U. S. River Cruises

A river cruise along the Mississippi offers an amazing way for you to see the U.S. and connect with history.

As you cruise from north to south or vice versa on the Mississippi River you’ll be making stops in towns that have played a significant role in the American story. Take for instance Springfield, Ill. Where Abraham Lincoln spent much time. You can also travel to the top of the magnificent St. Louis Arch for an incredible view of St. Louis and the Mississippi. 

Things to Do on the Mississippi River Cruise

The cities and towns that line the Mississippi River are jam-packed with stories, people and food that will leave an indelible impression on you. You have everything from New Orleans in the South, with its French and Spanish influences, to Chicago in the North, where the first skyscrapers were built. In between you’ll discover a rich history of music with stops in Nashville and Memphis, and U.S. history at the homes of famous Americans like Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Featured below are some of the best ways to spend your time when cruising along the Mississippi River:

• Find a friend and practice posing like the farmer and his daughter in the classic painting “American Gothic.” You can study the portrait at the acclaimed Art Institute of Chicago, one of America’s best art museums.
   
• Don’t be cruel and deprive yourself of a visit to Graceland, the home of the king of rock ‘n’ roll, when you are in Memphis. Elvis’ home may seem modest to the modern eye, but there are a lot of lavish and loud decorations to see.
   

• Visit the battlefield in Vicksburg. This town along the Mississippi River was the sight of one of Ulysses S. Grant’s most celebrated achievements. Here he was able to defeat Confederate forces and severely weaken their efforts.
   
• Visit the former home of Huey Long, the famous governor of Louisiana, at the Old Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Many believe that Long was the inspiration for the acclaimed novel and movie, All the King’s Men.
   

• Put a little spice into your life when you try some of New Orleans’ classic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. Afterwards, if you still have room, try beignets or bananas foster for dessert.
   
• Enjoy the company of country music royalty when John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, shares his music and stories at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
   

Map of U.S. River Cruising Region: