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Top Mississippi River Attractions
Embark on a journey of discovery along the iconic Mississippi River with our diverse range of tours. From scenic cruises to historical explorations and cultural immersions, our tours offer a myriad of experiences that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of this legendary waterway.
- Cruising down the Mississippi in an old-fashioned paddle wheeler, reliving the days of Mark Twain
- Reveling in musical history and watching live performances in Memphis, Tennessee
- Savoring the seafood and architecture of the French Quarter in New Orleans
- Riding to the top of the Gateway Arch for a bird's eye view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River
- Visiting former cotton plantations in Mississippi and Louisiana and gaining a new understanding of the true horrors of slavery
- Getting a sense of the American heartland as you cruise past farms and small towns of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin
- Enjoying the modern metropolis of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, the typical embarkation or disembarkation point for upper Mississippi cruises
- Exploring the vibrant riverfront scene of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with its lively markets and historic sites
- Take a scenic hike along the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, for breathtaking views of the waterway
- Experiencing the charm of small river towns like Red Wing, Minnesota, known for its picturesque scenery and quaint shops
- Delving into Native American history at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near St. Louis, Missouri
- Participating in wildlife spotting excursions to catch glimpses of bald eagles, otters, and other fascinating creatures that call the Mississippi River home
Mississippi River Tours & Travel Guide
Mississippi River Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The Mississippi flows more than 2,300 miles through America's heartland and passes through ten states from northern Minnesota to Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River connects cities as varied as New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis and has served as the economic lifeline for all of them.
Mississippi River Tours offer a chance to explore the mighty waterway in a relaxing environment — perhaps even on an authentic paddle-wheeler. The most popular segment is in southern Mississippi, between New Orleans and Memphis.
Parts of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River ranks as America's most iconic waterway, celebrated by author Mark Twain in the mid-19th century, and continues to play a crucial role in American commerce.
The 2,350-mile-long Mississippi is the third longest river in North America, effectively dividing the United States into two regions.
"East of the Mississippi" generally denotes older America, with a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War, while "West of the Mississippi" connotes a younger, more frontier-minded America.
Of course, these are broad generalizations, but almost every American is familiar with the terms. The Mississippi is one of the touchstones of American geography. Exploring it is like exploring the heart of America itself. Once you take a voyage on the "Big Muddy," you'll never think of the Mississippi region as just a "flyover country" only.
From New Orleans to Memphis — the Lower Mississippi
The lower Mississippi offers a wealth of regional music, cuisine, history, and architecture. It's a fascinating region that is coming to terms with its past and looking to the future. You'll encounter impressive sights and activities in Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; and some small towns along the way.
The lower Mississippi technically starts from Cairo, Illinois.
In pre-civil war days, when cotton was king, two-thirds of all American millionaires lived between New Orleans and Natchez. That all ended abruptly with the war and the abolition of slavery — the scourge that had enabled the wealthy plantations to thrive.
French-accented New Orleans, with its iconic French Quarter and party-central Bourbon Street, is the place to down donut-like beignets for breakfast, eat fried oysters in a modest seafood shack, dine royally on the finest cuisine in one of the city's world-famous restaurants, or, of course, have a drink or two, perhaps at a local jazz club such as Preservation Hall.
Memphis is another musical mecca. You can tour Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived; Sun Studio, where Elvis made his name; the Stax Museum, which tells the history of one of the great rhythm and blues studios; and of course, Beale Street, with its parade of blues clubs.
Begin your perfect evening with ribs at The Rendezvous or drinks atop the Madison Hotel, complete with panoramic views.
From St. Louis to Minneapolis — the Upper Mississippi
Cruising the upper Mississippi is a very different experience — the land of cotton gives way to the land of corn, and blues and jazz make way for the traditions of descendants of German immigrants in Iowa and Wisconsin.
St. Louis: Embarkations for upper Mississippi cruises usually begin in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the river's major cities and home to one of the country's best zoos.
The swooping 530-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which sits on the west bank of the Mississippi and has become the symbol of St Louis, offers incredible views of the Mississippi and the entire area. You can ride to the top via tram or elevator, as some one million visitors do annually. Museums dedicated to westward expansion are at the foot of the steel arch.
- Hannibal: Mark Twain — the pen name for author Samuel Clemens and the most famous chronicler of the Mississippi River — hailed from Hannibal, Missouri, which lies north of St. Louis along the river.
