The mighty Mississippi River is near and dear to my heart. For several years in my young life I lived in Guttenberg, Iowa, a sleepy town north of Dubuque on the river’s edge. My grandparents lived in Muscatine, a few hours south, also on the Mississippi. I spent hours watching the famous Delta Queen cruise up and down the muddy river. My friends and I would stand on the edge of the river locks, waving at the friendly passengers, and they would reward us by throwing candy from their balconies. We dreamt about someday being one of those passengers, or sharing adventures on the river just like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer–how glamorous it would be!
Today, you can still see the upper Mississippi River on the American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi. Cruises from St. Louis to St. Paul (or vice versa) are available. You’ll pass through the great midwest states of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. See the early American river towns and the historical sites that prompted the westward expansion. You’ll see everything from wildlife in the form of birds and wild life in the form of motorcycles.
In 2014, this itinerary is available on July 5 & 12, August 2 & 9, September 27 and October 4. In 2015, sail August 1 & 8, September 26, and October 10 & 17.
Onboard the Queen, you’ll enjoy modern luxuries and spacious accommodations during your eight-day river cruise. So imagine you’re sitting on your private balcony enjoying your breakfast as we take a cruise up the Mississippi.
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.
St. Louis Gateway Arch observation area inside at the top.
Photo courtesy of National Park Service, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Take a tour and see the famous horse stables. The Museum of Westward Expansion is filled with exhibits and history recollecting the lives of the explorers, cowboys and Native Americans. 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
Next, you’re off to Hannibal, “America’s Hometown” and the town of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Visit Sawyer’s Creek where they serve dinner with an audience participation murder mystery to be solved. You’ll also want to visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. Rockcliffe Mansion,a historical home once located in the country, is now set in the center of town.
The featured image and this photo of the interior of Rockcliffe Mansion are courtesy of Rockcliffe Mansion
As your paddlewheeler makes its way between Hannibal and Davenport, you’ll have an entire day to enjoy cruising the beautiful Mississippi River.
Once you arrive in Davenport, Iowa you’ll enjoy this vibrant city with a hometown feel. You’ll have a chance to visit the John Deere Pavilion and Store and the John Hauberg Indian Museum in the Black Hawk State Historic Site. The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science is a lot of fun for fans of CSI where you participate in solving a murder.
Photo courtesy of Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science
The Putnam museum also has the largest mammal exhibit.
Photo courtesy of Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science
Dubuque, Iowa is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is filled with exhibits and historical stories of the region. You can also see the Mathias Ham House and the Old Jail Museum here, too.
Photo courtesy of the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
In La Crosse, Wisconsin visit the Myrick Hixon EcoPark, a center for education, entertainment, events and exploration. The park also serves as a trailhead to hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, running, skiing and snowshoeing trails.
Photo courtesy of Myrick Hixon EcoPark
Red Wing, Minnesota is an industrial town. Shop for shoes (you’ve heard of Red Wing shoes?), pottery, and linseed oil. The Red Wing Pottery Museum has a great selection of old dinnerware, plus they’re opening their new facility this summer to showcase over 5,000 pieces of Red Wing pottery, stoneware and dinnerware donated to the museum.
Photo courtesy of the Red Wing Pottery Museum
St. Paul is a great place just to walk along along historic Summit Avenue, lined with Victorian mansions built by lumber and railroad barons. The St. Paul Harley-Davidson shop has some great motorcycles to peak the interest of Harley fans.
Photo courtesy of the St. Paul Harley-Davidson Shop
The Indian Mounds Park sits on a high bluff above the city, offering spectacular, panoramic views of the river and downtown St Paul. It is also an important archaeological, historical, and spiritual site: the Native American burial mounds date back over 2,000 years.
Photo courtesy of the Indian Mounds Park
The Science Museum of Minnesota has a new Massospondylus to greet you at the door.
Photo courtesy of the Science Museum of Minnesota
American Association of Woodturners Gallery of Wood Art is a must-see for the wood crafter at heart. They have an unbelievable display of wood art crafted by the best woodturners.
Photo by Tib Shaw, American Association of Woodturners
The Grand Hand Gallery is another great stop if you’re looking for local artist inspired by the region.
Photo courtesy of the Grand Hand Gallery
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
Cruise the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers through America’s Heartland
Experience and explore history while cruising the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers
Cruise the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers between St. Louis and Memphis for a taste of Americana
See the best of the Mississippi River on a cruise from St. Louis to New Orleans
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 paddlewheeler. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com
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4 Comments
Can you tell me the price of the St Louis to St Paul river cruise?
Hi Jim! Thanks for the question. There are many factors that determine the price of your river cruise, like what kind of room you book, time of year, etc. So that we can give you a specific customized price, one of our cruise experts will be in touch to find out from you what exactly you are looking for. We’d love to help you cruise up the mighty Mississippi!
Can I ship me and my motorcycle on this trip? Never been on the water in anything. Living at 5,000 ft altitude in the desert of eastern NM doesn’t allow this activity.
Keith
Well, Keith, this is a first! We can look into taking your motorcycle with you – would you like one of our agents to contact you?