The Upper Mississippi River, often referred to as the “Father of Waters,” is one of the most iconic waterways in the United States, winding its way through the heart of the Midwest. Stretching approximately 1,200 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the confluence with the Ohio River in Illinois, this majestic river offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a sought-after destination for river cruises.
The Upper Mississippi River is renowned for its stunning landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque bluffs that rise dramatically along the riverbanks. The region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The river’s meandering course creates a peaceful ambiance, perfect for leisurely cruising. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and tranquil mornings, all while being surrounded by the serene waters and charming small towns that dot the river’s edge.
Why Choose an Upper Mississippi River Cruise?
Choosing a cruise along the Upper Mississippi is more than just a trip—it’s a journey through America’s heartland. Unlike the Lower Mississippi, which features larger cities like New Orleans and Memphis, the Upper Mississippi is known for its tranquil river towns, breathtaking natural beauty, and fascinating history. These cruises allow you to:
Reconnect with Nature: The Upper Mississippi River boasts stunning vistas of lush forests, rolling hills, and wildlife sanctuaries. It’s a great place for birdwatching, especially for spotting bald eagles.
Explore American History: This region played a pivotal role in America’s development. From the early days of European settlers to the era of steamboats, a cruise along the Upper Mississippi is like stepping back in time.
Experience Small-Town Charm: Stops in quaint towns like Hannibal, La Crosse, and Dubuque provide a taste of authentic Midwestern hospitality. These towns are often rich in local history, food, and culture, giving travelers a unique and immersive experience.
Relax in Comfort: River cruises tend to be more laid-back than ocean cruises. They focus more on relaxation and enrichment, making them ideal for travelers who want to unwind while still learning about the areas they visit.
When to Take an Upper Mississippi River Cruise?
The best time to cruise the Upper Mississippi is typically between late spring and early fall (May through October). The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant, particularly during autumn when the fall foliage along the river is breathtaking. Peak season generally falls in the summer months, but the mild temperatures in spring and fall can provide a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
Best Upper Mississippi River Cruises:
1. American Cruise Lines – Upper Mississippi River Cruise
The American Cruise Lines Upper Mississippi River Cruise offers a stunning journey along one of the most iconic rivers in the United States. With a focus on comfort, historic insights, and breathtaking scenery, this cruise is perfect for those looking to explore the heart of America while enjoying the luxury and personalized service that American Cruise Lines is known for.
Duration:
The Upper Mississippi River Cruise typically lasts 8 days. This provides ample time to immerse yourself in the history and scenery of the river, while still offering a relaxed pace that allows you to fully enjoy the experience.
Starting Price:
Prices for the Upper Mississippi River Cruise start at around $4,385 per person, depending on the season and cabin choice. The price includes meals, daily excursions, and on-board entertainment, ensuring you get great value for the experience.
Itinerary:
This cruise usually sails between St. Louis, Missouri and St. Paul, Minnesota, covering a stretch of the Mississippi River that is rich in history and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll stop at several picturesque towns and cities, each offering its own unique charm and historical significance.
Highlights:
Luxurious Staterooms: Spacious cabins with private balconies offer stunning views of the river as you cruise through America’s heartland.
Daily Shore Excursions: Enjoy guided tours of historical landmarks, museums, and natural sites along the river.
On-Board Entertainment: There’s plenty to do on the ship itself, from live music and lectures to cocktail hours and social events.
Mark Twain Connections: This cruise is perfect for literature lovers, as many stops along the way have ties to the life and works of Mark Twain.
2. American Queen Voyages – America’s Heartland
For those looking to explore the rich culture and history of the Mississippi River with a touch of classic Southern hospitality, the American Queen Voyages – America’s Heartland cruise is an ideal choice. Known for its elegant paddlewheel steamboats and immersive experiences, this cruise offers a nostalgic yet luxurious journey through the heart of America.
Duration:
The America’s Heartland cruise typically spans 9 days, offering a full week of exploration and relaxation. With its slower pace, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the river’s beauty and learn about the history and culture of the regions you visit.
Starting Price:
Prices for the America’s Heartland cruise start at around $3,699 per person, depending on your cabin selection and the time of year. The price includes meals, shore excursions, and entertainment, ensuring a well-rounded experience from start to finish.
Itinerary:
This cruise takes you from St. Louis, Missouri to Red Wing, Minnesota, allowing you to experience the changing landscapes and historic towns along the Upper Mississippi River. Each stop offers its own unique flavor of Midwestern culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore local history, architecture, and nature.
Highlights:
Classic Steamboat Experience: Travel aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat, offering a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of river cruising.
Rich Cultural Excursions: Each stop offers unique shore excursions, ranging from historical tours to local craft demonstrations and riverfront parks.
Elegant Dining: Enjoy gourmet meals in the ship’s elegant dining room, with menus that often incorporate regional flavors and ingredients.
On-Board Enrichment: Themed lectures, live performances, and guest speakers provide a deeper understanding of the river’s history and the communities along its banks.
