America’s Great River

Board the ship and settle into your stateroom. St. Paul is located where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet. The city began as a small settlement in 1838 and later became the capital of Minnesota. Today, it is a modern city with many historic areas to explore. Take time to walk around Irvine Park, where houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s line the streets.

Start your day in Red Wing, a city recognized for its craftsmanship and history. Learn about Red Wing Shoes, a company that produced boots for soldiers during both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing signified his rank. Early settlers from New England arrived in the mid-1800s, followed by German, Irish, and Scandinavian immigrants skilled in trades such as tanning, shoemaking, and pottery. Visit Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the first commercial pottery business in the United States. Today, Red Wing is listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its well-preserved heritage.

Included Excursion:
Downtown Red Wing & the National Eagle Center
Get acquainted with Red Wing and learn about America’s national symbol at the National Eagle Center.

Optional Excursions:
Red Wing Pottery Experience at the Pottery Museum
Learn about the city’s famed stoneware industry at the Pottery Museum and enjoy a hands-on lesson.

Maiden Rock Apple Cidery Tour and Tasting
See how cider is produced and learn about Midwestern agriculture at a small artisanal orchard.

Historic Red Wing
Explore the history of Red Wing at the Pottery Museum and the Goodhue County History Center.

La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or “Norwegian Valley.” Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum.

Included Excursions:
La Crosse by Foot
Discover the history of La Crosse during an informative stroll with visits to important downtown businesses.

River Town Discovery
See the best of La Crosse—from top to bottom—on this tour that blends scenic views with historic landmarks.

Optional Excursions:
Vesterheim Museum & Scenic Decorah
Relive Norwegian immigrant life at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.

Vesterheim Museum & Kroting Class
Explore Norwegian immigration in America at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.

Vesterheim Museum & Sølje Earring Class
Relive Norwegian immigrant life at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.

Dahl Auto Museum Experience
Cruise the streets of La Crosse in a classic car, then explore an iconic automobile museum.

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Experience the spiritual and the serene during a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mysteries of the Ancient Mound Builders
Gain insight into three major North American Indigenous cultures during a visit to various ancient mounds.

One of Iowa’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city’s growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.

Included Excursion:
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Explore the culture and wildlife along the Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Optional Excursions:
Galena on Your Own
Experience the charm of small town America along a quaint Midwestern mainstreet.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Guided Immersion
Delve deeper into the impact of the Mississippi on America’s cultural, economic, natural and conservation history.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin
Explore the home and landscape that most completely embody Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture.

Stonefield Historic Site: Rural Wisconsin Farm Life
Get a glimpse into traditional Midwestern farm life at the Stonefield Historic Site in rural Wisconsin.

Art in Dubuque
Discover the artistic and architectural treasures of Dubuque on an enriching tour.

Field of Dreams: An American Story
Tour the real-life Field of Dreams and a historic local brewery.

Beekeeping in Dubuque
Gain insight into the lives of bees during a visit to the Convivium Urban Farmstead.
 

Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America’s Breadbasket”—the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.

Included Excursions:
John Deere Pavilion & the John Deere Homes
See the Deere family homes and discover the inventions that changed American farming at the John Deere Pavilion.

Optional Excursions:
Putnam Museum
Get a private, insider’s view of Davenport’s premier natural history and science museum, the Putnam.

Iowa Farm Visit
Visit Cinnamon Ridge, a family-run Midwestern farm, and discover what it takes to put food on America’s table.

Figge Art Museum
Celebrate the Midwest’s visual arts with a guided tour of the region’s premier museum.

Quad Cities by Bicycle
Discover the Mississippi River by bicycle during a guided tour along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Rock Island Arsenal
Delve into the history and modern operations of key US Army installation at the Rock Island Arsenal.

The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul’s Church.

Included Excursion:
Historic Burlington
Experience small-town American life with a guided tour of this charming city.

Art Around Burlington
Celebrate creativity, admire local artistry and try your hand at a painting project.

Historic Nauvoo
Learn the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) at this important early settlement.

Hinterland Dairy & Harvestville Farm
See how small-town farms can grow into a year-round industry by reaping the benefits of sustainable farming.

Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.

Included Excursion:
The World of Mark Twain
See the town where Mark Twain grew up and where he drew inspiration for his most famous novels.

Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
Tour Hannibal’s first African American History Museum and see the town where Mark Twain grew up.

Belvedere School for Historic Preservation
Explore a renovated historic brick mansion with owner, preservationist and PBS host Bob Yapp.

