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Mississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Symphony
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Embark on a cruise along the Upper Mississippi River, exploring St. Louis, Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's home, witness diverse landscapes, and enjoy expert-guided tours. Adapt to the river's character as you relax on lounges, decks, or balconies. Explore historic towns, navigate engineering marvels, and savor local cuisine. Each day brings a new adventure, from town exploration to cultural discovery. Conclude in Red Wing, Minnesota, with easy access to the airport or extend your stay for Twin Cities exploration. Experience art, history, and natural beauty, cherishing panoramic views and the legacy of Mark Twain American Symphony.







 
The upper Mississippi regionVisit historic St. LouisSt. Louis, Missouri skyline and the famous Gateway ArchMississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota
Highlights
  • Explore the parks and museums of St. Louis, Missouri
  • See Mark Twain's childhood home and inspiration in his hometown of Hannibal
  • Witness wildlife and nature's beauty during the river journey
  • Admire the work of local artists and craftspeople in Red Wing, Minnesota
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: St. Louis, Missouri | Alton

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. Get settled into your hotel and enjoy the area at your leisure.

Day 2: Alton, Missouri | Embark

Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. As you begin your amazing journey, relax on your private stateroom balcony and admire the beautiful views that stretch out before you. Get to know fellow guests in one of the lounges or at the evening cocktail hour.

Day 3: Hannibal, Missouri

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.

Hannibal Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Hannibal on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town. Our convenient shuttle will also take you to the following:
Hannibal History Museum - Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and historic photos, learn the story of Hannibal's remarkable past.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home &Museum - Enjoy a guided exploration of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. This is truly a piece of Americana.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion
As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum. Visit the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Normal Rockwell paintings.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

 

Day 4: At Sea

Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges aboard the riverboat. Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Mississippi River from Hannibal to Muscatine.

Day 5: Muscatine, IA

Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County's eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north-to-south river runs east to west. Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world. Learn about this idyllic town’s rich past and revel in its natural beauty, led by our engaging local guides. Explore the charming downtown, located only two blocks from our dock, where you peruse local boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries.

 

Day 6: Dubuque, Iowa

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 Garden.

Dubuque Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to the center of town and back. At your leisure, explore the many districts of downtown Dubuque, including Cable Car Square, the Historic Millwork District, and Historic Old Main District, once a hideaway for notorious gangster Al Capone. Visit the Summer Farmers Market which has been located in the Upper Main district since 1845. Running daily on a continuous loop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Complimentary Excursion
Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look at the Mississippi River's past, present, and future. On this guided exploration, learn about the lives of the pioneers, explorers, and artists who once lived along the Mississippi River. Get close to nature, as you make your way through six large aquariums.
Activity Level: Medium | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
 

Day 7: Winona

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 that takes you into the heart of downtown to learn, shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.

Downtown Winona Walking Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Take a guided walk through Winona's historic downtown to admire great architecture, hear surprising stories, and play a fun game or two. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Winona Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Running on a continuous loop, this guided exploration shuttle takes you from the ship to Winona's hot spots including history and art museums, historic places with beautiful architecture and stained glass, and to the heart of Downtown so you can shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Discover Winona - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a guided, in-depth exploration of the historic and intriguing sites around greater Winona. Stops include the Winona County History Center, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Garvin Heights lookout with amazing views of this stretch of the Mississippi River Valley, and more.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes
 

Day 8: Red Wing, Minnesota

Below the forested limestone bluffs of the upper Mississippi and along a narrow section of the 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 Performing Arts Theatre, the home of 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. 


National Eagle Center - Complimentary Excursion
Visit the National Eagle Center, offering additional up close viewing of non-releasable bald and golden eagles. Learn about the ecology, biology, and natural history of these magnificent creatures.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Red Wing City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Travel back in time as you explore the beautiful city of Red Wing. Led by our local expert guide, view some of the most impressive Victorian homes of the period as well as the historic St. James Hotel. Visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and admire the numerous true vintage pieces on site such as stoneware, dinnerware, folk art, and more! Stop at the Sheldon Theatre, among the oldest operating theatres in Minnesota and host to thousands of large national touring acts, international artists, and local performers alike.
 Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Red Wing Local Loop – Complimentary Excursion
Explore the highlights of Red Wing on this convenient shuttle to:
  • Pottery Museum of Red Wing
  • Goodhue County History Center 
  • Shopping Area 
  • Red Wing Arts 
    Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 9: Red Wing, Minnesota | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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. 

Ship/Hotel

American Symphony

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Mississippi River Cruises.
Single
Queen-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 250 sq. ft., including balcony
AAR
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to a private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi Size: 275 sq. ft., including balcony
AAC
King-size bed, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, Size: 316 sq. ft., including balcony
AAM
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, sitting area, writing desk, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Located on the top deck, these spacious staterooms feature commanding views of the passing river landscapes. Size: 350 sq. ft., including balcony
Veranda Suite
King-size bed that can convert to two twin beds, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, large living area, sliding glass doors open to private balcony, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi. Size: 405 sq. ft., including balcony
Grand Suite
Grand Suite
King-size bed, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering 270-degree panoramic views, large balcony, private dining area, full-size private bathroom with a full set of amenities, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary WiFi, individual climate control. Each Grand Suite features a separate bedroom and living area, ideal for gathering with family and friends after an invigorating day of exploration. Size: 650 sq. ft., including balcony
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Port charges and fees
  • Complimentary cocktail parties
  • Dining service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Signature shore excursion - Should be reserved in advance due to limited availability.

Map

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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