8 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from St. Paul to St. Louis 2024

Day 1 St. Paul, MN

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. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the city at your leisure.

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with aHotel Stay,where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobbyand we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 2 Cruising the Mississippi River

Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you set out cruising Mark Twain’s river. Admire the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Day 3 La Crosse, WI

Step into 19th-century America in La Crosse, located on the banks of three captivating rivers. La Crosse is home to Riverside Park, where you’ll discover beautiful gardens, an outdoor performance center, and inspiring sculptures. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views from Grand Dad’s Bluff, a 600-ft high bluff which overlooks the entire city. Led by a local expert, gain insight into the city’s development from the boomtown riverboat days through the roaring ‘20s to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Board a comfortable motorcoach for a fun and fascinating ride through historic downtown La Crosse. Guides from the La Crosse County Historical Society will help uncover the beauty of La Crosse's riverfront, historical districts, and scenic parks. Learn about the culture and heritage of this river town: the grand homes erected by lumber, beer, and grain barons; the various industries that built the local economy; the ecology of the vast marsh in the middle of the city; and the great medical men and women who made La Crosse a regional healthcare hub. Step off the coach for short explorations of Historic Hixon House, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center, and Grandad's Bluff.

Aboard the authentic La Crosse Queen paddle-wheeler, cruise the main channel of the legendary Mississippi River. Your guide will entertain you with facts and trivia about the historical and present day river, as well as draw your attention to local points of interest. Watch for eagles and other wildlife as we cruise past steep bluffs adjacent to the Great River Road, one of the most scenic areas in America. Then, as you near Lock & Dam No.7 in Dresbach, Minnesota, we will explain the incredible engineering of the locking process. Beer, wine, cocktails, soda, and concessions are available for purchase. Activity Level: Low/ ADA Accessible: Partial

Day 4 Day of River Cruising

As you make your way from Lacrosse to Dubuque, reflect upon the rich history of the Mississippi River and the variety of music born upon its shores. Listen to the talented performers in one of our lounges or share the afternoon with fellow travelers.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 5 Dubuque, IA

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.

Delight in an exploration of some of the highlights of Dubuque. First, stop at Steeple Square Event Center, one of the oldest catholic churches in Dubuque which was renovated into a vibrant community gathering space. Next, arrive at Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden for a guided exploration of the beautiful landscapes. Visit the Convivium Urban Farmstead, a center which celebrates the efforts of local gardeners with onsite cooking and gardening classes as well as a restaurant that serves local produce. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator, the shortest steepest railway in the United States. Don’t forget the camera, it’s a great opportunity to get a photo of the ship at dock in the Port of Dubuque from above the bluffs.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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

Travel to the Field of Dreams Movie Site, built by Universal Studios and known for the famous quote, “If you build it, he will come.” Released in 1989, Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner, was a movie that inspired millions and became an Academy Award nominee for “Best Picture of the Year.” Explore this famous site, including the baseball field, the magical corn, and the farm house in which the movie was made. After, visit the gift shop for some take-home movie memorabilia.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: Yes

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 6 Davenport, IA

Davenport is your largest cruise port between St. Louis and St. Paul as one of the four “Quad Cities” that combine into a larger metro area. The first railroad to reach the Mississippi River connected Chicago to Rock Island, Illinois across the river. The area features diverse attractions ranging from grand historic mansions lining the river, renowned museums, rich Native American history, and the largest agricultural exhibit in the world. Be enlightened by the region’s history, culture, and environment at the Smithsonian-affiliated Putnam Museum. Learn how American ingenuity impowers the Midwest’s ability to feed the nation at the expansive John Deere Pavilion as you amble through interactive exhibits of vintage and modern high-tech equipment that reveal the evolution of inventions that revolutionized American farming.

This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to:

• Isabel Bloom Studio & Showroom - During your visit learn how Isabel Bloom, who studied under Grant Wood, began designing and producing sculptures more than 60 years ago. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of iconic Isabel Bloom sculptures. Discover why so many people have made Isabel Bloom their gift of choice for every occasion.

• German American Heritage Center & Museum - A cultural center and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places with fun and educational exhibits which preserve the heritage of German-Americans in the Midwest.

• The Putnam Museum - With a focus on history and natural sciences, this museum was founded in 1867 and is one of the first museums west of the Mississippi River. Have fun learning something new while exploring their many exhibits.

• Bix Beiderbecke Museum - Located in the River Music Experience Building, this museum celebrates the life and music the music of legendary cornetist, pianist, and composer Bix Beiderbecke. This is a must-stop for jazz and history lovers who will learn about his brief but eventful life at the dawn of the 20th century.

