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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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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
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.
Cruise Details
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Mississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Explore Mark Twain’s hometown
  • Cruise through historic towns
  • Explore St. Paul's grand mansions
  • Visit National River Museum
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / Red Wing
Activities
Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting, Village Visits, Archaeological Site Visits, Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the segment of the Mississippi River on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis American Symphony. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and through Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home, explore historic towns, and marvel at the diverse landscapes.
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United States Cruises & Tours

10 Popular US Cruises and Tours 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
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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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 and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History - Eastbound $4,243 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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Columbia River Gorge Cruise $3,890 7 Set sail on a 7-day Columbia River Gorge cruise aboard American Pride. Explore Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, and Kalama. Discover the pioneers at the Oregon Trail’s end and learn about the region’s history at museums like the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Fort Dalles Museum.
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Historic Mississippi River Cruise $3,630 8 The American Heritage hosts this 8-day Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans. Explore historic plantations, Civil War sites, and charming towns. Immerse in the rich culture, cuisine, and music of the Deep South.
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Highlights of the Columbia River $4,105 6 Embark on a 6-day Columbia River cruise aboard American Pride. This journey offers direct access to local culture, history, and Pacific Northwest landscapes.
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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 Melody 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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Music Cities Cruise $4,915 9 Set sail on a 9-day cruise on the American Symphony from Memphis to Nashville, traversing the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers—Immerse in local music, nightly entertainment, and Southern cuisine amid America's heartland's scenic beauty.
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Tennessee Rivers Cruise $4,915 9 Set sail on a 9-day Tennessee Rivers Cruise from Nashville to Chattanooga aboard American Symphony. Relax with expert talks, regional cuisine, and comfortable accommodation while exploring the history, culture, and natural beauty of America’s heartland.
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