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The Great River Road is one of the longest, and possibly one of the most famous, scenic and historic drives in the country. The federally-designated route runs along the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico,
on a collection of federal, state and county roads. Your classic car road trip begins in Dubuque. Head south on U.S. 52. The entire length of the route
will be marked with special green Pilot Wheel signs. Stop in the town
of St. Donatus and visit Calvary Hill and The Way of the Cross Catholic
Church, built in the mid 1860s.
Stop by the Luxembourg Village and enjoy the Old World charm of this
National Historic District. Continue on to Belleview, where the Belleview
State Park sits perched on a high limestone bluff overlooking the mighty
Mississippi and a massive lock and dam structure built by the WPA in 1936.
Continue south on Highway 52 through Sabula, to U.S. 67, and on to Clinton.
While there, you can visit the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino,
or the Showboat Theater (319/242-6760). Continue south on U.S. 67 to Princeton
and stop by the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead (built by his father). Another
few miles down the road in Le Claire is the Buffalo Bill Museum. There,
on display, is also the Lone Star Steamer, a wooden-hull sternwheeler.
You can even book passage on an overnight riverboat cruise up the Mississippi
to Galena, Illinois and back (800/331-1467).
From Le Claire, it's just a short drive south to Davenport. Stop by the
Davenport Museum of Art to view works by Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton
and other artists from the region. The historic district of East Davenport
also features many interesting buildings and architecture, as well as
quaint shops and restaurants.
Classic Car Road Trip Stats
Starting Point:
Dubuque, IA
Distance of Drive:
103 miles
Must Eat:
Kernan's Riverview Restaurant
333 River Road, Princeton, IA 52768 (near Clinton)
Phone: 563-289-5137
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Fall is the recommended time of year for this drive as the colors of the autumn foliage on the banks of the river are a sight you won't soon forget.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Calvary Hill
The Way of the Cross Catholic Church
Luxembourg Village
Belleview State Park
Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino
Mississippi River
Buffalo Bill Museum
See also:
This Classic Car Road Trip was provided by
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