From Freedom Park and the Mississippi River Parkway Commission

The Wisconsin Great River Road has been named an All-American Road! This is a special National Scenic Byways program designation that features the best driving routes in the country, highlighting their scenic beauty, cultural importance and more. Freedom Park is proud to have been chosen to host this designation ceremony. Please join them and the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission for a celebration at Freedom Park and see what the excitement is all about!_ A ceremony to commemorate the designation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 27.

The Great River Road, the National Scenic Byway dedicated to the Mississippi River, has received notice that eight of its states’ byways have been designated “All-American Roads” by the Federal Highway Administration.

To receive the All-American Road designation, a byway must be 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.” It must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make it drive a primary reason for their trip. These roads are considered the very best of America’s National Scenic Byways Program.

The Great River Road claims eight of this year’s 15 All-American Road designations across the country.

“The Great River Road enables travelers to access the stories of America,” said Anne Lewis, Mississippi River Parkway Commission Pilot and board chair. “From big cities to small river towns, through historic sites and interpretive centers, the Great River Road holds the history of America, from native people and immigrant communities to river industry and transportation, and from agriculture to river life ecology. 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 nonprofit organization founded to preserve and improve the resources, viability and amenities of the Mississippi River Valley, says the All-American Road status will bring new attention to the Great River Road.

“More attention means more visitors to the 10 great states that line the Mighty Mississippi,” Lewis added. “More travelers equal more money spent in stores, restaurants, hotels and attractions. That economic boost is absolutely vital to the communities of the Great River Road. We look forward to more road trips than ever in 2021!”

Upcoming at Freedom Park: Saturday August 21st: 2021 Sunset Soirée for Freedom Park

Celebrate the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center!_Our annual fundraiser for the Friends of Freedom Park non-profit will be near the end of August this year, and we are so excited to have an in-person Sunset Soirée again! This event always generates lots of smiles and many happy memories – not to mention wonderful food and drinks, and a wide array of unique silent auction items. The company is pretty good too! Stay tuned for more details._