Life on the Mississippi: St. Louis to Red Wing – FULL, Call for Waitlist! 1-800-758-6877

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‘Life on the Mississippi’ – Farming, fur trapping, lumbering, and mining were at one time the lifeblood of the Upper Mississippi region. As hard as the river and region have been worked, the scenery remains enchanting and largely unspoiled. Mark Twain’s life on the Mississippi describes this area as a paradise and you will experience it for yourself as hidden gems around each bend of the river fuel your sense of discovery and the very best of America’s heartland unfolds before you. 

The American spirit thrives on this timeless voyage that allows you to travel the Upper Mississippi region, an area rich with frontier tales of fur traders and pioneers set among picturesque geography and abundant wildlife. 

Day 1 – Home to St. Louis, MO

We board our flight to St Louis where our journey begins with a deluxe hotel stay in St. Louis. The evening is yours to explore the Gateway City: take in the rich culture, diverse arts scene, and local attractions such as the Gateway Arch.

Hotel: Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark 

Day 2 – Alton, IL

Begin your day of historic exploration in the city known as “The Gateway to the West.” Renowned as an important location during the iconic Lewis and Clark exploration in 1804, today’s excursion weaves through the streets of St. Louis and follows the footsteps of the intrepid explorers in the days leading up to their momentous departure. Including visits to the Confluence Tower and Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, a photo opportunity at the St. Louis Arch, and a tour of St. Louis! This afternoon we will board the American Queen. Enjoy life on the Mississippi River as you set off on a vacation steeped in the history, culture and homespun traditions that made America great.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Boat: American Queen (7 Nights) 

Day 3 – Hannibal, MO

You will be enchanted by Mark Twain’s quaint hometown as you explore the sites that inspired his beloved American classics and learn everything there is to know about this literary icon. Hannibal, Missouri has a rich history, diverse industrial economy, and truly remarkable arts. The city was founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bates and became a popular stop along the river for many steamboats traveling up the Mississippi. Hannibal offers more parks per citizens than most towns in the Midwest and was included in the famous “50 Miles of Art.” Today, the most popular draw of this quirky town is Hannibal’s very own, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, recognized worldwide as Mark Twain. Many of the popular characters featured in Twain’s novels were based on people Sam had known while growing up in Hannibal. Many of the characters and influences of this American icon are weaved into the streets, shops, restaurants, and museums of Hannibal, just waiting to be uncovered!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4 – River Cruising

Gaze at the beautiful landscapes as you mingle with fellow guests and exchange stories of the unique experiences that you encountered during your visit to Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal. There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river and today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. Consider booking an indulgent, stress-relieving massage in the American Queen’s spa. Browse The Emporium gift shop for that perfect keepsake or take the time to mingle with fellow guests.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 5 – Clinton, IA

Behold one of the most picturesque riverfronts on the Mississippi as you stroll through this charming little town steeped in history and tour significant attractions such as the Dutch Windmill, one of only two working Dutch windmills left in the United States! The city of Clinton has much to offer, all with the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River. Situated at the crossroads of the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road, Clinton is the eastern-most point in the state of Iowa. At the height of its local economy during the late 19th Century, Clinton was regarded as the lumber capital of the nation, a history that is reflected as visitors pass many old sawmills. Today, agriculture plays a big part in Clinton’s economy, which is visible in the beautiful rolling fields filled with luscious, fresh harvest crops. Explore the history of this fascinating river town and discover a lifestyle that will stand out from today’s norm!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 6 – Dubuque, IA

Experience this town’s unique flavor and enjoy views of the Mississippi River and downtown Dubuque on the Fenelon Place Elevator, constructed in 1882 and described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city and is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. The first permanent settler of the area was French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque who arrived in 1785. Dubuque’s location to the Mississippi and its abundant land and resources attracted large numbers of immigrants, particularly Irish and Germans, from overcrowded cities on the east coast. Dubuque is filled with historic sites, architectural Historic Districts with well-preserved buildings and homes, history and art museums, the great Mississippi River, and a revitalized main street that invites guests with Dubuque’s claim-to-fame as an “All-American City.”

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 7 – La Crosse, WI

Admire the bronze statues, symbolic paintings, stained glass windows and striking mosaics in the Chapel of St. Rose before taking a stroll along the inviting Riverwalk and through Riverside International Friendship Garden. La Crosse, named by explorer Zebulon Pike who saw a group of people playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross, is a popular destination for tourists. Filled with statues, architecture, and an exquisite view of the river, this river city is an artist’s dream. Like much of Wisconsin, La Crosse became heavily involved with the lumber industry in the mid-1800’s until the decline of the forests throughout much of Wisconsin took its toll. But in the wake of the vanishing lumber era, La Crosse became a city renowned for its beer making, with around five breweries operating in La Crosse near the turn of the century. Today, make note of lingering pieces of history along the streets of the city, inside local breweries, and within the floorboards of historic homes and businesses.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 8 – Red Wing, MN

Learn about one of Red Wing’s most historic trades, pottery, with a visit to the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, pick up a souvenir in the Bush & Main Street shopping district and then tour the historic St. James Hotel. Red Wing, Minnesota was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of most historic places in the world. Discovered in the early 1850’s, the lands were used mostly for harvesting wheat that would be transported up the river. Later in Red Wing’s history the economy began to flourish due to the thriving pottery industry, which became a main source of income between 1877 and 1967. Today, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and travelers that occupied the land before today, or to admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 9 – Red Wing to Home

This morning we disembark the American Queen with wonderful memories of life on the Mississippi River!

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Catergory B (Observation Deck) & Category C (Observation & Texas Decks) 

140 to 190 sq. ft. Two Single Beds or One Queen Bed, Tub and/or Shower, Flat-screen TV, & French Doors Open onto Deck 

Can you imagine opening French doors to a sweeping river vista and the sweet scent of magnolia trees? In these staterooms, there’s no need to dream any longer. Sit on the deck outside your stateroom and greet early morning strollers, relax in bed with your favorite book, or soak in a hot bath. 

Category A (Texas Deck) 

190 sq. ft. with a 40 sq. ft. Private Veranda. Two Single Beds or One Queen Bed, Tub/Shower Combination, Flat-screen TV, & French Doors Open to Private Veranda 

Grab your cup of coffee (and a new novel if you’d like!) and step out onto your private veranda for a quiet, relaxing time as you watch the Mighty Mississippi’s shoreline pass by!