How to plan a (road) trip along the Mississippi River where the water isn't the star

The Mississippi River is a mighty waterway. It carries hundreds of millions of tons of freight every year, is home to a diverse population of fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, functions as a guide for migratory birds, and provides drinking water to loads of people. While you can cruise down the river itself, imagine a more land-centric approach by driving across stretches of the Great River Road.

How does the Great River Road work?

Take a detour from driving for a steamboat ride in New Orleans (Image credit...