Horses, baseball and brews make this historical Mississippi and Ohio Rivers cruise for everyone. By detouring up the Ohio River, you’ll get a chance to see the Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, and the Jim Beam Outpost to name just a few.
On American Cruise Lines’ Queen of the Mississippi you’ll spend eight days maneuvering through the scenic rivers and stopping at some of America’s most historical sites. This is the perfect way to encounter, explore and experience history as it was in the mid 1800’s— when America was still young and the Ohio River was the gateway to the west.
Map courtesy of American Cruise Lines
In 2014, there are only two sailings on the Queen of the Mississippi along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers—the first departing St. Louis on July 19 and the second leaves Cincinnati on July 26. In 2015, on July 18 depart St. Louis or July 25 from Cincinnati.
What can you expect on a river cruise from St. Louis to Cincinnati?
St. Louis, Missouri is best known for its Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Gateway Arch. You can take a ride up to the top of the arch in a small egg-shaped capsule and see a spectacular view of the city and Mississippi Valley from the observation deck.
St. Louis Gateway Arch observation area inside at the top.
Photo courtesy of National Park Service, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
This is also home of the original Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the historic stables of the famous Clydesdale horses–as seen on Superbowl Sunday. Make sure to include a Budweiser Brewery tour while in St. Louis.
Photo courtesy of Anheuser-Busch
The Museum of Westward Expansion is filled with exhibits and history recollecting the lives of the explorers, cowboys and Native Americans.
Enjoy the day relaxing on your balcony or on the sun deck up top as your paddlewheeler cruises along the Ohio River. Look for wildlife and see how many species of birds you can find along the way.
Off to Paducah, Kentucky where you’ll see over 50 historical murals throughout the city that tell the stories of the past. Hands on history buffs will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the River Heritage Museum. The National Quilt Museum “Quilt City” will interest the art enthusiast with their impressive quilt collection. You can also choose to participate in an American Cruise Lines’ exclusive Art Tour of Paducah’s local artists including a workshop.
Photo courtesy of the National Quilt Museum
The best way to visit Cave-in-a-Rock State Park is on a river cruise to Cave in Rock, Illinois. It was a famous hideout for pirates who pretended to be helpless travelers to lure in their victims. The cave was featured in the 1962 movie “How the West was Won.”
Photo courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources
In Henderson, Kentucky visit the John James Audubon State Park where you’ll find endless photo opportunities of many species of birds. The museum display Audubon’s work and his history as a naturalist. A historic downtown walking tour takes you to all the historical sites and past beautiful homes located near Main Street.
There’s something for everyone in Louisville, Kentucky. You can take a tour of the famous Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park which includes the Jockeys’ Quarters, Millionaires’ Row, the Press Box, and Churchill Downs Clubhouse.
Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park
For the baseball fan, a must-see is the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Get a personalized baseball bat for your favorite little leaguer.And don’t miss the Jim Beam American Outpost because there are free samples at the end of the tour.
Photo courtesy of the Jim Beam American Outpost
As you arrive in Madison, Indiana prepare to be taken back in time. Madison has been referred to as the “19th Century Williamsburg of America.” Nostalgia lovers will want to take the tour at Schroeder Saddletree Factory. It’s is a vintage workplace with antique woodworking machines powered by a fueled steam boiler.
Photo courtesy of Historical Madison, Inc.
The Lanier Mansion is the crown jewel of Madison’s historic district.
Spend the day hiking the trails at Clifty Falls State Park and you could possibly discover fossil remnants.
I’ll bet you had no idea how many historical sites were in Cincinnati, Ohio. You’ll have a chance to visit the home of one of the U.S. presidents at William Howard Taft National Historic Site.
Photo courtesy of William Howard Taft National Historic Site
If you watched the Oscar winning movie Twelve Years a Slave, then you might want to take the Solomon Northrop tour at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Photo courtesy of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Baseball lovers will want to see the new Kings of the Queen City display at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
Want more information?
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent now to book your stateroom on an America Cruise Lines river cruise. We are here to answer any questions you may have about taking a cruise on a paddle wheeler. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com
You may be interested in our other blog about other Mississippi river cruises
See the historical South on a paddlewheeler boat on a Mississippi River cruise
From St. Louis to St. Paul—take a Mississippi River cruise through history on a paddlewheeler boat
Cruise the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers through America’s Heartland
Cruise the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers between St. Louis and Memphis for a taste of Americana
See the best of the Mississippi River on a cruise from St. Louis to New Orleans
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