Driftless Area Scenic Byway

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Driftless Area Scenic Byway DRIFTLESS AREA SCENIC BYWAY © 2012 Lora Friest © 2012 Brad Crawford Fall/Winter 2012 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Driftless Area Interpretive Center Point of Interest ............................... Pg 1,2 The Driftless Area Scenic Byway Board was says the professional grant writing skills of the Driftless Area Interpretive Center ....... Pg 1,3 excited to learn that the Allamakee County staff at the RC&D Office played a vital role in Scenic Byway Poker Run ..................... Pg 2 Conservation Board (ACCB) was notified securing the funding. LiDAR Project ..................................... Pg 2 Thursday, August 2 that it had been awarded The grant will help fund a three-level build- Byways of Iowa Website ...................... Pg 4 a National Scenic Byway Grant in the amount ing with views of the Mississippi River from Calendar of Events ............................. Pg 4 of $1,361,400 for the development of the both inside and outside the building. The loca- Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center be- tion of the proposed Driftless Area Education ing planned at the Columbus property south and Visitor Center is on the historic Columbus of Lansing. property owned by Allamakee County and Point of Interest The ACCB, with the assistance of the located at 1978 Great River Road, south of Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Lansing. There are over 100 sights and locations of in- Development (RC&D) Office in Postville and Janett further states that the location of the terest along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway. the support of the Allamakee County Board of property offers excellent opportunities for grant Each newsletter will give you an insight into Supervisors, was able to secure the discretion- funding due to it being located on three Na- a unique opportunity one can experience ary grant funding through the National Scenic tional Byway designations, including The Mis- along the byway. Byways Program (NSBP) sponsored by the U.S. sissippi River Great River Road, The Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Federal High- River Trail, and the Driftless Area Scenic By- WW Homestead Dairy way Administration. ACCB Director Jim Janett Continued on Page 3 © 2012 Jared Nielsen If you haven’t made a trip to the newly opened WW Homestead Dairy, be sure to stop in the next time you are traveling the by- way for an udderly good time. Located in the town of Waukon, this creamery was born in 2011 when two local families decided they would make homegrown dairy products in © 2012 Jared Nielsen Allamakee County a reality once again. View from the Columbus property near Lansing looking north upriver. An education and visitor center being planned for the property was Continued on Page 2 recently awarded a $1.3 million grant through the National Scenic Byways Program. Submitted photo by Jared Nielsen. 2 Point of Interest Scenic Byway Poker Run A year after opening its doors, WW Home- The Driftless Area Scenic Byway Poker Run stead Dairy continues to offer their customers presented by Waukon Harley Davidson and a full dairy product line that features non- the DASB Board of Directors was held on Sat- homogenized pasteurized milk, butter, fresh urday, September 29th to help raise financial cheese curds, and over 30 different flavors support to develop marketing materials for of premium ice cream. For a special treat, the Driftless Area Scenic Byway. stop in on Tuesday or Friday to experience Poker run participants enjoyed an 85-mile fresh made cheese curds, or swing by on route along two of the most scenic byways © 2012 Jessica Rilling Wednesday to try recently made homestyle in Iowa, the Driftless Area Sce- ice cream. nic Byway and the Great River Road. Riders were treated to Distance Between Stops Start to Stop 1 24 miles beautiful colors and spectacu- Stop 1 to Stop 2 15miles DRIFTLESS AREA Stop 2 Stop 3 lar fall views while making their to 12 miles waySCENIC to stops BYWAY at the Harpers Fer- Stop 3 to Finish 34 miles ry Boat landing, Mount Hosmer City Park and The City Market POKERin New Albin. RUN Registered par- ticipants were encouraged to Saturday, September 29th collectRegistration signatures 9AM-10AM at each stop alongLast outthe at way 10AM for a chance to win door prizes and awards for Start & Finish at Waukon Harley-Davidson Entry:the $15 highest per rider/passenger and lowest poker hand.Last in at 3:30PM Snacks & Door Prizes at Finish Prizes will beThe awarded Driftless to high Area & low Scenic poker handsByway Curious about how the dairy products are Board of Directors would like to produced? Guided processing-plant toursProceeds thankwill go toWaukon-Harley help develop the byway David- are available Monday-Friday to take youFor moreson, information, Schulte’s call BBQ 563-568-3471 & Catering through the milk processing plant and ex- and The Waukon Greenhouse plain how