brings the potential of an influx of attention and tourism to the area. “I think that it will get the Great River Road a lot more attention,” said Williams. “I think it will be interesting to see the increase in requests for information on the Great River Road.” As a Lee County native, Williams said this designa tion means a lot personally and she is excited about the opportunities. “I’ve loved this Great River Road since I was a kid,” said Williams. “I remember us taking the road into Missis sippi and Louisiana. “Our All American Roads are the perfect opportunity to see the real United States, and the Great River Road is the perfect example,” contin ued Williams. “Traveling through 10 states, you are seeing the heart of the Unit ed States.” Williams noted that with most schools being out for the summer, it’s the perfect time to get the kids and go for a drive along the award-win ning route. She added that Arkansas is in a perfect posi tion to easily travel the route. “It’s such a great opportu nity for quick road trips, especially here in Arkansas,” said Williams. “You could do Arkansas and Mississippi, or Arkansas and Tennessee, or Arkansas and Louisiana very quickly and easily. “You could start any where,” she continued. “You could start in Forrest City and travel north and make your way through Marion, into Wilson and Osceola. The recent accolade not only highlights the Great River Road’s reputation nationally and locally as a scenic escape but also a jour ney through the diverse cul ture and history of the Delta and the United States. “There is so much history of the state but also the cul ture and heritage you see if you travel the Great River Road,” said Williams. For more information about the Great River Road in Arkansas, visit arkansas.com.

Great River Road voted No. 1 Scenic Drive by USA Today

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