Related: The 9 best Mississippi River cruises for seniors
3. Upper Mississippi Explorer – USA River Cruises
The Upper Mississippi Explorer cruise offered by USA River Cruises takes travelers on a journey through the heart of America. This cruise emphasizes the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Upper Mississippi, from its charming river towns to its lush landscapes. Traveling aboard a modern riverboat, guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to explore unique destinations along the way.
Duration:
This cruise spans 8 days, giving you plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the Mississippi and enjoy guided tours of historic towns and landmarks. The cruise offers a nice balance between time on the river and shore excursions, ensuring you get the most out of both experiences.
Starting Price:
Prices for the Upper Mississippi Explorer start at around $2,999 per person, depending on the season and cabin choice. The cost includes meals, shore excursions, and on-board entertainment, making it a great value for those seeking an all-inclusive travel experience.
Itinerary:
The Upper Mississippi Explorer typically sails between St. Louis, Missouri, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, offering travelers a chance to explore some of the most historic and picturesque towns along the river. Each stop provides a unique glimpse into America’s past, from Native American history to the days of steamboats and early settlers.
Highlights:
Scenic Views of the Mississippi River: As you sail along the river, you’ll pass through beautiful landscapes that include forested bluffs, rolling hills, and charming riverside towns.
Local Expertise: On-board historians and naturalists provide insightful commentary about the history and ecology of the river, enriching your experience with knowledge about the places you visit.
Shore Excursions: Each stop along the way offers guided tours of historic homes, museums, and landmarks, giving you a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the towns you visit.
Modern Riverboat Amenities: The riverboat features comfortable staterooms, a casual dining experience with regional cuisine, and plenty of spaces to relax and take in the river views.
4. Music Cities Cruise – American Cruise Lines
For music lovers and history buffs alike, the Music Cities Cruise by American Cruise Lines offers a unique experience that sails between two of America’s most iconic music cities: Memphis and Nashville. This cruise not only takes you through the scenic Upper Mississippi River but also immerses you in the rich musical heritage of the South. From the birthplace of blues in Memphis to the country music capital of the world in Nashville, this journey is filled with live performances, historic landmarks, and plenty of Southern charm.
Duration:
The Music Cities Cruise is an 8-day voyage, offering ample time to explore both the musical landmarks and the peaceful beauty of the Mississippi River. With a mix of river cruising and fascinating shore excursions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dive deep into the musical and cultural history of the region.
Starting Price:
The starting price for the Music Cities Cruise is approximately $4,385 per person, depending on the season and cabin selection. This all-inclusive price covers meals, entertainment, daily shore excursions, and more, ensuring a memorable journey without hidden costs.
Itinerary:
The cruise begins in Memphis, Tennessee, and ends in Nashville, or vice versa depending on your departure date. Along the way, you’ll visit key towns and cities that have played significant roles in the development of American music and culture.
Highlights:
Live Music Onboard: The cruise features nightly performances by talented musicians, with genres ranging from blues and country to jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Iconic Music Landmarks: From Elvis Presley’s Graceland to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, this cruise offers access to some of the most important landmarks in American music history.
Historical Shore Excursions: Enjoy guided tours of historic sites in each city, giving you a deeper understanding of the cultural and musical significance of the towns along the way.
Intimate Cruise Experience: American Cruise Lines is known for its small ship cruising, allowing for a more personal and relaxed experience with fewer passengers, personalized service, and spacious accommodations.
5. Mississippi Delta Explorer – American Queen Voyages
For travelers interested in exploring the historic and cultural roots of the Mississippi Delta, the Mississippi Delta Explorer cruise by American Queen Voyages offers an unforgettable journey. This cruise takes you through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, a region known for its contributions to blues music and its pivotal role in American history. You’ll travel aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat, making this cruise not only a journey through history but a nostalgic experience that recalls the golden age of riverboat travel.
Duration:
The Mississippi Delta Explorer cruise lasts 9 days, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the towns along the Mississippi River. With a blend of on-board entertainment and in-depth shore excursions, you’ll experience the best the Delta has to offer.
Starting Price:
Prices for the Mississippi Delta Explorer cruise start at around $3,699 per person, depending on your cabin choice and the season. This price includes all meals, shore excursions, entertainment, and transportation to and from excursion sites.
Itinerary:
This cruise typically sails between Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana, offering a journey through the lower portion of the Mississippi River, where the Delta’s deep-rooted history and culture come alive.
Highlights:
Authentic Paddlewheel Experience: Travel in style aboard a classic paddlewheel steamboat, complete with Victorian-style decor and modern amenities. The experience offers a nostalgic nod to the river’s history while providing all the comforts of modern cruising.
Cultural Immersion: Each stop along the way offers a chance to learn about the unique culture of the Mississippi Delta, from its deep connections to the blues to its role in the Civil War and the cotton trade.
On-Board Enrichment: The cruise features lectures and performances that provide insight into the history, music, and culture of the Delta region. Whether you’re listening to a talk on the Civil War or enjoying a live blues performance, there’s always something to engage your interest.
Luxurious Accommodations: American Queen Voyages is known for its opulent, historically themed accommodations. From the grand dining room to your private stateroom, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time—without sacrificing comfort.