Traveling from Vicksburg to Rolling Fork on U.S. Route 61 takes us on a quiet yet historically rich drive through the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Spanning roughly 43 miles, this stretch of US-61 is steeped in culture, small-town character, and the landscape that gave rise to the blues. While it may not be the fastest route in Mississippi, it’s certainly among the most evocative. Let’s explore what makes this section of the legendary “Blues Highway” worth the ride.
We begin in Vicksburg, a city perched on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, where US-61 connects with Interstate 20. Before you even start heading north, it’s worth lingering in Vicksburg to explore its Civil War history, riverfront murals, and the impressive Vicksburg National Military Park. As we leave the city, US-61 travels through its eastern neighborhoods before bypassing the older business route. Just outside the city limits, the road narrows to two lanes and the terrain quickly flattens into open farmland, giving us that classic Delta feel.
Heading through Redwood, we’re met with the slow-paced rhythms of rural Mississippi. This unincorporated community is largely agricultural, and you’ll see plenty of cotton and soybean fields as you roll by. As the highway approaches its interchange with Mississippi Highway 3, the landscape becomes even more sparse, yet the road remains well-maintained and easy to drive. A northwest turn takes us through Valley Park—a quiet bend in the road where the railroad tracks and Delta farmland intersect in timeless fashion.
Continuing on, we reach Onward, a small spot on the map with a big claim to fame: it’s the site where President Theodore Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a tied-up bear during a hunt in 1902. That event sparked the creation of the teddy bear, and today you’ll find a small commemorative marker and general store celebrating the moment. Just north of Onward, we intersect Mississippi Highway 1, which shadows the Mississippi River for much of its length.
As we leave Onward behind, US-61 curves gently northeast through Issaquena County, where wide stretches of untouched Delta wilderness surround us. Traffic is light, and it’s not uncommon to have the road to yourself for miles at a time. In Cary, a small town with deep agricultural roots, the highway shifts course slightly and picks up Mississippi Highway 826 shortly before arriving at our destination.
Rolling Fork welcomes travelers with its vibrant murals and tributes to blues legend Muddy Waters, who was born just outside of town. It’s also the gateway to wildlife viewing and recreation in the nearby Delta National Forest and Hillside National Wildlife Refuge, making it a perfect place to stop if you’re combining a road trip with outdoor exploration. The route ends at the intersection with Mississippi Highway 14, where you can head west toward the levee and river towns.
While this segment of US-61 isn’t loaded with attractions in the traditional sense, the real draw is the scenery, the quiet, and the sense of traveling through a living piece of American heritage. It’s a route that invites reflection and rewards those who appreciate the slower pace and rich stories of the Mississippi Delta.
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