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Discover the heart of America

In Mississippi River Country, visitors will travel through the history, culture, and natural beauty of America, from the northwoods of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River is the backbone that connects our 10 states, but you'll find exceptional things to see and do beyond the river's banks, too, whether you're exploring iconic architecture in Chicago or the boundless natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

Here, you'll find everything from James Beard Award-winning restaurants and one-of-a-kind museums to the birthplace of country music and the stunning shores of two Great Lakes.

Start planning your visit to explore the heart of America today.

Meet Mississippi River Country

Culture

Discover the cultural contributions of the states in Mississippi River Country, from stunning architecture to art museums that show off the work of masters from America and around the world.
- Iconic architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in Wisconsin and Illinois, towering skyscrapers in Chicago, and historic homes in the South
- Can't-miss art museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas' Ozark Mountains
- Cultural and arts attractions that tell the stories of Mississippi River Country and its people

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Food and agriculture

Mississippi River Country offers visitors a true taste of America. Take a culinary tour through the region, and you'll find farmers' markets, Southern delicacies, craft beer, and much more.
- Visit agritourism attractions like wineries, working farms, and farmers' markets
- Discover world-famous restaurants, James Beard Award winners, and Michelin-starred dining spots
- Explore food trails and local delicacies like Tennessee barbeque, tamales in Mississippi, and Creole and Cajun cuisine in Louisiana

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Iconic America

See the unique and notable attractions that make America what it is, from famous road trips along Route 66 and the Great River Road to famous festivals like Mardi Gras to significant sites related to America's most famous authors
- Find the beginning of iconic Route 66 in Chicago and visit roadside attractions throughout Illinois
- Follow the Great River Road, a route that shadows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico
- Have fun at festivals and events throughout the year, including Mardi Gras in New Orleans and state fairs throughout the summer and fall
- Visit the homes of Mark Twain, William Faulkner, and other legendary authors

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Music

Take a trip through Ameria's most iconic music, from the birthplace of country music in Tennessee to legendary blues venues in the South to the home of the world's most famous musician, Elvis Presley.
- Blues clubs in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Memphis and other attractions like the Chicago Blues Festival, Mississippi's Blues Trail and the Delta Blues Musuem in Clarksdale 
- Discover the history of country music and modern-day artists at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Arkansas, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium
- Learn about Elvis in Memphis and beyond by visiting Graceland, Sun Studio, and other sites

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Outdoors and recreation

Mississippi River Country is home to an astonishing variety of outdoor attractions and recreation options, from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the stunning Great Smoky Mountains
- National parks, forests and trails that pass through some of the most scenic parts of America, including Minnesota's Boundary Waters and Tennesee's Great Smoky Mountains
- Recreational opportunities on and along famous waterways like Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, and Louisiana

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Science and history

A trip through Mississippi River Country is a trip through American history, where visitors can learn about Native American cultures, Civil War battles, and some of the country's most notable presidents. Science fans will discover engaging zoos, science museums, aquariums, and other attractions.
- One-of-a-kind museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Chicago's Field Museum, and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
- Presidential residences in Illinois like the Lincoln Home (Springfield) and the Ulysses S. Grant Home (Galena)

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Terms and conditions

Special offers are only available at participating hotels. Prices shown above include applicable discount. Hotel savings are based upon Expedia’s everyday hotel rates, excluding taxes and other fees. Minimum stay may be required. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.