the dairy turns its milk into fresh, ALLfor BIKES all of& CARS their WELCOME help and support high quality dairy products. If you preferEnjoy tofall foliagein along making Iowa’s this most event scenic astate success. byway! learn on your own, customers are welcome to do a self-guided tour through the viewing hall at any time. Located in the back of the See photos, stay informed about upcoming projects and share your personal stories dairy, the viewing hall will allow you to see along the byway. Fund us at “Driftless Area Scenic Byway Experience.” the hard work, effort and quality that goes into making the milk, ice cream, cheese and butter. LiDAR Project map. Throughout 2006 and 2007 LiDAR data was collected for the entire state of Iowa. Have you ever heard of LiDAR? LiDAR LiDAR is useful for planning efforts in a va- stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This riety of fields including transportation, risk as- new technology uses lasers to scan the surface sessment, education and research. The Iowa’s of the earth from an aircraft. The length of time Byways program will be utilizing LiDAR to de- it takes light from the laser to reach Earth’s sur- termine what can be seen from each byway. face and be returned is measured in distance Northeast Iowa RC&D will be using LiDAR and and results in an extremely accurate elevation other data to develop “viewshed” maps for each byway, which will essentially display what can be seen from any given point along the roadway. The overall goal of this project is to help each byway board gain an understanding of exactly what lies within sight of their byway. This in turn will help them make wise planning decisions that will protect and preserve the scenic quali- To schedule a guided tour or receive more ties of their byway. Iowa DNR manages the information, contact WW Homestead Dairy LiDAR data for the state and more information at 563-568-4950 or visit their retail store lo- can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/En- cated at 850 Rossville Road, Waukon. vironment/MappingGIS/LiDAR.aspx. 3 Driftless Area Interpretive Center way. It is intended that the proposed develop- ment of the property will provide a convenient and beneficial location to serve the public trav- eling into Allamakee County from Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as the residents of Al- lamakee County. According to ACCB information, the con- cept of developing a Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center was first presented to the Allamakee County Conservation Board in the early 1990s. For many years trailer rental units occupied the County-owned property. The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors had continual input from the public regarding re- moving the trailer rental units from the proper- ty and developing the property for public use. The decision was made by the Board of Supervisors over ten years ago to provide notice to tenants of the rental units that the property was going to be cleared of the rental units. Once the trailers were removed from the Project Site Plan property, the cleanup and development ef- forts began with the assistance of Allamakee County Secondary Roads and the Conserva- tion Board. The Board of Supervisors turned to the Conservation Board the wide variety of through which the grant funding for the edu- over the management and development plan- opportunities that were available to the Conser- cation and visitors center was received, there ning of the property to the Conservation Board vation Board for grants due to the property be- were 261 grant applications in the amount of in 2007. The Conservation Board considered ing located on designated byways. $111,843,630, with only 125 of those being a number of different usages of the property Application for the grant funds were encour- awarded in the total amount of $37,054,987. ranging from a shelter house to an education aged by the Federal Highway Administration “The demand for these funds demonstrates a and visitor center. Based on input from the (FHWA) from states, cities, tribal governments clear need for increased infrastructure invest- public, the Conservation Board made the de- and local planning organizations. Nearly 1,500 ment,” said Federal Highway Administrator cision to pursue the design and funding of an requests poured in from every state, Puerto Victor Mendez. “The President asked us to re- education and visitor center. Rico and Washington, D.C. totaling approxi- build America - we have work to be done and The Conservation Board applied for and mately $2.5 billion in grant requests through Americans ready to do the work.” received two separate grants from the Allama- 12 different funding programs. Grant funding The National Scenic Byways Program kee County Community Foundation totaling was made available through enactment of the (NSBP) recognizes roads having outstanding $12,000 for planning and design options on Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational the property.
