8-night Upper Mississippi River Cruise

Nestled neatly beneath towering limestone bluffs, the port of Alton, Illinois, offers easy access to St. Louis and area attractions, including the National Great Rivers Museum, which tells stories of the Mississippi River's rich history, the people that rely on the river, and its many ecosystems. Discover the area's extensive history at the excellent Missouri History Museum in the city's lovely Forest Park, the site of the legendary 1904 World's Fair. Or stand in awe at the Cathedral Basilica with its mosaic tile interior which rivals the cathedrals of Europe. Celebrate the United States western expansion and those who made it possible at the recently renovated Gateway Arch monument and the innovative and interactive underground museum.,

Located on the Mississippi River the city of Alton Illinois is full of history, and recreational opportunities. Here you'll find magnificent limestone bluffs, forested parks and wildlife areas, real river towns, ferries that ply the rivers, and friendly and gracious people.

At Pere Marquette State Park riders, walkers, and joggers will see prairie wildflowers along the trail as well as flowering trees during the spring. Brilliant reds, yellows and oranges compliment the scenery in the fall.

The Mississippi River is the third longest river system in the world - stretching approximately 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. To enable travel upstream from St. Louis, 29 locks and dams have been built between there and Minneapolis. The Mississippi River is the reason the Twin Cities St. Paul and Minneapolis exist. Used by Native Americans for trade, food, and water long before Europeans visited the “New World,” the Mississippi River and its watershed is a major contributor to the ecology, culture, politics and economy North America. Congress established Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988. The park’s boundaries enclose about 54,000 acres and 72 miles of river - a significant and representative stretch of the Mississippi. They contain the only gorge and waterfall on the main course of the entire 2,350 miles of river. From visitor centers to trails, from industrial centers to Mississippi River backwaters, this park has a bit of something for everyone.

Explore Hannibal, "America's Hometown", a mere block from the ship, where Mark Twain's home and museum illuminate the events that shaped his life and career. Elements of his childhood adventures were woven into classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Run your hand along Aunt Polly's fence, explore Injun Joe's Cave, and get reacquainted with one of the world's most beloved authors. Explore other nearby museums and the charming downtown Main Street with unique shops, art galleries, and tasty temptations.,

Walk a few steps from the ship to the impressive replica of Fort Madison. A historic U.S. Army fort built in 1808 to maintain control over the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, it was an important part of the western expansion. Today, Fort Madison offers visitors a vibrant cultural scene, bucolic landscapes, and an active agritourism industry that celebrates the American heartland. Visit a local farm to learn about cheese-making, explore a corn maze, and enjoy a wagon ride. Discover the town's many historic districts, where you can admire well-preserved Victorian and Neo-Renaissance architecture. Visit the area's museums, unique boutiques, antique shops, as well as the local breweries and wineries.,

Fort Madison is a town whose namesake is the Midwest's oldest military garrison on the upper Mississippi River, built in 1808. The fortification was built in part to ensure the protection of the Louisiana Purchase. Guests can visit the old fort, and enjoy a step back in time as they try out candle-making, baking bread, and firing Springfield muskets. The city also contains the Albright Betsy Ross House, where the the ghost of Betsy Ross supposedly haunts, or check out the Sante Fe Bridge built in 1888, which remains the world's longest double deck swing-span bridge. Fort Madison's historic district remains nicely preserved, and provides visitors with an authentic look into the city's past.

Davenport is your largest cruise port between St. Louis and St. Paul and one of the four "Quad Cities" that combine into a larger metro area. The first railroad to reach the Mississippi River connected Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois, across the river. The area features diverse attractions ranging from grand historic mansions lining the river, renowned museums, rich Native American history, and the largest agricultural exhibit in the world. Be enlightened by the region's history, culture, and environment at the Smithsonian-affiliated Putnam Museum and Science Center. Learn how American ingenuity powers the Midwest's ability to feed the nation at the expansive John Deere Pavilion as you amble through interactive exhibits of vintage and modern high-tech equipment that reveal the evolution of inventions that revolutionized American farming.,

A "Masterpiece on the Mississippi", Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River and continues today as a primary commercial, industrial, educational, and cultural center for this region. From the ship, it's a short walk to a cruise highlight at the incredible complex of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. View colorful Victorian mansions on a stroll through the quaint downtown area, take a ride on the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos. Visit one of the oldest catholic churches in the city and enjoy the lovely landscapes of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.,

Winona welcomes you with the perfect blend of modern development and old river town charm. From rolling fields of flowers to some of the most architecturally important buildings in Minnesota, enjoy a carefully crafted selection of excursions that lead you through the most intriguing sites Winona has to offer. Explore a variety of history and art museums and admire historic homes, while listening to captivating stories told by a local guide. Board a self-exploration shuttle which takes you into the heart of downtown to learn, shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.,

This small town is built upon an island in the middle of the Mississippi River, between scenic limestone bluffs and bejeweled with vintage, 19th century architecture and picturesque neighborhoods. Many opportunities for history and art lovers are here, as the town has a thriving arts community and numerous museums, galleries and festivals. Outdoor and further afield, Eagle watching awaits at the National Eagle Center, wine tasting at Seven Hawks Vineyard in nearby Fountain City, or hiking the Great River Bluffs park.

Below the forested limestone bluffs of the upper Mississippi and along a narrow section of a river channel, Red Wing snuggles among dozens of enchanting city parks. The town's beauty has inspired artists, writers, and musicians for over 150 years, delivering a diverse blend of arts, entertainment, and activities for your pleasure. Explore the historic Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts, the home of the famous Red Wing Shoes, and the Pottery Museum, or ride up the bluff for a remarkable view. Visit the National Eagle Center to learn more about these incredible creatures with the added thrill of admiring them up close.,

Enjoy easy access to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport or extend your stay to further explore this enchanting area. The Twin Cities offer world-class art galleries, museums, and live performances. St. Paul's Summit Avenue showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800s. The enormous Mall of America includes more than 500 stores and an indoor waterpark and theme park. View gorgeous panoramas of the city from Mounds Park and cherish the enchantment of Minnehaha Falls with its 53-foot cascade.,

St. Paul has historic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, shopping, and accommodations to fit every budget. The casinos bring Las Vegas thrill, and the rugged mountains cater to the outdoor enthusiast. St. Paul has attractions and activities for a family on vacation, someone visiting for business, or a couple searching for romance. Amusement parks, museums, historic sites, shopping, fine dinging, and educational attractions including: The Science Museum of Minnesota, Historic Lowertown and the Valleyfair Family Amusement Park are all within minutes from anywhere in St. Paul.