Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Touring the Byway
5 Days / 4 Nights | Gateway City: Jonesboro, Arkansas
DAY ONE
We recommend starting your journey in Jonesboro, a scenic 50-minute drive from the Byway. Venture east to Blytheville, known for its Southern hospitality and cultural heritage. Tour the historic district and Delta Gateway Museum before trekking about the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
DAY TWO
Begin day two by immersing yourself in the Arkansas Delta in Osceola at the Mississippi County Museum. Head to the Historic Dyess Colony, a rare glimpse into a New Deal resettlement project and the nearby boyhood home of Johnny Cash. Explore archaeological sites and museums in Hampson and Parkin to gain insights into the indigenous cultures that thrived in the area.
DAY THREE
Day three features an embrace of the mighty Mississippi as you travel to West Memphis and adjacent Memphis, Tennessee. Enjoy a voyage aboard a majestic riverboat between stops in state parks and museums detailing the area’s cultural heritage. Dine on mouthwatering Bar-B-Q before checking in at the beautifully restored Edwardian Inn.
DAY FOUR
Your fourth day sees you traversing the southern portion of the Great River Road, with stops in Helena, St. Charles, Gillett, and McGehee. Tour the captivating murals of Helena and experience the musical legacy of the region at the Delta Cultural Center. Spot rare, migratory wetland birds at the Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area before a stay at The Belmont 1857, the last antebellum mansion along the Mississippi.
DAY FIVE
On the final day of your road trip, explore Lake Village and Lake Chicot State Park before touring the Lakeport Plantation. This beautifully restored Greek Revival mansion offers a rare glimpse into the 19th century. Conclude your trip in Eudora with a final encounter with small-town Southern charm. From there, we wish you safe passage if you are traveling another of Arkansas’ scenic byways or a safe and pleasant journey home!
View the Detailed Itinerary below to see the full route, complete with dining, shopping, and lodging recommendations!
Highlighted Attractions
Delta Gateway Museum
Housed in a historic building, the Delta Gateway Museum showcases an extensive collection that portrays the Delta’s diverse past, from its agricultural roots to World War II. Exhibits illustrate the lives of early settlers, the significance of the Mississippi River, the agricultural industry, stories from the Civil War, the Great Flood of 1927, and the town’s transformation over the years. The museum also offers special events, lectures, and workshops to further enrich understanding of the Delta’s unique cultural legacy.
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
This museum is built around the Hampson Mound, a prehistoric Native American burial site dating back thousands of years. A remarkable collection of artifacts and ancient pottery provides insight into the daily lives, customs, and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. Knowledgeable guides offer intriguing details about the archaeological findings, painting a vivid picture of the region’s rich past
Memphis Riverboat Cruises
Breathtaking vistas, delicious Southern cuisine, and heart-pounding beats – what’s not to love about a Memphis Riverboat Cruise? With various cruise lengths and types, a tour on Memphis Riverboat Cruises delivers a leisurely cruise that offers panoramic views of the Memphis skyline and the iconic riverfront. As the boat glides along the river, you’ll be treated to live music, narrations of the city’s storied past, and fascinating tidbits about the Mississippi’s role in shaping American history. Each cruise showcases the renowned Beale Street Landing and its bustling riverfront park, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Historic Dyess Colony & Jonny Cash Boyhood Home and Museum
A visit here offers a rare glimpse into a New Deal resettlement project and the lives of those who once called it home. It is also the location of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and Museum. Strolling through the streets, you can feel the spirit of resilience and community that is a tribute to the enduring spirit of those who lived and worked here.
Arkansas Post National Museum
Continue your trek along the Byway with a captivating journey through the Arkansas Post National Museum, which preserves the first permanent European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley, dating back to 1686. Exhibits and artifacts showcase the area’s significance during the colonial era, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. Engaging displays offer insights into the lives of the diverse people who once inhabited the region, including Native Americans, European settlers, and African Americans. Walk the grounds to explore historic Fort San Carlos, which shaped this crucial region of the United States.