- Hannibal, Mark Twain's Boyhood Home, is an obligatory stop for any upper Mississippi River cruise. It's where Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn fans can enjoy a literary pilgrimage to the town where Twain found most of the inspiration for his best-known fictional characters.
- Clinton and Dubuque:Farther north, Clinton and Dubuque, Iowa, are paragons of Midwestern America. Clinton, a former lumber town, is now an agricultural capital, while Dubuque, one of the earliest settlements west of the Mississippi, is known for its historic homes.
- LaCrosse:In LaCrosse, Wisconsin, farther north, you can still sample the local breweries, which replaced the lumber industry as one of the city's primary economic engines.
Upper Mississippi River tours end in the Minneapolis area, perhaps at the historic town of Red Wing, south of Saint Paul. Formerly a center for commercial shipping along the river, Red Wing is now known for its artisans and historic homes. Minneapolis-St. Paul is one of America's most livable metropolitan areas, with many museums, restaurants, and other amenities.
The Best Time to Cruise the Mississippi
The Mississippi flows more than 2,300 miles through America's heartland and passes through ten states from northern Minnesota to Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River connects cities as varied as New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis and has served as the economic lifeline for all of them.
Mississippi River Tours offer a chance to explore the mighty waterway in a relaxing environment — perhaps even on an authentic paddle-wheeler. The most popular segment is in southern Mississippi, between New Orleans and Memphis.
Upper Mississippi River Tours
If you cruise the Upper Mississippi during the summer, you can avoid the tourist crowds.
As you move further north along the Mississippi, you will enter the American Midwest's eastern edge. This region is rarely on tour itineraries, and very few Americans vacation here. So, even during the busiest times, you won't face tourist crowds and enjoy quite an authentic feel for small-town America.
However, summers are incredibly hot — if you're not used to hot and humid weather, be prepared for some uncomfortable days. You can help combat the weather by dressing appropriately and drinking much water.
Upper Mississippi River tours are only available between June and October when the water level is low enough to accommodate cruise vessels.
Upper Mississippi River Tours
The Lower Mississippi is open for several more months than the Upper Mississippi, which is good if you like off-season travel to avoid crowds. Cruises through the Lower Mississippi visit some of the most popular US cities: Memphis, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge.
Domestic and international tourists alike will experience peak tourist crowds during the summertime.
Food Along the Mississippi River
Savor the rich flavors of southern cuisine as you journey along the majestic Mississippi River. From classic Creole dishes to mouthwatering BBQ, each stop along the river offers a unique culinary experience. Indulge in these must-try foods during your Mississippi River adventure:
- Crawfish: Dive into a Louisiana tradition with a plate of crawfish, a local delicacy known for its bold flavor and hearty texture. It is often enjoyed during festive gatherings and crawfish boils in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
- Beignets:Treat yourself to the iconic beignet, a French-inspired pastry popularized in the lively French Quarter of New Orleans. Floppy pillows of dough are fried to golden perfection and generously dusted with powdered sugar.
- Gumbo: Experience the soulful flavors of Louisiana with a bowl of gumbo, a hearty stew featuring a medley of seafood, meats, and aromatic spices crafted with care in the kitchens of New Orleans' renowned Creole restaurants.
- Southern BBQ:Head to Memphis, the barbecue capital of the world, to indulge in the smoky goodness of authentic southern BBQ, where pitmasters slow-cook tender cuts of pork and beef over hickory wood, creating mouthwatering dishes that showcase the city's culinary prowess.
Music on the Mississippi River Tours
A cruise along the Mississippi River is a great experience for music lovers. Travelers will get to witness many types of music, from honky tonk to jazz. The culture in these areas can be heard through the air, immersing travelers as they explore each destination. Below are some of the most iconic types of music you will encounter on a Mississippi River cruise.
- Honky Tonk:This type of music is all about the rhythm section that accompanies the main instruments of a fiddle and steel guitar. Honky tonk is seen as a type of country music and evolved from a rhythmic piano playing style.
- Bluegrass: Influenced by jazz and English, Scottish, and Irish ballads, Bluegrass features acoustic string instruments. It's a type of music that enjoys the feeling of the offbeat. Much like jazz, the different instruments take turns having a solo with the others accompanying them.
- Jazz:This type of music originated in New Orleans. It is all about swing and blues notes, as well as call-and-response vocals. This type of music has spread worldwide and is one of the most popular forms of musical expression.
