RoadAtlas
Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States — Cultural
North America

Highway 61 Blues Trail

United States

In short: Highway 61 Blues Trail is a 560 km cultural road trip in United States, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in Mar–May / Sep–Oct. Highlights: Memphis, Crossroads, Delta Blues Museum.

Distance
560 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
Mar–May / Sep–Oct
NotableEasyCultural

The "Blues Highway" runs from Memphis to New Orleans along the Mississippi River through the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the blues, juke joints, catfish shacks, antebellum plantations, and the music that changed the world.

~1 refuel
~1 charge
Practical notes
US-61 is an easy drive, but summer heat, thunderstorms, and occasional flooding can slow stretches across the Delta and river parishes. In New Orleans and Memphis, parking and traffic are the main hassles; keep an eye on local weather and expect some museums or historic sites to close on Mondays.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Memphis — Departure — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Departure
Memphis
Beale Street, Graceland, and Sun Studio where Elvis cut his first record. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame seals the story.
Hotels
Natchez — City — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
City
Natchez
The oldest city on the Mississippi, lined with antebellum mansions. The Natchez Trace Parkway begins here.
Hotels
New Orleans — Arrival — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Arrival
New Orleans
The journey ends where the blues became jazz. The French Quarter, Treme, and live music pour out of every doorway.
Hotels

Things to Do

Crossroads — Landmark — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Landmark
Crossroads
The Delta crossroads where Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil. Ground zero for American music.
Delta Blues Museum — Landmark — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Landmark
Delta Blues Museum
The definitive blues museum in the town where Muddy Waters grew up. Artifacts and recordings tell the full Delta story.
Dockery Farms — Landmark — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Landmark
Dockery Farms
The cotton plantation where blues music first coalesced in the early 1900s. Charley Patton lived and played here.
Vicksburg National Military Park — Landmark — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Landmark
Vicksburg National Military Park
A pivotal Civil War siege city above the Mississippi. The national military park spans the entire battlefield ridge.
Gateway to the Blues Museum — Museum — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Museum
Gateway to the Blues Museum
Explore the origins of blues music through interactive exhibits and artifacts in this informative museum.
Highway 61 Blues Museum — Museum — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Museum
Highway 61 Blues Museum
Dedicated to the history of blues along Highway 61, featuring memorabilia and live performances.
The Crossroads — Landmark — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Landmark
The Crossroads
Iconic intersection where legend says Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil for musical prowess.
B.B. King Museum — Museum — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Museum
B.B. King Museum
Museum honoring the life and music of blues legend B.B. King, featuring exhibits and his personal artifacts.

Where to Eat

Hollywood Café — Southern — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Southern
Hollywood Café
Historic café known for its catfish platters and live blues performances, immortalized in Marc Cohn's 'Walking in Memphis'.
Lillo's — Italian — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Italian
Lillo's
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, a local favorite for decades.
The Blue Room — Southern — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Southern
The Blue Room
Once a famed blues club, now a restaurant offering classic Southern cuisine with a side of musical history.
Neisa Ray’s Diner — Diner — Highway 61 Blues Trail — United States
Diner
Neisa Ray’s Diner
Classic American diner known for hearty breakfasts and homestyle cooking, a staple in the local community.

Explore related routes

United States road trips Notable Historic Road Trips North America routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Highway 61 Blues Trail drive?

The Highway 61 Blues Trail covers 560 km from start to finish.

How long does the Highway 61 Blues Trail take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Highway 61 Blues Trail, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Highway 61 Blues Trail?

The recommended season for the Highway 61 Blues Trail is Mar–May / Sep–Oct.

Where does the Highway 61 Blues Trail start and end?

The Highway 61 Blues Trail runs from Memphis to New Orleans.

What are the main stops on the Highway 61 Blues Trail?

The Highway 61 Blues Trail passes through Memphis, Crossroads, Delta Blues Museum.

Can I drive the Highway 61 Blues Trail in a regular car?

Yes — the Highway 61 Blues Trail is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Highway 61 Blues Trail?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Highway 61 Blues Trail, based on its 560 km length.

Is the Highway 61 Blues Trail safe to drive?

US-61 is an easy drive, but summer heat, thunderstorms, and occasional flooding can slow stretches across the Delta and river parishes. In New Orleans and Memphis, parking and traffic are the main hassles; keep an eye on local weather and expect some museums or historic sites to close on Mondays.

What scenic tier is the Highway 61 Blues Trail?

The Highway 61 Blues Trail is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.