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Illinois River Cruises & Tours

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The Illinois River is one of the major tributaries to the Mississippi River, winding over 250 miles across the state of Illinois. Popular cities visited on our Illinois River cruises include Ottawa and Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River. While on your cruise, you can expect to admire beautiful port towns along the river, and also the history that made it such a major river among the Native Americans and French traders. 

These US River Cruises also offer the beauty of the Midwest with our curated Illinois River cruises, offering scenic views, wildlife sightings, and peaceful waterways. Whether you're looking for day trips or weekend getaways, our cruises in Illinois provide a unique way to explore the state's natural and cultural treasures. Combine your journey with guided Illinois tours or enjoy leisurely Illinois boat tours through picturesque towns and state parks. Ready to set sail? Talk to our Trip Planners to create your perfect Illinois Tour.

Illinois River Cruises

Visit the Quad cities, including Davenport, Iowa
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore the culture of St. Louis
  • See Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal
  • Experience wildlife and nature
  • Admire local artwork in Red Wing
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / Red Wing
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Upper Mississippi River on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis aboard the American Melody. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and travel through Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home, explore historic towns, and marvel at the diverse landscapes.
Cruise Details
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Vibrant Sunset with St. Paul City Skyline and Mississippi Riverfront
from $5,635
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Upper Mississippi River

St. Paul, MN - St. Louis, MO - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Serenade
  • Tour historic Summit Avenue
  • Explore Dubuque River Museum
  • Experience John Deere Pavilion
  • Visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / St. Louis
Activities
Wine Tasting, Village Visits, Urban Exploration, Archaeological Site Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Biking
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail for 9 days aboard American Serenade from St. Paul to St. Louis. Walk through historic Summit Avenue, admire La Crosse from Grandad’s Bluff, explore Dubuque’s River Museum, and discover Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal. Experience curated onboard programs, live music, and the beauty of the Upper Mississippi’s diverse wildlife.
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Mississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota
from $4,610
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Heritage
  • Explore the culture of St. Louis
  • See Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal
  • Witness wildlife and nature
  • Admire local artwork in Red Wing
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / St. Paul
Activities
Cooking Classes
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Upper Mississippi River aboard the American Heritage on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and travel through Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home, explore historic towns and take in the diverse scenery.
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View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west
from $11,999
EXPLORE

America’s Great River

St. Paul to New Orleans - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Explore St. Louis' arts scene
  • Enjoy American music styles
  • Learn Civil War history
  • Experience New Orleans' culture
  • Visit the Quad Cities
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise America's great river on this 15-day itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi. Journey from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana and explore highlights of the mighty Mississippi River. Along the way, visit historic ports such as St. Louis, Memphis, Baton Rouge, and more.
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United States Cruises & Tours

10 Popular US Cruises and Tours 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History $3,675 6 Experience a 6-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, and savor exquisite local cuisine and wines curated by Food & Wine's Ray Isle. Explore stunning landscapes through guided hikes and kayaking while learning about the region's rich history and geology from expert naturalists.
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New Orleans & Southern Charms $3,499 8 Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such as St. Francisville, Darrow, Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg to experience the diverse culture and rich history of the lower Mississippi region.
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Heartland of America $5,499 8 Discover America’s heartland on an 8-day Viking Mississippi cruise from Alton to Red Wing, exploring St. Louis, Hannibal, Burlington, the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and La Crosse. From Mark Twain’s hometown to the Mississippi River Museum, each stop offers a direct look into the nation’s past.
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Nashville, Memphis & the Cumberland $5,499 8 Take an 8-day Viking Mississippi cruise through Memphis, Cape Girardeau, Paducah, Clarksville, and Nashville. Visit key cultural and historical sites, from music landmarks to Civil War history and regional museums.
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National Parks & Legendary Rivers $13,915 16 Embark on a 16-day combined Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise aboard American Jazz and land tour through iconic national parks, Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. Explore vibrant towns, hike scenic trails, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy wine tastings, nature tours, and enriching excursions.
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Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise $6,355 9 Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Jazz, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the golden age of riverboats. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and visit Fort Clatsop. Journey through history in The Dalles, Richland, and Pendleton, culminating in the majestic landscapes of Hells Canyon.
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Southeast Sea Islands Cruise $6,575 9 Cruise the southeastern coast on a 9-day voyage from Charleston, South Carolina to Amelia Island, Florida, aboard American Liberty. Explore Savannah, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and more.
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Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise $6,060 9 Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Song, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood, reliving the golden age of riverboats. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and visit Fort Clatsop. Journey through history in The Dalles, Richland, and Pendleton, culminating in the majestic landscapes of Hells Canyon.
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Lower Mississippi River Cruise $5,275 9 Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Symphony from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality.
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Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise $5,240 9 Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American West, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the golden age of riverboats. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and visit Fort Clatsop. Journey through history in The Dalles, Richland, and Pendleton, culminating in the majestic landscapes of Hells Canyon.
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