Highway 61 Blues Trail
United States
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Memphis
Beale Street, Graceland, and Sun Studio where Elvis cut his first record. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame seals the story.
- 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
The definitive blues museum in the town where Muddy Waters grew up. Artifacts and recordings tell the full Delta story.
- Dockery Farms
The cotton plantation where blues music first coalesced in the early 1900s. Charley Patton lived and played here.
- Vicksburg National Military Park
A pivotal Civil War siege city above the Mississippi. The national military park spans the entire battlefield ridge.
- Natchez
The oldest city on the Mississippi, lined with antebellum mansions. The Natchez Trace Parkway begins here.
- New Orleans
The journey ends where the blues became jazz. The French Quarter, Treme, and live music pour out of every doorway.
Where to Eat
- Hollywood CaféSouthern
Historic café known for its catfish platters and live blues performances, immortalized in Marc Cohn's 'Walking in Memphis'.
- Lillo'sItalian
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, a local favorite for decades.
- The Blue RoomSouthern
Once a famed blues club, now a restaurant offering classic Southern cuisine with a side of musical history.
- Neisa Ray’s DinerDiner
Classic American diner known for hearty breakfasts and homestyle cooking, a staple in the local community.
Things to Do
- Gateway to the Blues MuseumMuseum
Explore the origins of blues music through interactive exhibits and artifacts in this informative museum.
- Highway 61 Blues MuseumMuseum
Dedicated to the history of blues along Highway 61, featuring memorabilia and live performances.
- The CrossroadsLandmark
Iconic intersection where legend says Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil for musical prowess.
- B.B. King MuseumMuseum
Museum honoring the life and music of blues legend B.B. King, featuring exhibits and his personal artifacts.