- Elvis:While not a type of music in its own right, Elvis's music is something travelers will find a lot of while on a Mississippi River cruise. Elvis was born in Mississippi before moving to Memphis, Tennessee. Due to his origins, Elvis's music is still prominent in these areas.
Things To Do on a Mississippi River Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Mississippi River, where many captivating activities await. From exploring historic landmarks to immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, there's something for every traveler to enjoy on this iconic waterway.
- Explore Historic Plantations: Step back in time as you visit historic plantations along the riverbanks of Louisiana. Wander through majestic oak alleys, tour grand antebellum mansions, and gain insight into the region's complex history of slavery and agriculture.
- Attend Live Music Performances:Experience the soulful rhythms of the South with live music performances in Memphis, Tennessee. From blues and rock 'n' roll to jazz and country, immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Beale Street and discover why Memphis is known as the birthplace of the blues.
- Take Guided City Tours:Discover the eclectic charm of New Orleans with guided city tours that showcase the city's unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, and delve into the city's Creole heritage and culinary delights.
- Enjoy Scenic River Cruises:Relax and unwind aboard a scenic river cruise to soak in panoramic views of the Mississippi River's picturesque landscapes. From leisurely daytime cruises to romantic sunset excursions, experience the beauty of the river firsthand while learning about its significance and natural wonders from knowledgeable guides.
- Explore Historic Plantations:Step back in time as you visit historic plantations along the riverbanks of Louisiana. Wander through majestic oak alleys, tour grand antebellum mansions, and gain insight into the region's complex history of slavery and agriculture.
- Attend Live Music Performances: Experience the soulful rhythms of the South with live music performances in Memphis, Tennessee. From blues and rock 'n' roll to jazz and country, immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Beale Street and discover why Memphis is known as the birthplace of the blues.
- Take Guided City Tours:Discover the eclectic charm of New Orleans with guided city tours that showcase the city's unique architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, and delve into the city's Creole heritage and culinary delights.
- Enjoy Scenic River Cruises:Relax and unwind aboard a scenic river cruise to soak in panoramic views of the Mississippi River's picturesque landscapes. From leisurely daytime cruises to romantic sunset excursions, experience the beauty of the river firsthand while learning about its significance and natural wonders from knowledgeable guides.
- Go Fishing:Cast your line into the tranquil waters of the Mississippi River and indulge in a relaxing fishing excursion. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the river offers abundant opportunities to reel freshwater fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
- Participate in Water Sports:Dive into the refreshing waters of the Mississippi River and engage in thrilling water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the river's currents and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water with family and friends.
- Birdwatching: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River Delta and indulge in bird watching along its scenic shores. As you explore the river's pristine wetlands and marshes, spot a diverse array of avian species, including bald eagles, herons, egrets, and migratory birds.
Experience the wonders of the Mississippi River and create lasting memories as you embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and natural splendor.
Who Will Enjoy A Cruise Through the Mississippi River?
Mississippi River cruises offer something for everyone, making them an ideal choice for many travelers. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, a Mississippi River cruise promises an unforgettable journey for all who embark on its waters.
History buffs will delight in exploring the river's storied past, from antebellum plantations to Civil War battlefields. Diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes along the riverbanks will welcome nature enthusiasts.
New Orleans is a heaven for foodies who will savor the regional cuisine and culinary delights while music lovers can immerse themselves in the vibrant music scene of Memphis.
Mississippi River Reviews
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Vic
May 2023
Verified Authentic
This review is by a verified traveler who went on a trip with this operator and wrote the review on Travelstride
Everything was 5 star!
Our room rivaled those my wife and I have enjoyed in many an upscale hotel. The food and table settings were both five-star. The lengthy list of available activit...
This was a 7 day round trip from New Orleans and back.
This was a fabulous trip. The American Symphony is a new ship, beautiful. The sta...
Had the best time on the MIssissippi River Cruise on American Cruiseline Splendor
We just got off the ship American Cruiseline's Spendor. Waiting at the airport now and cannot wait to write a review. We had so much fun. First of all the crew, d...
Thanksgiving Travel
We wanted a nice relaxing cruise for the holiday, someplace where the temps were moderate for that time of year and somewhere in the US. We chose the American Crui...
Great trip from Memphis to New Orleans
In March 2022 My husband and I took a wonderful Cruise on American CruiseLine. The trip was on the American Heritage, and we traveled down the Mississippi River from...
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