The iconic Mississippi River is one of the most prominent waterways in the United States. The river has been the subject of novels, films, travel logs, and even live theater for more than a century. Therefore, it should be no surprise that there are plenty of scenic bike routes to ride along the Big River. One of those routes is the Tri-State Mississippi River Run that takes you through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Don't panic over the fact that the ride encroaches on three states. The run covers only a total of 75 miles, so you can complete it at a leisurely pace in a single day. If you want to take a little bit longer to enjoy the river, there are plenty of places along the route to stop for the night.
The Route
Many people like to begin their journey in La Crosse, WI due to the size of the town. However, we'll start our journey in Minnesota, where routes 26 and 3 meet at Brownsville. Brownsville, Minnesota is a much smaller town with a homier feel. You can start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local diners before hitting the road.
When you leave Brownsville, take Rt. 26 south towards Iowa. The Mississippi River will be on your left. You'll be amazed by all of the little islands that seem to stand motionless in the midst of the mighty Mississippi, just like you imagined from the stories of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Once you cross into Iowa, you'll lose sight of the river for just a little while.
In Lansing, Iowa, you will cross the river using Rt. 82 east. If traffic is light, this is a good place to stop and take in some impressive scenery. If not, keep heading east until you reach Rt. 35 north. You'll be in Wisconsin as soon as you get to the other side of the Mississippi. Rt. 35 takes you up the eastern shore up the river, through La Crosse, and over to Rt. 61 where you can cross back before heading down 26 to Brownsville, completing the loop.
Scenery and Amenities
This ride is to Mississippi River fans what the San Juan National Forest ride is to mountain lovers. Most of the route follows close to the riverbanks on roads that seem lazy and winding without being too challenging. There are quite a few rises and dips, and you'll enjoy the elevation changes and the scenery they bring. Mostly though, it's all about the river.
Along the way, you'll run into a number of small towns reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Midwestern culture. You'll find family diners, cozy roadside motels and plenty of places to park for a while and take pictures. You'll also pass through a number of nature preserves and national park areas. This ride has the best of everything in a very manageable package.
The Tri-State Mississippi River Run is a great option for spring, summer, or fall. Each of the three seasons offers different views and decidedly different weather conditions. Our only caution is to be careful if you are planning an early spring trip. The Mississippi River can be contentious if the area has experienced an unusually wet winter. However, barring any spring flooding, there are usually no problems to worry about.
