Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. The city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land before today, or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.


Premium Shore Excursions

Pre-Cruise Twin Cities Tour
Discover the rich history of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul. From the comfort of the river coach, we will weave our way through the downtown skyscrapers of Minneapolis and the historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul as our local guide introduces us to the vibrant culture, architecture and history for which the cities are known. We will explore the beauty of the region with a stop at the picturesque Minnehaha Falls, as well as experience an impressive view of the Mississippi River from the observation deck at the Guthrie Theater. See the Minneapolis Stone Arch bridge and St. Anthony Falls from one of the best vantage points in town.

Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Explore Dubuque, the roots from which Iowa sprouted. It’s brimming with opportunities for river travelers to experience an All-America City. Check off your outdoor bucket list in the perfect nature getaway for any adventure, and explore historic districts peppered with preserved history. From the architectural delight of Tiffany-designed windows in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to the exhibits of the Dubuque Museum of Art, this city captures artistry. Victorian meets bohemian in this ever-growing Mississippi River gem that’s sure to leave dazzling memories. 


Included Shore Excursions

Dubuque Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Located on the Mississippi River where Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin meet, Dubuque is an extremely popular tourist destination featuring riverfront amenities, numerous attractions and events, breathtaking natural scenery, and unique architecture. From America’s River Project in the Port of Dubuque that transformed the city’s riverfront, to the revitalization of its historic Main Street, to the ongoing evolution of the Historic Millwork District downtown, Dubuque is truly a vibrant community. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has named Dubuque the “Most Livable Small City” in the country and the National Civic League has named Dubuque an All-America City four times since 2007! Visitors will enjoy exploring this beautiful and unique city as they uncover its history and current offerings


Premium Shore Excursions

Grant in Galena: Exploring the Home of Ulysses S. Grant
Nestled in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois, Galena enchants visitors with incredible historic sites and attractions, wonderful specialty shops, and unlimited dining options. At the home of General Ulysses S. Grant, admire the fully restored home in its authentic 1868 glory as you see original Grant family furnishings and memorabilia. Then explore the U.S. Grant Museum at your leisure and take a short walk to Main Street Galena for shopping when you’re done!

 

This lovely town just above the confluence of the Wisconsin River is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River – established by the French in the late 17th century. Rich in history, the area is the origin of fascinating frontier stories, including those of the Siege of Prairie du Chien, the War of 1812, and the Black Hawk War. 


Included Shore Excursions

Prairie du Chien Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Prairie du Chien has been a traditional gathering place for centuries. The native people of the area met on the prairie in friendship to exchange goods. In the late 17th century, French fur traders used the prairie as a site of spring and fall rendezvous. It was during these years that the land received its name, which translates as "Prairie of the Dog" in French. When the British took over the fur trade, Prairie du Chien became of greater importance, for whoever controlled the prairie, controlled the entire Upper Mississippi watershed. After years of fighting for control of this land, the British eventually left the fort, leaving the residents of Prairie du Chien and the Native Americans. Discover the rich history lining the streets of this river town as you explore all the treasures that Prairie du Chien has to offer!


Premium Shore Excursions

Pearls of Mississippi
Uncover a lost culture as Captain Bob recounts the narratives of commercial clamming in the region aboard the Maiden Voyage, a fully covered pontoon boat. He paints a vivid picture, allowing you to envision an era when the Upper Mississippi River was compared to California's Gold Rush. Locals referred to it as the "Pearl Rush," and the fever washed throughout the waters as thousands frantically searched for their portion of the treasure, the Mississippi freshwater pearl. Discover these river tales and learn how the era began and what unfortunate events led to its abrupt end.

 

This river town has a long-standing romance with the steamboat era, and as our paddle wheeler kisses its port, guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park. Within its depths, La Crosse harbors a vibrant community; the cultural exchange among it and its six sister cities showcase a deep appreciation for enrichment through diversity. Influences from far-off destinations such as Bantry, Ireland, and Bavaria, Germany, woven into the history and charm of this scenic port, will certainly stir a traveler’s soul. 


Included Shore Excursions

La Crosse Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Filled with statues, inspiring architecture, and an exquisite view of the river, La Crosse is an artist’s dream. Named by explorer Zebulon Pike who saw a group of people playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross, La Crosse is now a delightful tourist stop. Like much of Wisconsin, La Crosse became heavily involved with the lumber industry in the mid-1800s, until the decline of the forests throughout much of the state took its toll. But in the wake of the vanishing lumber era, La Crosse became a city renowned for its beer making, with around five breweries operating in La Crosse near the turn of the century.

 

Explore one of the most beautiful places in the country. Nestled in the covered limestone river bluffs of the Mississippi River, Winona is full of culture and Americana. This historic city – filled with incredible museums, galleries, and parks – is also where J.R. Watkins has produced its fine natural products for over 150 years. Take a trip to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and fall even more in love with the maritime lifestyle.

Included Shore Excursions

Winona Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Explore Winona, Minnesota, one of the most beautiful places in the country. The city is referred to as the “Island City” by locals because of the large sand bar it was built upon. Evidence suggests that the land’s history reaches back as early as 9500 B.C., while present-day Winona was founded as the small village of Keoxa in 1851. Nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs of the Mississippi River, Winona is full of culture and small-town Americana. Enjoy stunning views of the rolling bluffs as they plummet to the mighty Mississippi below in this beautiful and historic city, filled with incredible museums, galleries, and parks.

Premium Shore Excursions

Into the Mississippi on the Winona Tour Boat
Take to the waters of the Mississippi River on the Winona Tour Boat! Experience the beautiful upper Mississippi River and all it has to offer as our expert captain narrates on the local area and river that he calls home. Our scenic boat ride will take us to backwaters, where we will see boathouse communities and lots of local wildlife, including turtles, herons, beavers, deer, and of course, eagles!
 

Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. The city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land before today, or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.


Included Shore Excursions

Red Wing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Red Wing, Minnesota was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of most historic places in the world. Discovered in the early 1850s, the lands were used mostly for harvesting wheat that would be transported up the river. Later in Red Wing’s history, the economy began to flourish in the pottery industry, which became the main source of income between 1877 and 1967. Today, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and travelers that occupied the land before today or to admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.

Premium Shore Excursions

Hidden Waters of the Mississippi: A Scenic Kayak Tour
Take to the waters on a scenic kayaking adventure into the vibrant heart of the Upper Mississippi River. Nature will be at your fingertips as you glide by the river's green banks, beneath the swooping wings of eagles, and atop sky blue waters in your personal kayak. Our expert guide will lead us off the main channel to the river's backwaters—perfect for guests of all experience levels. Discover the raw, uninhabited beauty of nature along these smooth and shallow waters.

 

As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider a post-cruise premium experience with airport transfer.

Premium Shore Excursions

Post-Cruise Twin Cities Tour
Discover the rich history of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul. From the comfort of the river coach, we will weave our way through the downtown skyscrapers of Minneapolis and the historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul as our local guide introduces us to the vibrant culture, architecture and history for which the cities are known. We will explore the beauty of the region with a stop at the picturesque Minnehaha Falls, as well as experience an impressive view of the Mississippi River from the observation deck at the Guthrie Theater. See the Minneapolis Stone Arch bridge and St. Anthony Falls from one of the best vantage points in town