From Skyline to Swampland: A Family Road Trip Down the Great River Road
There’s something powerful about tracing a river, especially one as mighty as the Mississippi. For our family of four, traveling by RV from Chicago to New Orleans wasn’t just a drive; it was a journey through America’s cultural backbone, following the hum of jazz, the rhythm of blues, and the soulful pulse of the Bible Belt. With a carefully crafted route planner and the freedom of a motorhome, we embarked on an 11-day adventure filled with music, food, faith, and a little horsepower.
We began in the Windy City, rolling out from Chicago Navy Pier and down South Lake Shore Drive, where cityscapes meet water with a magnetic urban charm. Chicago is the perfect launch point for a road trip: campervan rentals are widely available, and RV-friendly parks just outside the city allow you to start fresh and relaxed.
Heading into Pontiac, Illinois, we dove into car culture at the Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum—a small but fascinating tribute to America's love affair with the automobile. In the age of electric cars, it’s eye-opening for kids to see the chrome and fins of yesteryear. And just a bit south, we made a sticky-sweet pit stop at Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup Farm, where the time-honored process of tapping trees still delights modern visitors.
Crossing into Missouri, St. Louis greeted us with its signature skyline and the towering Gateway Arch. From the top, you can almost see the route ahead—rolling down the Mississippi, hugging its bends, through towns where gospel still rings from white-steepled churches and barbecue smoke curls skyward like incense.
BB's Jazz, Blues and Soups was our introduction to real Delta sound—family-friendly during early hours, and a must for any music-loving traveler. And in keeping with our journey through the Bible Belt, we noticed how many communities center around small-town churches and faith-based radio stations, creating a rhythm of reflection that mirrors the deep blues in the music.
We ventured south, stopping at Trail of Tears State Park for a moving lesson on American history and Native resilience. Then the heartbeat of music returned at Sun Studio and Graceland in Memphis, where Elvis lives on, and every room in the mansion tells a story. Even the kids got caught up in the spectacle of it all.
In Mississippi, we turned to the river once more—literally. Paddling with the folks at Quapaw Canoe Company, we floated along the same waters that inspired generations of blues musicians. The nearby Highway 61 Blues Museum offered a crash course in the stories and sounds that shaped the genre.
Food was another essential stop on this motorhome trip. In Greenville, we found the legendary Doe’s Eat Place, a no-frills Southern steakhouse where the vibe is as rich as the food. Every town seemed to offer its own version of “the best catfish,” and we were happy to try them all.
Approaching the South’s grand finale, Natchez offered antebellum mansions and Southern Carriage Tours, reminding us that this river has always been a pathway for commerce, dreams, and sometimes pain. The Natchez National Historical Park helped connect the dots for the kids, from plantation life to Civil Rights.
Finally, we reached New Orleans, where all the cultures we passed converge. We parked the RV just outside the French Quarter and took the streetcar in, saving ourselves the traffic tangle and giving the kids a thrill. From Mardi Gras World to the beignets at Café Du Monde, it was everything you imagined—sweet, spicy, musical, and full of life.
RV Road Trip Planning Tips
If you’re wondering how to plan a motorhome trip in the USA from Chicago to New Orleans, here are a few camper route planner tips:
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Choose the Right RV or Campervan: Whether you prefer a full-sized motorhome or a compact campervan, pick one with good fuel efficiency and enough space for your family.
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Map with Flexibility: Use a route planner that lets you adjust on the fly. Apps like Roadtrippers or Bandana’s USA camper route planner are great for customizing scenic and cultural detours.
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Book Campsites Early: Especially in popular stops like Memphis or New Orleans. Many parks along the Great River Road are family-friendly with hookups and facilities.
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Mix Up the Attractions: From history museums to music venues, keep the kids engaged with a variety of activities, especially if you’re driving long distances between stops.
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Respect the Weather: The South can be humid, hot, or rainy—sometimes all in one day. Plan rest stops and indoor attractions accordingly.
This was more than just a road trip; it was a journey through the heart of America’s identity. From RV breakfasts at state park picnic tables to blues guitar licks under neon lights, it reminded us how powerful the open road can be when you're following a river—and a rhythm.
