Great River Road
Visitor Services
Many campgrounds, state parks, and towns offer boat ramps and marinas. Also, several great golf courses abound in the area. Along the byway, great fishing areas provide top-notch recreation with...[more]
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Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities Bicycle and Pedestrian Information Listed by State from North to South Minnesota Section: Beautiful hiking, skiing, and... [more] |
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Camping There are places to camp along this byway. |
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Food There are places to buy food along this byway. |
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Gasoline Gasoline is available. |
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Information There is an authoritative information center along this byway. |
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Lodging There is overnight lodging along this byway. |
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Phone Public phones are available along this byway. |
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Restrooms Wayside restrooms are closed during the winter. |
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Retail There are places to shop along this byway. |
NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.
Special Considerations
In the Minnesota section, several portions of the northern part of the road have a gravel surface. The speed limit on the byway varies, but generally it will be 55 mph in the country and 30 mph through towns. During the winter, there may be some icy patches in the rural parts of the roadway.
All roads along the Arkansas segment of The Great River Road are safe and easy to navigate, with standard clearances. Most are asphalt state or US highways. There is one 15-mile segment through the St. Francis National Forest that is gravel, but it is well-maintained and accessible for all vehicles. While travelers could alternately bypass the forest by taking US Highway 1 between Marianna and Helena, the forest route is a key aspect of the visitor experience, since this is one of the few remaining upland forests in Eastern Arkansas and is an important natural area.
Restrictions
Generally, all portions of the Great River Road are maintained for year-round travel by all vehicles. Closings of short portions of the road may occur once every few years due to winter snowstorms. Such interruptions usually last less than 36 hours.
The entire route of the Great River Road Scenic Byway in Illinois is within the 100-year flood plain. While flooding does not occur regularly, roads are closed and detours are marked when flooded, aiding the byway traveler.
During rainy periods, driving the gravel roads in the St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas can be difficult. Those who do not wish to drive on wet gravel roads can bypass the forest by taking SH 1 from Marianna to Helena.
An alternate Low Road route through the forest at the edge of the swamps is often impassable in rainy weather and should not be attempted.
Seasons
- Best Time to Drive
In any season, whether it's the new green of spring, the white mantle of winter, the summer sunlight or the amber hues of autumn, the Great River Road is a delight.
- High Season
From early spring to fall foliage, visitors will find plenty of company on the Great River Road.
