Mighty Mississippi Road Trip

^{See the Mighty Mississippi exhibit at Missouri History Museum through June 6, 2021.}

St. Louis, Missouri

Explore St. Louis’ river history at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and enjoy its award-winning restaurants and music scene.

• Gateway Arch National Park Breathe in the beauty of the world’s tallest arch and then take in the Museum of Westward Expansion which traces the journey of Lewis and Clark.
• Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Enjoy the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront while cruising on a 19^th century paddle-wheel riverboat replica (photo at top of page).
• Missouri History Museum – Through June 6, 2021, discover the grandeur of America’s greatest river through the special exhibit “Mighty Mississippi” which illustrates the Mississippi River’s presence in the lives of the people who have lived along its banks. 
• For more information to plan your trip to St. Louis, click here.

Stay at any of our 18 Drury Hotels in the St. Louis area! BOOK TODAY

^{View all 24 panels of the Mississippi River Tales Mural.}

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Born on the Mississippi River more than 200 years ago, Cape Girardeau is a culturally rich community steeped with river heritage.

• Mississippi River Tales Mural – this 1,100-foot-long mural on the downtown floodwall features 24 historically-themed panels that vividly portray Missouri’s rich heritage.
• Trail of Tears State Park - Commemorates the Cherokee Indian groups who endured the Trail of Tears and offers great views of river and migratory waterfowl. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and shaded picnic sites.
• Glenn House – Book a weekend tour in this historical treasure built in 1883, recently featured on A&E’s Ghost Hunters.
• For more information to plan your trip to Cape Girardeau, click here.

Stay at any of our 4 Drury Hotels in Cape Girardeau! BOOK TODAY

^{The National Quilt Museum is a destination for quilters and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Photo courtesy of Paducah Visitors Bureau.}

Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah is known as the City of Craft and Folk Art and is one of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the U.S. 

• Stroll the Historic Paducah Riverfront which is home to multiple parks, the Greenway Trail, boat dock, and Paducah “Wall to Wall” Murals.
• The National Quilt Museum – features a contemporary collection of quilts from around the world. Recognized by USA Today as one of the world’s top quilt museums.
• Lower Town Arts District – Paducah’s oldest neighborhood is populated with working artists and students and offers gallery exhibitions and hands-on creative experiences.
• For more information to plan your trip to Paducah, click here.

Stay at any of our 3 Drury Hotels in Paducah! BOOK TODAY

^{Don’t miss Memphis-style barbecue, either wet or dry rubbed and slow cooked in a pit.}

Memphis, Tennessee

Whether you’re listening to legendary Blues or eating your way through the barbecue capital of the world, Mississippi River roots can be found in in any Memphis attraction.

• Big River Crossing - At one mile in length, you can walk the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi and enjoy spectacular views of downtown Memphis.  
• Cotton Museum – Video footage, oral histories, artifacts and exhibits give you a glimpse of cotton society, history, economics and culture.
• Memphis Riverboats - Board an actual riverboat out of Beale Street Landing and learn the river lore of the “Father of Waters.”
• For more information to plan your trip to Memphis, click here.

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^{Sit and watch the boats go by on the Baton Rouge riverfront.}

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

With Cajun roots and southern charm, you’ll find a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that is uniquely Louisiana.

• Sing the River - Experience a one-of-a-kind sculpture on the downtown Mississippi River levee which interacts with the river with song and lights.
• River Road African American Museum – The premier facility in the South to focus on the history and heritage of African Americans along the Mississippi River.
• Great River Road Museum – Newly opened in 2020, explore the culture, commerce, and folklore of the lower Mississippi River through artwork and exhibits.
• For more information to plan your trip to Baton Rouge, click here.

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^{The New Orleans Canal Street Line travels six miles, starting at the Mississippi River.}

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether you’re watching the steamboats cruise in the French Quarter or picnicking on the levee Uptown, the Mississippi river is an integral part of the New Orleans landscape.

• Steamboat Natchez – Take a dinner or day cruise on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River.
• The Riverfront Streetcar- Perfect for sightseeing in vintage red streetcars that stop at various attractions along the river.
• The National WWII Museum – ranked by TripAdvisor as the #1 attraction in New Orleans, this history museum will inspire visitors with stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation.
• For more information to plan your trip to New Orleans, click here.

Stay at Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans! BOOK TODAY