Interstate 20: Tallulah to Vicksburg – Louisiana

Travel with us for 19 miles along Interstate 20 eastbound, as we cross the Mississippi Delta from Tallulah, Louisiana, to Vicksburg, Mississippi—a short but significant stretch that connects rural Louisiana to one of the most historic river cities in the South.

Our journey begins on the eastern edge of Tallulah, where we enter I-20 from the interchange with U.S. Highway 65. Tallulah itself is the parish seat of Madison Parish and, while modest in size, it has a rich agricultural history rooted in cotton farming and delta culture. Almost immediately after merging onto I-20, we pass Richmond, a tiny community that once thrived as a river town before the railroad and interstate reshaped regional travel.

As we cruise eastward through the flat expanses of northeastern Louisiana, we pass by Mound, which is little more than a name on the map today, but whose wide fields stretch out across the landscape in true Delta fashion. This section of I-20 is straight and relatively quiet, offering long sightlines of farmland and levee systems that control the waters of the nearby Mississippi River. You won’t find much in the way of roadside attractions here, but the wide-open vistas and big skies are an underrated part of this drive’s appeal.

Approaching the town of Delta, I-20 prepares to cross the Mississippi River. This is where the terrain and the tone of the drive change dramatically. Just past Exit 186, we climb onto the Old Vicksburg Bridge‘s modern counterpart—the I-20 bridge over the Mississippi River. This elevated span gives travelers sweeping views of the river below, flanked by barge traffic, floodplain forests, and the distant ridge that marks the entrance to Mississippi.

Once across the river, we arrive at Vicksburg, a city perched atop the bluffs with a commanding view of the Mississippi. Known for its pivotal role in the Civil War, Vicksburg is home to the Vicksburg National Military Park, a must-visit if you’re exploring the area. The city’s mix of historic architecture, riverfront casinos, and preserved battlefield sites make it a compelling destination—and it marks the end of this brief but iconic segment of I-20.