Recommended publications
  • Coloring Book Will Show You a Few of the Attractions to See While Traveling Along the Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway
    Welcome to the Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway! Take a trip on this 550 mile long scenic road that travels through 18 counties on the western border of Illinois. The Great River Road in Illinois runs along the bluffs and plains that border the mighty Mississippi River. It’s a great place to see amazing views, wildlife, and fertile farmland and to learn about history, agriculture, and Illinois’ cultural heritage. The green pilot’s wheel road signs mark the route of the Great River Road. This coloring book will show you a few of the attractions to see while traveling along the Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway. We hope you enjoy your trip along the Great River Road in Illinois! For more information or to download brochures, visit us at GreatRiverRoad-Illinois.com Graphic Artist: Beth Clothier Along Main Street in Galena you can find shops of all kinds. Visit some of the stores for clothes, antiques, art, ice cream and candy! When you are ready to stretch your legs stop by Mississippi Palisades State Park and travel the same paths Native Americans used hundreds of years ago. In Fulton, stop by the Windmill Cultural Center to view a collection of windmills from 3 to 6 feet tall. Then walk across the street to visit the 90 foot tall Dutch Windmill “De Immigrant.” Enjoy a cruise along the mighty Mississippi River in a riverboat while visiting the Quad Cities. View a real fire tower at Big River State Forest. While at Big River make sure to see one of the oldest pine plantations around.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Systems Enhancement Plan for the Mississippi River Corridor in Tennessee
    Environmental Systems Enhancement Plan for the Mississippi River Corridor in Tennessee June 2009 Prepared for: Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee, Inc. Regional Economic Development Center The Regional Economic Development Center was established in 1967 as a research and outreach unit of The University of Memphis to provide management and technical assistance to both the public and private sectors. The center is located within The Graduate Program in City and Regional Planning, School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy. The findings of technical and research efforts are those of the Center and practicing professionals. These opinions are not necessarily those of the University or funding agencies. Information concerning any of the Center’s activities can be obtained by contacting: Steve Redding, Director Regional Economic Development Center Graduate Program in City & Regional Planning School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy The University of Memphis 208 McCord Hall Memphis, Tennessee 38152 Tel. 901.678.2056 Fax 901.678.4162 e-mail: [email protected] www.memphis.edu/planning/redc.htm This study was conducted under a contract with Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee, Inc. with major funding from the McKnight Foundation. Copyright © 2009 The University of Memphis. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credits Unless otherwise noted, photographs in this report were taken by and are copyrighted by Amie Vanderford. www.amie.org Environmental Systems Enhancement Plan for the Mississippi River Corridor in Tennessee Prepared for Mississippi River Corridor-Tennessee,
    [Show full text]
  • Great River Road Tennessee
