Mississippi River Boat Cruise

A Mississippi River boat cruise is ideal for anyone who wants to learn about America’s storied past while enjoying regional cuisine and local music on a historic steamboat.

Set sail on a Mississippi River boat cruise.

The Mississippi River is the largest river in North America and boasts one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Cruises along the Mighty Mississippi cater to individuals who want to step back in time and explore one of the country’s most treasured landmarks. On your Mississippi cruise you will travel in traditional paddle-wheeled steamboats, which feature old-world charm and authentic Victorian décor. What’s more, you’re able to choose the length of your trip. Cruise companies offer a variety of tours, which range in length from one hour to three days.

Since the Mississippi River runs through several states, a cruise allows you to weave your way through the heart and soul of American history and experience river culture firsthand. There is never a dull moment on a Mississippi cruise, as the waterway passes through swamps, glacial lakes, rapids and dams.

One of the advantages of Mississippi River cruises is that you can choose specific parts of the waterway to explore from the northern part of the river, known as The Headwaters, to the fast moving Lower Mississippi with its large stretches of woodland.

States that offer Mississippi River cruises include:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas

There is no shortage of activities offered onboard Mississippi cruises. Nature lovers will marvel at the wondrous sights featured along the majestic waterway. For example, from January to April, eagle watching is at its prime. Likewise, the summer months yield excellent fishing opportunities. You can bring your own pole or rent one onboard your vessel. Meanwhile, food lovers will get their fill on the trip from regional Cajun cuisine offered on some lunch and dinner cruises, while music fans can kick up their heels to traditional jazz and bluegrass songs played by live bands.

Many Mississippi riverboat cruises have special themes from bluegrass jamborees to golfing on the river. Some of the most popular include:

• Springtime on the Bayou-—Includes cruising in the heart of Cajun country in Louisiana and sampling popular local dishes such as gumbo, crawfish pie, and jambalaya.
• Dinner and Dancing-—Features onboard sunset viewing followed by romantic candlelit dinners complete with live entertainment.
• Rockin' the Mississippi Delta--Learn why the area is known as the home of Zydeco, Rhythm and Blues, Ragtime, and Gospel while listening to local musicians perform fan favorites.
• Storytelling Cruises-—Professional storytellers teach passengers about the culture of Native Americans, who used to live along the Mighty Mississippi, and give tours of hallowed Civil War sites located along the historic waterway.

Explore Civil War sites along the Mississippi.

Due to financial reasons there are no overnight cruises operating on the Mississippi River or its tributaries during the 2009 season. However, day and evening cruises are still available. Some of the most popular include:

• Belle of Louisville—The circa 1914 Belle of Louisville is a National Historic Landmark vessel that operates day sightseeing and dinner cruises along the Ohio River, from downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
• Creole Queen--The Creole Queen is a traditional-style paddle wheeler powered by very untraditional diesel engines. It offers day cruises from New Orleans, plus evening cruises which feature Creole cuisine and live music.
• Celebration Belle—The Celebration Belle is billed as "the largest non-gaming excursion riverboat in the Upper Mississippi River." It offers day and evening cruises, primarily from Moline, Illinois, and Dubuque, Iowa.
• Steamboat Natchez---The steamboat Natchez is another traditional vessel operating under old-fashioned steam power. She offers two-hour cruises along the Mississippi compete with live jazz music and a Cajun buffet. Cruises board in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
• La Crosse Queen---This small, recreation paddle wheeler offers day cruises and dinner and dancing cruises from La Crosse, Wisconsin.
• Mississippi Belle--This small paddle-wheel excursion boat sails from Brainerd, Minnesota, on the Upper Mississippi River. She is available seven days a week May through October and can accommodate up to 100 passengers for lunch or dinner cruises.

A Mississippi River boat cruise is a unique and enchanting way to explore the history and culture of the Heartland of America. With many unique vessels offering tours from various points along the river, there is an option for Mississippi River cruises for any interested passenger.

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• What to Expect on a Mississippi River Cruise
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