Designation by the Federal Highway Administration will bring new attention to the scenic byway
Little Rock, AR, 2021-Feb-23 — /Travel PR News/ — The Arkansas section of the Great River Road, which is part of a national scenic byway that runs 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, has been designated an “All-American Road” by the Federal Highway Administration.
Arkansas’s section of the Great River Road is comprised of 10 counties located in the Arkansas Delta: Mississippi, Crittenden, St. Francis, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, Arkansas, Desha, Drew and Chicot.
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. In 2020, 63 nomination applications were submitted. Forty-nine byways in 28 states were designated, including 34 National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads.
“It’s an honor for Arkansas’s Great River Road to be named an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration,” said Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. “It is truly a destination highway. Along the way, visitors can experience everything from quaint small towns to plantations to world-class biking trails. We invite everyone to explore it and see how the mighty Mississippi has shaped Arkansas and its people.”
“The Great River Road tells the story of America’s history,” said Kim Williams, director of Arkansas’s Great River Road. “From large 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 is a wonderful testament to the importance and historical significance of Arkansas’s Delta region.”
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.
Created in 1938 and stretching for 3,000 miles through and beside 10 states, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway is the longest such designated roadway and one of the oldest. Travelers planning a journey along the road can order a free 10-state Great River Road map, which shows the Great River Road’s route through all 10 states and highlights the interpretive centers along the way. Another helpful resource is the Drive the Great River Road app, available for free on Apple and Android devices. Travelers can plot their route along the Great River Road and find scenic overlooks, agritourism attractions, interpretive centers and more. For more detailed information, visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com. You can also find The Great River Road on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
About Arkansas Tourism
Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com.
Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com
Source: Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
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