River road offers culture, history

The Mississippi River flows along Arkansas’ eastern border on its way to relinquish its powerful waters into the Gulf of Mexico.

Arkansas is a member of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway. September is the annual Drive the Great River Road Month, an open invitation to plan a fun and memorable road trip along the nearly 3,000-mile National Scenic Byway.

It is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America and offers a gateway to the Mississippi River Valley’s history, the blending of cultures and a host of recreational options.

The Great River Road was established in 1938 when governors from the 10 states bordering the waterway decided to develop a network of rural roads and new highways to create a transcontinental parkway along the river totaling 2,340 miles.

Arkansas’s 362-mile section of the byway winds its way through the state’s eastern Delta region. Visitors can gaze upon acres of cotton, soybeans or rice as they travel through some of the most fertile land in the country. Along the trek, numerous historical and cultural sites preserve the history of Arkansas and its people and welcome visitors to learn more about this remarkable region.

Information to help plan a trip is available at www.ex periencemississippiriver.com and www.arkansas.com/grr.