    Great River Road Tennessee Corridor Management Plan Corridor Management Plan Recognitions Mayor AC Wharton Shelby County Byway Consultant Mayor Jeff Huffman Tipton County David L. Dahlquist Mayor Rod Schuh Lauderdale County Governor Phil Bredesen President Mayor Richard Hill Dyer County State of Tennessee David L. Dahlquist Associates, L.L.C. Mayor Macie Roberson Lake County State Capitol 5204 Shriver Avenue Mayor Benny McGuire Obion County Nashville, TN 37243 Des Moines, IA 50312 Commissioner Susan Whitaker Pickering Firm, Inc Department of Tourist Development Byway Planning Team Architecture – Engineering – Planning – Surveying Wm. Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower 312 8th Avenue North, 25th Floor Bob Pitts, PE Nashville, TN 37243 Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee, Inc. Principal Owner Board of Directors Director, Civil Engineering Services Ms. Marty Marbry 6775 Lenox Center Court – Suite 300 West Tennessee – Tourist Development Memphis, TN 38115 Regional Marketing & Public Relations John Sheahan Chairman/CEO John Threadgill Secretary Historical Consultant Commissioner Gerald Nicely Dr. Carroll Van West Tennessee Department of Transportation Jim Bondurant Chair – Obion - Task Force Committe Director 505 Deaderick St. Rosemary Bridges Chair – Tipton - Task Force Committee Center for Historic Preservation James K. Polk Bldg. – 7th Floor Peter Brown Chair – Dyer - Task Force Committee Middle Tennessee State University Nashville, TN 37243 Laura Holder Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area P.O. Box 80 – MTSU Pamela Marshall Public Affairs
    [Show full text]
  • The Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway
    THE GREAT RIVER ROAD IN ILLINOIS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY Driving Directions – South to North Alexander County Enter Illinois on U.S. Highway 60/62 and continue to the intersection with Highway 51, near Fort Defiance Park At the intersection, continue onto Highway 51 N/Illinois Route 3 The route continues on Illinois Route 3 N through the remainder of Alexander County Union, Jackson & Randolph Counties The route continues on Illinois Route 3 N through Union, Jackson & Randolph Counties Monroe County The route continues on Illinois Route 3 N through Columbia Past Columbia, veer right onto I-255 N/Illinois Route 3 N/U.S. Highway 50 E St. Claire & Madison Counties Continue on I-255 N/Illinois Route 3 N /U.S. Highway 50 E Take Exit 10 (Illinois Route 3 to Cahokia - East St. Louis) Continue on Illinois Route 3 N to the intersection with I-70 E/I-64 E/I55 N Take I-55 N/Illinois Route 3 N (Chicago - Indianapolis) in Fairmont City Continue on I-55 N to Illinois Route 111 N (Exit 6 Wood River - Washington Park) Turn Left onto Illinois Route 111 N Get on I-270 W in Pontoon Beach Take Exit 3 North (Illinois Route 3 to Alton). Keep right toward Alton. Continue on Illinois Route 3 N to Illinois Route 143 W/Great River Road North (to Alton Riverfront) Stay on Illinois Route 143 W until it becomes U.S. Highway 67 N Continue on U.S. Highway 67 N until you reach Illinois Route 100 N in Alton Turn Left onto Illinois Route 100 N and continue until you reach Jersey County Jersey & Greene Counties Continue on Illinois Route 100 N through Jersey
    [Show full text]
  • View Rhythms of the River Itinerary
    Rhythms of the River Illinois – Minnesota – Wisconsin – Iowa – Missouri – Tennessee –Mississippi – Louisiana Option 1: Start your trip in Minneapolis/Bloomington, Minnesota se Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee Cloud Gate (‘The Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota Begin in Minneapolis/Bloomington, Minnesota Follow the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, exploring a rich and diverse music culture along the way. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, immerse yourself in the music of Prince at First Avenue, a former Greyhound Bus depot, and now the hub of the city’s live music scene (it’s also the place where Prince performed regularly, experimenting with his eccentric new sounds). In 1983, the album version of the song Purple Rain was recorded here, and it was also the backdrop for his movie of the same name. Paisley Park is where you’ll find Prince’s recording studio and residence, now offering daily tours where visitors can see his iconic outfits, awards and other memorabilia. Don’t miss the mural at 26th and Hennepin, painted by artist Rock “Cyfi” Martinez