Onboard the American Cruise Lines’ newest ship the Queen of the Mississippi you can enjoy your vacation on and off the ship as you float along the rivers, visiting towns rich with American history.
Your journey through the heart and soul of America starts in St. Louis, Missouri–the Gateway to the West. Then head up the Ohio River to the beautiful plains of Kentucky. Then back along the Mississippi River to cruise to your final destination of Memphis, Tennessee, the home of Elvis.
Map courtesy of American Cruise Lines
Mississippi River cruises from Memphis to St. Louis are on select days only. In 2014, you can go on the eight-day cruise June 28 and September 20. In 2015, there is only one sailing on July 11.
St. Louis, Missouri is best known for its Gateway Arch. You can take a ride up to the top of the arch in a small egg-shaped capsule and see a spectacular view of the city and Mississippi Valley from the observation deck.
This is also home of the original Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the historic stables of the famous Clydesdale horses–as seen on Superbowl Sunday. Make sure to include a Budweiser Brewery tour while in St. Louis.
Photo courtesy of Anheuser-Busch
The Museum of Westward Expansion is filled with exhibits and history recollecting the lives of the explorers, cowboys and Native Americans.
Chester, Illinois is “The City of Popeye.” There’s actually a Popeye and Friends Character Trail you can walk and see statues of all the characters from the popular cartoon. Trapshooting at World Shooting Recreational Complex
You’ll love this quaint town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was once a French trading post and St. Vincent’s Church stands as a reminder of the French influence.
Cape River Heritage Museum brings to life the history and heritage of Cape Girardeau and the Mississippi River including fire and police memorabilia and vintage clothing.
Photo courtesy of Cape River Heritage Museum
Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, retrace the footsteps of the Cherokees’ who were forced to leave their homes during one of the harshest winters to the west of the Mississippi.
Photo of Trail of Tears State Park courtesy of Missouri State Park
On your second day you’ll get to enjoy relaxing on your paddlewheeler boat all day as you cruise along the Mississippi River between Cape Girardeau and Paducah, Kentucky.
In Paducah, you’ll see over 50 historical murals throughout the city that tell the stories of the past. Hands on history buffs will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the River Heritage Museum. The National Quilt Museum “Quilt City” will interest the art enthusiast with their impressive quilt collection. You can also choose to participate in an American Cruise Lines’ exclusive Art Tour of Paducah’s local artists including a workshop.
Photo courtesy of National Quilt Museum
Columbus, Kentucky is full of civil war history. The Columbus-Belmont State Park & Museum is an antebellum building which was once a farmhouse—turned into a Confederate hospital during the early Civil War.
Photo courtesy of Columbus Belmont State Park Museum
Walk the 2.5 mile trail at the Trail of Tears National Heritage Site, and learn about the Cherokee Indians who lost many lives during the harsh winters when they were forced to go west of the Mississippi.
Photo courtesy of Trail of Tears National Heritage Site
Enjoy the day relaxing from your balcony or on top of the sun deck as your paddlewheeler cruises along the Ohio River. Look for wildlife and see how many species of birds you can find along the way.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Memphis. Learn a little history about the King of Rock and Roll at Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Car Museum.
Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
If you want to just enjoy the natural environment of Memphis, go to Shelby Farms where the buffalo still roam. You can also go horseback riding through the back country.
Photo courtesy of Shelby Farms
Want more information?
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent now to book your stateroom on an America Cruise Lines river cruise. We are here to answer any questions you may have about taking a cruise on a paddle wheeler. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com
You may be interested in our other blog about other Mississippi river cruises
See the historical South on a paddlewheeler boat on a Mississippi River cruise
From St. Louis to St. Paul—take a Mississippi River cruise through history on a paddlewheeler boat
Cruise the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers through America’s Heartland
Experience and explore history while cruising the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
See the best of the Mississippi River on a cruise from St. Louis to New Orleans
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