I had the pleasure of doing a guest spot on the Amateur Traveler podcast recently, where I got to talk about the joys of traveling along the Mississippi River. Host Chris Christensen prefers to cover an itinerary of a week or so for the podcast, which is challenging when there are so many great
Population (2010) 27,891 Introduction Alton is a city with a layered history that is worth the time to explore. When you’re done, take a drive along the Mississippi River up to Grafton, which is one of the most scenic stretches of the Great River Road; it can be very
Population (2010) 2,951 Visitor Information Direct your questions to the village office (1010 Broadway St.; 217.847.2936). History At the time that Illinois became a state in 1818, most of the land around present-day Hamilton was owned by John Kernell, but he apparently never lived on it. When
Population (2010) 10,869 Introduction Grand Rapids is at the hub of a fascinating area: on the southwestern edge of the Mesabi Iron Range, in the middle of the pine forests and the northern Minnesota resort scene, and along the Mississippi River where it finally begins to turn south. Grand
Population (2010) N/A Introduction Itasca State Park is one of the crown jewels of the Mississippi River region, and not just because the Mississippi River begins here. The park offers excellent outdoors experiences, historic lodges, and is fun to visit any time of year. Don't forget to check out
Population (2010) 323 Introduction The village of Dakota anchors one end of the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive. History John Reed was a premature arrival in this area; he tried to open a trading post in the 1840s but the Dakota Indians, who still had legal claim
