Calling All Midwesterners! Cruise Your Own Backyard on the Mighty Mississippi!
No reason to fly to Europe for the cruise of a lifetime when one of the world’s great rivers is right here at home! From St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana Ol’ Man River flows through the American heartland’s most historic towns and cities. This is the year to explore these cultural and historical treasures as the country celebrates its 250th birthday!
Cruises of the Upper Mississippi focus on immigrant and literary history and Lower Mississippi cruises place more emphasis on pre-Civil War plantation life, Civil War sites and culinary and musical highlights. You don’t have to choose, though – you can opt for a 14-22 day cruise that takes you all the way!
Upper Mississippi Highlights
- Hannibal, MO is the boyhood home of Mark Twain which boasts a Twain museum, historic Rockcliffe Mansion, the Mark Twain Cave and a night tour of a Twain haunted house. Lovers Leap Viewpoint and Riverview Park are popular with photographers and hikers and bikers.
- River towns like Dubuque, IA, Lacrosse, WI and Red Wing, MN offer historic small town atmosphere with typical 1800’s architecture and museums offering insight into the history of immigrants who populated and flourished in the area.
- St. Louis, MO’s Gateway Arch symbolizes the city’s importance as a “stepping off place” for adventurers moving westward. Forest Park’s impressive free zoo and Budweiser’s brewery tours are other attractions worthy of a visit.
Lower Mississippi Highlights
- Tour Darrow and St. Francisville, LA and Natchez, MS to find prime examples of opulent antebellum estates like Oak Alley Plantation, Houmas House and Rosalie Mansion and Gardens.
- The Battle of Vicksburg marks the turning point of the Civil War. The Military Park offers a glimpse into the strategies of generals and struggles of the soldiers for both the Union and Confederate armies. The Heritage Walking Trail takes you along five different routes to experience Vicksburg’s historical significance.
- Memphis, TN is the epitome of southern music culture, a place where blues, soul, and rock and roll have combined in music that is uniquely American. You’ll want to try some authentic Memphis-style barbecued ribs in this port too!
Choose American Cruise Lines to experience the river aboard an authentic paddlewheeler with nostalgic decor designed to evoke the romantic era of steamboat travel, while still enjoying all the modern amenities and luxury touches of large staterooms and beautifully designed themed public areas. ACL’s cruises have a heavy emphasis on guided shore excursions and onboard local historians, storytellers, and musicians.
Viking Cruise ships are larger, accommodate more passengers, and have a modern, Scandinavian design featuring large windows with panoramic views and amenities like a plunge pool and a large promenade deck. One shore excursion is included in each port and onboard enrichment activities (lectures, musical performances) give context to each port on the itinerary.
Most Midwesterners have picnicked, hiked or biked along the river, (and probably driven across its bridges) many times. Now’s your chance to experience the river’s awesome power and fascinating history from a different perspective. Call your Travel Leaders advisor for more information.
