Mississippi River Archives

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

Our first stop after breakfast was the Julien Dubuque Memorial. The memorial overlooks the Mississippi River—gorgeous views—in the Mines of Spain State Park. Afterward, since I can’t resist a cave, we toured Crystal Lake Cave before continuing our drive down the Great River Road. We crossed into Illinois at Fulton and arrived at de Immigrant Windmill just before closing time. We were in luck, though. The adjacent Windmill Cultural Center was staying open later that night because of an area special event.

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

We try to seek out unique attractions on our travels, so we couldn’t miss the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway. We then spent the rest of the day at the riverfront, first on a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, followed by a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Day 4: St. Cloud and St. Joseph

From the gorgeous Munsinger and Clemens Gardens to St. John’s University in St. Joseph, and back to St. Cloud for Summertime by George, our day was packed.

Day 3: Bemidji to St. Cloud

Starting our day with the Bemidji sculpture walk, we then continued on the Great River Road to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, then went on to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and a St. Cloud ROX baseball game.

Day 2: Mississippi River Headwaters back to Bemidji

On Day 2 we drove to Lake Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins, and walked across the river. After exploring more of the state park, we drove the winding Great River Road back to Bemidji, crossing back-and-forth over the river dozens of times.

Day 1: Traveling to Bemidji

We begin the Midwest Wanderer Great River Road adventure at the Lindbergh House in Little Falls, Minnesota. We stopped there on the way up because it wouldn’t be open on the day we passed through traveling down the Great River Road. Our final destination for the day was Bemidji, Minnesota, “the first city on the Mississippi.”

Midwest Wanderer explores history, nature, and culture through road trips along scenic and historic U.S. highways, byways and trails

Mississippi River

Podcast: Great River Road Day 10

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

Podcast: Great River Road Day 9

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

Podcast: Great River Road Day 4

Day 4: St. Cloud and St. Joseph

Podcast: Great River Road Day 3

Day 3: Bemidji to St. Cloud

Podcast: Great River Road Day 2

Day 2: Mississippi River Headwaters back to Bemidji

Podcast: Great River Road Day 1

Day 1: Traveling to Bemidji