The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that follows the Mississippi River through ten states from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Louisiana Delta. A portion of that road is the Kentucky Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which runs through the western counties of Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton. Norma Pruitt, executive director of the Kentucky Great River Road Organization, speaks with Todd Hatton on Sounds Good about the organization’s mission of economic development.
Pruitt says the organization got its start when the judge/executives of the four river counties met in 2008 to discuss building a tourism campaign around the Mississippi River. Pruitt has been working since 2011 to promote the region’s historical, cultural, and scenic value.
“So the judge/executives put together a 501(c)3 and hired me to be that voice and bringing to awareness of not only our region, but the state and surrounding states, that we are also a part of the National Scenic Byway,” Pruitt said.
Stops along the route include Wickliffe Mounds, Fort Jefferson, the scenic vistas of Columbus, and sites off the beaten path. Pruitt says her organization doesn't just promote the scenic byway, but uses it as a promotion tool for the river counties. The National Scenic Byway tagline is “Come Closer,” encouraging tourists to explore the local character of towns along a route.
“[We are] working with those folks in the region that are savvy, entrepreneurial, and want to put together a small business to invite folks who come into our region to come closer… see what it is we have available,” Pruitt said. “So we have had several new businesses start up since I came on board in 2011.”
Pruitt says when she reprinted a brochure created in 2011, she added 45 new points of interest to the map. She says people across the country and the world are specifically requesting the Kentucky Great River Road brochure.
“We feel very fortunate that we are beginning to make some headway in bringing awareness that we have those places along out four county region that you can shop, and eat, and visit. You know, spend money. Come visit, come see what we’ve got to show you,” Pruitt said.