Join us for a short but engaging cruise along northbound U.S. Highway 45 as it threads through the heart of Tupelo, Mississippi — a city best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley and a vibrant hub for northeastern Mississippi. This quick 3-mile segment gives us a glimpse of local life and some handy connections for travelers passing through.
We begin our ride merging onto U.S. 45 from the Main Street interchange, which sits just a stone’s throw east of downtown Tupelo. This part of town is home to plenty of local businesses, small restaurants, and the nearby Elvis Presley Birthplace Park if you’re in the mood for a cultural stop before hitting the highway. Heading north, U.S. 45 shifts gently northwest as we approach the junction with Mississippi Highway 178 — a route that was once part of the original U.S. 78 before Interstate 22 took over the main flow of traffic. If time allows, Highway 178 makes for a pleasant local detour through historic areas and older neighborhoods.
Continuing north on U.S. 45, we cruise past commercial strips dotted with hotels, gas stations, and a few larger shopping centers that serve both locals and travelers. Just a couple of miles up the road, we reach the interchange with Interstate 22 — a major east-west corridor connecting Memphis to Birmingham. This spot is a key crossroad for regional travel, and many folks use this junction to either head deeper into Mississippi or link up with Alabama destinations. For this drive, we end our run by merging eastbound onto I-22, setting our sights toward Fulton, Jasper, and eventually Birmingham if you’re up for a longer haul.
Though short, this segment of U.S. 45 is a reminder of Tupelo’s role as a transport hub in Mississippi. It’s also a handy connector for folks exploring the city or setting out on longer interstate trips. Next time you find yourself rolling through Tupelo, take a moment to enjoy its hometown charm and convenient highway access.
🗺️ Route Map
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