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Travel Beyond the River
There's no doubt that a trip to the Mississippi River Valley should bring you to the river, but traveling beyond the river is essential to experience the full realm of river country - endless possibilities that reflect the heart and soul of America. Travel north to south, to a pair of bordering states or to international gateway cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Baton Rouge, Memphis, New Orleans, or Minneapolis / St. Paul. Touch the river, then explore what awaits just beyond.
To plan an itinerary Beyond the River, start by searching the events and attractions section, then save your favorites in the shopping cart to help create a custom trip just right for you and your traveling companions. Click here to start planning.
Use the map below to learn more about the the ten states of the Mississippi River Valley.

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The Great River Road was established in 1938 as the national parkway of the Mississippi River. Follow the green Pilot's Wheel road signs that mark its route nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. |
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| Water skiing was invented in 1922 on the Mississippi River, in a wide part of the river known as Lake Pepin, between Wisconsin and Minnesota. |
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| If I could live in the Mississippi River Valley during any period in history, it would definitely be the majestic steamboat era. I would love to dress in hoop skirts and live in a lovely Antebellum plantation home. |
| Rose B. - Hernando, MS |
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| In downtown Louisville, KY, the Muhammad Ali Center features an orientation theater, media stations and interactive exhibits. Follow Ali through his life and career by taking a take a boxing lesson in a ring with the assistance of his daughter via video or exchange cultural ideas on-line to help encourage a better understanding of world diversity. |
| Marge B. - Frankfort, KY |
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