after Prince’s death. Extend your stay in Minneapolis to follow a Bob Dylan Tour along Highway 61. Visit Dylan’s birthplace in Duluth, Minnesota as well as his boyhood home in Hibbing, then continue on to venues near the University of Minnesota campus where Dylan’s unmistakable sound was developed. Finish the day at The Armory Arts & Music Center, which marks the end of Duluth's Bob Dylan Way, a 1.8-mile (nearly 3-kilometre) cultural pathway through the city center of Duluth. Accommodation: Minneapolis/Bloomington, Minnesota Minneapolis/Bloomington, Minnesota to Dubuque, Iowa Follow the Great River Road to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
    [Show full text]
  • CHAPTER 28 GREAT RIVER ROAD PRESERVATION ZONING CODE (Ord
    CHAPTER 28 GREAT RIVER ROAD PRESERVATION ZONING CODE (Ord. No. 179, Am. #98-13, 6-9-13) 28.01 Statutory Authority, Findings of Fact, Purpose, and Intent 28.02 General Provisions 28.03 Use Regulations for Areas Within the Jurisdiction of this Chapter 28.04 Enforcement and Penalties CHAPTER 28 – GREAT RIVER ROAD PRESERVATION ZONING CODE 1 28.01 - STATUTORY AUTHORITY, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE, AND INTENT. (1) STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION. This chapter is adopted under the authorization in Wis. Stat. Ch. 59. (2) FINDING OF FACT. The Pepin County Board recognizes that uncontrolled use of the lands that surround the Wisconsin Great River Road/National Scenic Byway (State Highway 35) within the County would adversely affect the environment, public health, safety, and property values, and irreparably harm the recreation and tourism economies thereby impairing the tax base of the County. The Wisconsin Great River Road is defined in § 84.107(1), Wis. Stats. In 1938, a multi-state group, with Wisconsin as a participant, initiated planning for a parkway along the Mississippi River. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway (GRR/NSB) that emerged from this plan follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through ten states, from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. In Wisconsin, the state Department of Transportation is now the jurisdictional authority over the segment of the GRR/NSB that runs through it. The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), as defined by § 14.95, Wis. Stats. has coordinated efforts on federal, state and local levels to leverage millions of dollars for building and maintaining highway improvements, recreational trails, bikeways, scenic overlooks and tourist information centers, and for preserving and commemorating historic sites.
    [Show full text]
  • Mississippi River the Many Scenic, Historic, and Recreational Attractions Found Along the Great River Road
    2 1 Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota Sunrise over Sturgeon Bay lighthouse, Wisconsin 3 4-6 12 7 8 Skybridge, Davenport, Iowa 11 9 10 13 14 15 16 Fountain of Angels, Carthage, Missouri 17 18 19 24 25 20 21 22 23 Chinatown, Chicago, Illinois 26 33 34 27 28 39 29 35 36 30 31 Artisan center, Berea, Kentucky 37 40 32 Shrimping off the coast of Mississippi 41 42 38 43 45 44 LEGEND 50 46 Great River Road Great River Road 48 National Scenic Byway Route 47 51 Clarksdale Great River Road Canadian Extension Major Connecting Roads Great River Road Cities 49 52 40 Interpretive Centers Chattanooga Railway, Tennessee State Capitals 20 Interstate Highway Mount Magazine, Arkansas 55 60 United States Highway 15 State and Provincial Highway The Mississippi 2167 County Secondary Route 53 River States Cities This map is intended to be a general guide for exploring The Mississippi River the many scenic, historic, and recreational attractions found along the Great River Road. For more detailed flows through the heart information we suggest that you consult with official state highway maps, or contact the appropriate tourism of America. Discover 54 offices listed on this map. the history, culture and natural beauty 57 that make this such a fantastic region 56 to explore. This map will give you a geographical sense of how these ten unique states are connected by one great 58 60 59 61 river. Travel the Mississippi River States 62 and discover the people and places that N have helped shape the nation.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Road Trip Adventures in Southwest Illinois
    GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES let’s go! GREAT ROAD TRIP ALTON MADISON COLLINSVILLE JERSEY ADVENTURES EDWARDSVILLE CALHOUN GLEN CARBON MACOUPIN IN SOUTHWEST GODFREY MONTGOMERY GRAFTON GREENE ILLINOIS COUNTIES 2020 FALL & WINTER GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS ARE WE HIKING & FALL COLOR 5l THERE YET? 11l BIKING TRAILS 13l DRIVES GREAT RIVERS GREAT ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES & ROUTES let’s go! IN SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GLEN CARBON l GODFREY l GR AF TON MADISON l JERSEY l CALHOUN l MACOUPIN l MONTGOMERY l GREENE l COUNTIES 17 l ORCHARDS & ROADSIDE STANDS MAP A LOT MORE OF 19 l DISCOVER THE SPOOKY SIDE 21 l HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS 27 l EAGLE WATCHER’S MAP 29 l ENTERTAINING ROAD TRIPS PICK OF THE EAGLES 15l THE CROP 63 l WHAT’S IN STORE 23l HAVE LANDED LOCAL LOCAL SPEND THE 31l COMMUNITIES 53l DINING 59l NIGHT LODGING PHOTO CREDITS: Scott Evers, Marty McKay, Mike Cruz Photography, Connect With Us! Mark Ahlvers, Anthony Kaid, Carolyn Caton, Krista Kallal, Afton Hughes, facebook.com/RiversandRoutes Carrie Kallal, Glen Whittaker, Hannah Gibbs, Marcus Piper, Nate Wil- liams, Tom Nagel (Big Muddy Adventures), @MidwesternMeanderer, @ MORE JACKPOTS MORE FOOD MORE GAMES @RiversandRoutes superbrewhaha, Dennis Woods/Southwestern Aerial, Green Fields Farm Instagram.com/RiversandRoutes Pinterest.com/RiversandRoutes 40M • 8/20 ArgosyAlton.com | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL | 1-800-711-GAME Must be 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). RiversandRoutes.com 2 let’s go ON A ROAD TRIP… CHANGE.
    [Show full text]
  • Great River Road National Scenic Byway Photo Simulations Appendix N
    Appendix K – Great River Road National Scenic Byway Photo Simulations Appendix N Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Legend and Fish Refuge WABASHA Proposed Features !. Photosimulation Location Kellogg ! Preferred 345 kV Route Proposed Mississippi River Alternative 345 kV Route Crossing at Alma Highway 42 Route Segment Jurisdiction (MNDNR, USGS, NPS, TNC) Municipality Photosimulation 1 .! MDNR Wildlife Management Area USFWS National Wildlife Refuge Minnesota State Trail Photosimulation 2 M .! I S S I S 61 S I P 42 P G I R r I e V a t t R i v e r R o a d N a t i o n a l S 0 0.5 Miles c [ en ic DUNN B PIERCE DAKOTA y w Mc Carthy Hampton ! WI PEPIN Photosimulation 3 a y .! Lake WMA MN GOODHUE BUFFALO RICE !Alma WABASHA STEELE DODGE !Rochester WINONA OLMSTED DATA SOURCES: MN DNR, WI DNR, BTS, USGS FILENAME: MN_GRR_photosim_Location_110415 MXD LOCATION: P:\2007\07180025.00_CAPX\GIS\Layouts\Applications\MN\ Sheetmaps PDF LOCATION: P:\2007\07180025.00_CAPX\GIS\Maps\Applications\MN\ Sheetmaps Hampton • Rochester • La Crosse 345 kV Transmission Project MN Great River Road Xcel Energy • Dairyland Power Cooperative • Rochester Public Utilities • WPPI Energy • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Photosimulation Location Map CapX Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse 345kV and 161kV Transmission Lines Project: Final Environmental Impact Statement Appendix N Photo Simulations . Existing Condition Photopoint 1 - Southbound Great River Road looking southeast. �������������������������������������������������� Proposed Condition Photopoint 1 - Southbound Great River Road looking southeast. �������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ����������������������� CapX Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse 345kV and 161kV Transmission Lines Project: Final Environmental Impact Statement Appendix N Photo Simulations .