History & Heritage of a Mississippi Rivertown
Discover the intertwined histories of Hannibal and Palmyra, as well as their connection to the Civil War.

The World of Mark Twain: Behind-the-Scenes
Delve into the life of renowned author Mark Twain, including a Privileged Access visit to his namesake museum.

During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.

Included Excursion:
St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West”
Discover the “Gateway City,” a bit of historic Americana that is also a colorful immigrant hub and cultural jewel.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Visit the famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery, whose grounds include three National Historic Landmarks.

Missouri Botanical Garden
Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty during a self-guided walk through the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Forest Park & History Museum
Take a guided driving tour of Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in the U.S.

Teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and a breathtaking array of picturesque landscapes—including deep-green forests, lush wetlands and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—the Lower Mississippi abounds with natural beauty. This portion of America’s great waterway is also rich in history and culture, as reflected in the classic literature and music that have drawn inspiration from it.

Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Included Excursion:
Panoramic Memphis
Visit the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and witness some of the city’s historic music-related landmarks.

Elvis Presley's Graceland
Make a rock ’n’ roll pilgrimage to Graceland, the legendary, memorabilia-filled home of Elvis Presley.

National Civil Rights Museum & Mason Temple
Discover where some of the most seminal moments of 20th-century civil rights history occurred in Memphis.

Memphis by Foot
Roam the storied streets of Memphis during a guided tour highlighting the city’s history and musical heritage.

National Civil Rights Museum
Explore the National Civil Rights Museum, a rich repository of American civil rights history.
 

Greenville is Mississippi’s largest river port, set atop the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. Its rural setting belies a diverse artistic heritage. The Muppets creator Jim Henson was born here, and the city has been home to numerous authors, including noted historian Shelby Foote. Greenville is also steeped in the blues; famed songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after seeing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a nearby dancehall and neighboring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King.

Included Excursion:
Steve Azar’s Mississippi
Delve into the rich character of the Delta through songs, stories and cuisine during this Privileged Access event.

B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center
Learn about the life and times of iconic blues legend B.B. King at his namesake museum.

Mississippi Agricultural Center
Gain insight into ongoing agricultural research in the Mississippi Delta during this Privileged Access excursion.

Located on a high bluff where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, Vicksburg is the epitome of Southern heritage and charm. It was incorporated in 1825 and, with its prime locale on the Mississippi, grew into an important port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the battle site’s rolling green fields and grand monuments.

Included Excursion:
Vicksburg National Military Park
Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union.

Vicksburg by Foot
Enjoy Privileged Access to several historic sites during a guided walking tour of downtown Vicksburg.

Poverty Point
Explore the home of Indigenous Americans during a guided tour of Poverty Point—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vicksburg’s Historic Neighborhoods
Stroll the charming streets of historic Vicksburg and explore the city’s stately homes.

Natchez has one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country. More than 200 perfectly preserved homes line its avenues. It is the oldest city on the Mississippi, established in 1716 by French colonists and named for the Natchez tribe who once called it home. With its ideal locale, the city became a crossroads among Native American and European cultures. Famously, Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, the overland route to Nashville that allowed traders to bypass the strong upriver currents. Today, it evokes small-town America.

Included Excursion:
The Best of Natchez
Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that visits the city’s top sights.

Frogmore Plantation & Longwood Estate
Uncover the history of two historic Southern homes while exploring their well-preserved grounds.

Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House & Concert
Enjoy classical music and Southern cuisine at two historic homes in Natchez.

Soul Food & Music
Savor a meal of Southern-inspired soul food and enjoy an inspiring Privileged Access a cappella gospel performance.

Natchez Architecture & Design
Discover Natchez’s enduring architectural legacy during a panoramic drive and visit to Choctaw Hall.

Baton Rouge paints a historic picture on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Its early success was due to its flood-free location upon the first natural bluff north of The Delta. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, named the city after a red-hued pole that marked the area’s tribal hunting grounds. Its cultural diversity—from its Cajun and Creole music and cuisine to its art offerings—reflects the influences of those who settled and lived here throughout Baton Rouge's history. The city boasts the tallest capitol building in the United States.

Included Excursion:
Panoramic Baton Rouge
See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum.

Coastal Protection & Restoration Center at LSU
Experience the wonders of river and coastal dynamics at the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies.

Baton Rouge by Foot
Discover the history of Baton Rouge during a guided walk through the city’s downtown district.

Cajun Heritage
Gain insights into Cajun culture with Privileged Access to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.

Atchafalaya Basin Swamp by Airboat
Sail through the Atchafalaya Swamp by airboat in search of wildlife and native flora.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.