September is Drive the Great River Road Month, the annual celebration of the Great River Road, the U.S.’ oldest and longest National Scenic Byway.

The Great River Road in Grant County follows Wisconsin 35 from the Illinois/Wisconsin state line north to Wiscosnin 133 from Tennyson to Cassville, then Grant County VV and Grant County A to Bagley, then Grant County X and Grant County C back to 35 south of Bridgeport.

During Drive the Great River Road Month, motorists are encouraged to plan their own trip along the 3,000-mile Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Travelers can spend a day or a month exploring one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America.

As fall progresses, travelers can follow the autumn colors south as they pass through cozy river towns and bustling big cities and visit more than 70 interpretive centers — museums, historical sites, wildlife refuges and more — as well as agritourism attractions like fall festivals, orchards and farmers markets.

To help celebrate Drive the Great River Road Month, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission is holding the Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes, through Sept. 30. The grand-prize winner will get $500 to spend on their next Great River Road trip. To enter, go to www.experiencemississippiriver.com or go to its Facebook page.

The Great River Road online store, www.cafepress.com/greatriverroadshop, sells Great River Road merchandise, including apparel, bags, travel mugs, car magnets and more. 

The Great River Road website has information on all 10 Great River Road states, interpretive centers, upcoming events and must-see attractions, along with suggested itineraries and maps.