    [Show full text]
  • Mississippi River Parkway Commission 701 East Washington Avenue, Suite 202 Madison, WI 53703
    Mississippi River Parkway Commission 701 East Washington Avenue, Suite 202 Madison, WI 53703 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Contact Name, Title, email address, phone number Great River Road receives prestigious All-American Road Designation Designation by the Federal Highway Administration will bring new attention to scenic byway [YOUR CITY, State.] (Month XX, 202X)—The (State) - Great River Road, which is part of a national scenic byway which runs 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, has been designated an “All-American Road” by the Federal Highway Administration. To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, the road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. These roads are considered the very best of America’s National Scenic Byways. “The Great River Road tells the story of America’s history,” said [INSERT STATE CHAIR’S NAME AND TITLE HERE]. “From big cities to small river towns, through historical sites and interpretive centers, the Great River Road lays out the history of our native people and immigrant communities, the river industry and transportation, agriculture and so much more. This designation gives credence to why so many people choose to experience the Great River Road every year.” The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), a non-profit organization founded to preserve and improve the resources, viability and amenities of the Mississippi River Valley, hopes the All-American status will bring new attention to the Great River Road.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisconsin Great River Road Map
    Great River Road Wisc nsin Travel & Visitors Guide Flying along the Wine Tasting Bicycling on the Great River Road Adventures Great River River Road page 27 page 35 page 39 Wisconsin’s National Scenic Byway on the Mississippi River Learn more at wigrr.com Welcome to Wisconsin’s Great River Road! his stunning drive stretches 250 beautiful Tmiles along the Mississippi River and winds through 33 charming, historic towns with opportunities to get out and explore at every turn. For the outdoor adventurer, the eight counties along Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway offer some of the state’s best biking, hiking, fishing and boating against the backdrop of the Driftless Area’s lush and ancient bluffs. The Great River Road also welcomes travelers with only-in-Wisconsin events, historic sites, culinary experiences and local boutiques that promise a fun and memorable getaway. Use this guide as a first step in planning your trip. Along your journey, stop by six Interpretive Centers with even more information about Wisconsin’s corridor of the Great River Road. We invite you to discover the communities on and around Wisconsin’s Great River Road, and on behalf of Wisconsin’s Tourism industry, we look forward to welcoming you. Sincerely, Sara Meaney Wisconsin Tourism Secretary-Designee Photo courtesy: Dylan Overhouse Dylan courtesy: Photo Photo courtesy: Travel Wisconsin. Travel courtesy: Photo wigrr.com | 3 Table of Contents Traveling History of the Great River Road ..................5 Distances Annual Festivals & Events ........................6 To La Crosse (Central Gateway) Wildlife on the Great River Road .................7 Beloit: 190 miles Superior: 233 miles PIERCE County .................................8 Maiden Rock, Bay City, Hager City, Green Bay: 202 miles Wausau: 146 miles Diamond Bluff, Prescott Madison: 144 miles Milwaukee: 210 miles PEPIN County.
    [Show full text]
  • Great River Road Itinerary 14 Days. 1,400 Miles. the Trip of a Lifetime
    Mississippi River Parkway Commission 222 State Street, Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703 Great River Road Itinerary 14 Days. 1,400 Miles. The Trip of A Lifetime. Days 1-2: Minneapolis and St. Paul Welcome to the Twin Cities! Located along the Mississippi River in Minnesota, you’ll spend two days experiencing museums, the Mississippi Headwaters, architecture and more. If you’re interested in seeing the headwaters of the Mississippi, plan to take a day trip to Lake Itasca State Park. Explore towering pines, stay in a cabin or take a hike through the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary. If you’re in the right season, consider camping at the park. In Minneapolis, visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, including their Mississippi River Gallery & Exhibit and the “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” film. See a show or take a tour at the famous Guthrie Theater. Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, the Mill City Museum is a fantastic feat of architecture well worth seeing. In the mood for a bit of shopping? Check out the Mall of America. Day 3: Minneapolis to La Crosse—148 Miles Travel down some of the most beautiful sections of the Great River Road in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Highlights along this stretch include tiny Red Wing, MN, a quaint river town famous for the shoes and pottery that bear its name. Wabasha, MN is home to the National Eagle Center. The Center features live eagles—it’s a truly unforgettable experience. Alma, WI has one of the best views of the river bluffs anywhere at Buena Vista Park.
    [Show full text]