Upper Mississippi River Cruise
Cruise from St Louis to St Paul
9 Days | June - October
Starting At $CUSTOM
A journey along the Upper Mississippi River is an enriching experience, embodying hometown Americana and the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians. It was here that the great American writer Mark Twain used the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works. In his book “Life on the Mississippi,” he described traveling on this part of the river as “always through enchanting scenery, there being no other kind on the Upper Mississippi.”
Highlights
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Itinerary
Day 1 – St Louis, MO
Nestled neatly beneath towering limestone bluffs, the port of Alton, Illinois, offers easy access to St. Louis and area attractions, including the National Great Rivers Museum, which tells stories of the Mississippi River’s rich history, the people that rely on the river, and its many ecosystems. Get settled into your hotel and enjoy the area at your leisure.
Day 2 – Cruising the Mississippi River
Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. As you begin your amazing journey, relax on your private stateroom balcony and admire the beautiful views that stretch out before you. Get to know fellow guests in one of the lounges or at the evening cocktail hour.
Day 3 – Hannibal, MO
Explore Hannibal, “America’s Hometown,” a mere block from the ship, where Mark Twain’s home and museum illuminate the events that shaped his life and career. Elements of his childhood adventures were woven into classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Run your hand along Aunt Polly’s fence, explore Injun Joe’s Cave, and get reacquainted with one of the world’s most beloved authors. Explore other nearby museums and the charming downtown Main Street with unique shops, art galleries, and tasty temptations.
Day 4 – Day of Cruising
Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges aboard the riverboat. Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Mississippi River from Hannibal to Muscatine.
Day 5 – Muscatine, IA
Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County’s eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north to south river runs east to west. Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries.
Day 6 – Dubuque, IA
A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River and continues today as a primary commercial, industrial, educational, and cultural center for this region. From the ship, it’s a short walk to a cruise highlight at the incredible complex of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. View colorful Victorian mansions on a stroll through the quaint downtown area, take a ride on the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, or try your luck in one of Dubuque’s state-of-the-art casinos. Visit one of the oldest catholic churches in the city and enjoy the lovely landscapes of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden.
Day 7 – Winona, MN
Winona welcomes you with the perfect blend of modern development and old river town charm. From rolling fields of flowers to some of the most architecturally important buildings in Minnesota, enjoy a carefully crafted selection of excursions which lead you through the most intriguing sites Winona has to offer. Explore a variety of history and art museums and admire historic homes, while listening to captivating stories told by a local guide. Board a self-exploration shuttle which takes you into the heart of downtown to learn, shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.
Day 8 – Red Wing, MN
Below the forested limestone bluffs of the upper Mississippi and along a narrow section of river channel, Red Wing snuggles among dozens of enchanting city parks. The town’s beauty has inspired artists, writers, and musicians for over 150 years, delivering a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities for your pleasure. Explore the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre, the home of famous Red Wing shoes, and the Pottery Museum, or ride up the bluff for a remarkable view. Visit the National Eagle Center to learn more about these incredible creatures with the added thrill of admiring them up close.
Day 9 – St Paul, MN
Disembark the ship, and depart for home.