• Hauberg Estate - An heiress of the Denkmann-Weyerhaeuser Lumber fortune, Susanne Denkmann built this prairie style home in 1908, which consists of 20 rooms, 6 fireplaces, a carriage house, garage, and beautiful gardens. A tulip motif is featured throughout the home in its stained-glass windows, plastered ceilings, mosaic wood beams, and more.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessibility: Yes

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport has been declared "The Most Livable Small City in America.” Led by a local guide, explore all Downtown Davenport has to offer and admire the impressive architecture along the way. Next visit the Smithsonian-Affiliated Putnam Museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s treasures through engaging exhibits and collections that explore science, history, cultures, and environments throughout time.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: No

Discover the inventions that changed American farming at the John Deere Pavilion. Explore new and vintage equipment that you can touch, feel, and sit in. Through interactive and immersive exhibits, learn the John Deere story, including its customers, employees, and John Deere fans, as well as how the company’s machinery was used to build and grow our country.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport has been declared "The Most Livable Small City in America.” Led by your guide, explore Hauberg Estate and admire the impressive architecture and property. Next, visit The Quad City Botanical Center, featuring an indoor tropical garden with a waterfall, outdoor pond, pocket gardens, train garden (train schedule varies), greenhouse, and Children’s Garden featuring a Mississippi River water feature exhibit. Admire blooms of many shapes, sizes, and colors in our perennial and wildflower prairie gardens, as well as fruit bearing plants in the tropical sun.

Activity Level: Moderate/ ADA Accessible: Partial

Day 7 Hannibal, MO

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 Sawyerand 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.

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

Step back in time and relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s days in Hannibal. Your guide will share the history of Hannibal and will show you sites of historical importance. While on your excursion, visit Rockcliffe Mansion – this American “castle” has a breathtaking view overlooking the Mississippi and is on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

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

Join Richard Garey as Mark Twain and stroll through the streets of Hannibal, the hometown that inspired Mark Twain’s famous literary novels. Learn about its history through the author’s own words and observations and then enjoy a special performance of “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planter’s Barn Theater.

Activity Level: High| ADA Accessible: Yes

Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the Mark Twain Cave, a labyrinth of a 260 passageways which inspired the author’s famous work, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) played here throughout his childhood, and 170 years later, you can still see his name written on a wall in the cave.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessibility: No

Day 8 St. Louis, MO/Alton, IL

St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.

Alton is an idyllic town, known for its scenic limestone bluffs along the river and its rich Civil War history. The National Great Rivers Museum, located at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, tells the stories of the Mississippi River’s history, the people that rely on the River, and its many ecosystems. Hometown of jazz musician Miles Davis and Robert Wadlow, the tallest known person in history (8’11”), Alton is an inspiring and picturesque destination and the perfect place to begin your Upper Mississippi journey.

Explore the best sites in Alton on this convenient shuttle. Visit the Audubon Center at Riverland, situated within a picturesque migratory bird sanctuary. Stop at the Alton Visitor Center to find out more about the city and the Great Rivers & Road region and try your luck at the Argosy Casino located directly across the street. Enjoy artist demonstrations and browsing unique handmade pottery at Mississippi Mud Pottery, before viewing a stunning works at Jacoby Arts Center. Savor delicious local favorites and ice cold beer in a fun, casual setting at Fast Eddie's Bon Air, a legendary establishment located just blocks from the Mississippi River.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

Relive the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring over 200 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the U.S., with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era.

Shaped by the inspired design of Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch monument celebrates the expansion West and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, millions of visitors have taken a trip to the top to enjoy stunning views. Begin your adventure with our new, interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest man-made monument. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the movie Monument to a Dream.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton, as well as on the Complete Mississippi River and Grand Heartland cruises.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton, as well as on the Complete Mississippi River and Grand Heartland itineraries.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they made their historic journey into the West at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. Featured here is a museum dedicated to the planning and journey of the two explorers and their Corps of Discovery. Explore five exhibit rooms, view the film "At Journey's Edge," and admire an impressive 55-foot full scale replica of their "cutaway" keelboat.

Continue to the Lewis & Clark Confluence tower which rises 180 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. A variety of viewing platforms are available for visitors to view the Mississippi and Missouri rivers from above and to witness where Lewis & Clark began their journey westward. The indoor visitor center has interactive exhibits which tell the story of the history, wildlife, and communities along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

As you travel along The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, admire the rolling waters of the Mighty Mississippi River framed by magnificent limestone bluffs. Next, enjoy the best view in the Midwest on the brand-new Grafton Sky Tour, a combination lift and fixed-grip gondola. As you soar high above Grafton, view the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers like never before. After, explore the Grafton Winery, aptly named “the Vineyards.” Settled among orchards and sprawling farmland, this 11,000-square-foot facility is a full production winery overlooking a picturesque lake and 4 acres of vineyards where Chardonel, Vidal, and Vinoles grapes are grown. Enjoy an exploration of the Vineyards followed by a private wine tasting.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

Day 9 Alton, IL/ St. Louis, MO

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon your adventures and the new friends made along the way.