mississippi river cruise 1 day

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It’s Twilight Time

2-Day Cruise

Our signature cruise.

1-Day Cruise

North into the valleys.

Sightseeing Cruise

1 1/2 hour • leclaire.

2024 Cruise Schedule

The riverboat twilight.

Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.

Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative, and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.

The Riverboat Twilight is family-owned and operated business, with a focus providing entertaining and quality cruises. The 140-passenger vessel has ample indoor, and outdoor seating on all three decks, and wrap-around windows give way to amazing views.

Our 2024 season offers 1-day, 2-day, and sightseeing cruises departing from LeClaire & Dubuque, Iowa.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries.

Absolutely perfect in all ways!

My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.

The service by all involved was first class all the way!

We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future…….

3 F's; Food, Food, and Fun

Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.

Riverboat Twilight 360° Tours

Pilot house.

Deck 3 Stern

Downtown LeClaire Near Dock

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If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do so, however, at this time the Riverboat Twilight does not ask for proof of vaccination. Mask wearing is the choice of the individual. The Twilight offers ample indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks and plenty of fresh air.

We will continue to maintain our increased sanitization efforts of the TWILIGHT and our boarding facilities, and we continue to provide hand sanitizer aboard the boat and employ a strong air purifier that uses UVC lighting that has been proven to destroy viruses and other bacteria.

For the safety of our passengers and crew and to maintain proper cleanliness, we have implemented the following guidelines for parents of children under the age of 14. While onboard the vessel and when making use of our food and beverages services, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. With your cooperation and understanding, we will be able to continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated. We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future.

We continue to monitor the franchise, local, state and federal safety guidelines to insure our guest and staff safety. For example, we anticipate a few changes in the near future which will include the following: a plastic shield / barrier at the front desk check,  revised breakfast offerings without a buffet setting, hand sanitizer located in the lobby and all floors at the elevator landings, continued use of hospital grade products to clean and sanitize the guest rooms, individual sanitizer wipes as an in-room amenity, removal of all products in the rooms that are reusable for example, pens, pads, laundry bags, and throw pillows, these items will be available upon request. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

  Respectfully, Neil Densmore | President glmg | hotels

Advanced public reservations are taken online. Bookings open four weeks in advance of cruise date.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

Paddlewheel cruises on the mississippi river.

Now taking reservations for private charters or groups of 30 or more on any public cruise for our 2024 season! Please call for more information. All other public cruise reservations open for booking four weeks prior to each cruise date. New to 2024 season: Captain’s Sunday Brunch Cruise departing at 10:30 a.m. and lasting until 1:00 p.m. Two-and-a-half hours will allow us to “lock thru” Lock & Dam No. 7, conditions permitting!

Individual public reservations will become available in Spring of 2021—Group reservations are now available for 2021.

• Most Popular

Saturday Dinner Cruise

Feast on a delicious chicken and prime rib dinner while relaxing on this Mississippi River tour!

• Clock 6:00 p.m.
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi!

• Clock Wednesday's and Friday's at 5:30 p.m. & Saturday's and Sunday's at 3:30 p.m.
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Pizza Cruise

Enjoy an afternoon on the Mighty Mississippi River while eating free pizza on this fun boat tour!

• Clock 10:30 a.m.

Captain’s Sunday Brunch

Enjoy a delicious brunch while learning about the Mississippi River on this narrated river tour!

• Clock 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Sightseeing Cruise

Learn all about the historical and present day Mississippi River on this sightseeing cruise!

See the historical sites and local wildlife of the beautiful Upper Mississippi River!

Step back in time when you come aboard our replica paddlewheel river boat!

Choose from our tasty brunch, lunch, pizza, and dinner buffet-style cruises!

Beer, wine, and liquor offered on every cruise.

About La Crosse Queen Cruises

Cruise back in time and explore the Upper Mississippi with us! The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. Cruising out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion. 

The La Crosse Queen has a split sternwheel, and each half is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors, which turn the paddles. The split paddlewheel gives the Queen greater maneuverability and dependability. This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a “free wheeling” paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion. 

The La Crosse Queen is U.S. Coast Guard inspected for safety and is licensed to carry up to 149 passengers.

The #1 Outdoor Activity in La Crosse on TripAdvisor

We took this boat cruise on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The boat was full, but there was plenty of room. Drinks are very reasonable and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. One big plus was the bathrooms were clean and spacious, something I didn't think I would find on a paddle boat! I would recommend the La Crosse Queen.

We took this cruise with a group and it was a lot of fun! We saw eagles, blue herons, foxes, osprey, along the banks of the Mississippi. We were able to go through the locks, which was lucky since if there is a barge in the area they do not allow this. We are talking about going again in the fall when the leaves are changing and birds are migrating.

We took the Friday night Pizza cruise and enjoyed fantastic views of the Mississippi River. Several people from our group had never been on a river cruise and were amazed. Free Pizza and beer along with cruise for $18.95 is hard to beat! Some questioned the cheap price, but soon found out it was good.

This was an excellent tour. The guide who did the narrative was friendly, fun and knowledgeable about the town and river. We saw bald eagles, a swing bridge, fancy homes, etc. We sat on the top deck which is covered and has open air sides so you get out of the sun and a nice breeze.

Always wanted to take a cruise on the Mississippi and we booked the early afternoon cruise on a weekday. Boarding went smoothly - they take your picture for sale later as a souvenir. Boat was clean and comfy and captain and staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They do have a snack bar and bathrooms on board. Relaxing and enjoyable!

We went on the La Crosse Queen on a beautiful day. Cruising on the river was so cool. The breeze, scenery was awesome. Best place to view everything is on the top deck. The crew were so polite and fun to talk with. If you have questions they answered them. Hats off to the La Crosse Queen.

Wonderful time on a 2-hour Sunday Brunch cruise. The buffet was small but the price was still good. Met wonderful folks inside and outside during the trip. Got to go through a Lock and Dam. The wait staff were very accommodating. Definitely worth every penny for this adventure.

We celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on the La Crosse Queen. The dinner exceeded our expectations. The turkey and roast beef were both tender and moist. For being a buffet the food was delicious. The staff was attentive and live music was a surprise. We were fortunate to have wonderful weather and really enjoyed ourselves!

7 best Mississippi River cruises

Mississippi River cruises have surged in popularity in recent decades. They are especially appealing to mature travelers looking to enjoy guided tours of top cities and small towns in several Southern and Midwestern states.

Add in regionally inspired cuisine enjoyed aboard a luxurious river ship, plus the camaraderie of other culturally curious travelers, and cruising the most celebrated river in the United States promises satisfaction on multiple levels.

Two major cruise lines sail the Mississippi, which stretches 2,340 miles from New Orleans to Minneapolis-St. Paul: American Cruise Lines and Viking . Each line offers several similar itineraries ranging from eight to 23 days, but the ships themselves differ. Some are retro-inspired paddlewheelers, others sleek modern riverboats. The onboard dining and entertainment, as well as the excursions in port, also vary across the lines.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've rounded up the best Mississippi River cruises for seniors, history buffs and Americana lovers, so you can find your perfect U.S. river cruise itinerary based on your interests and travel preferences.

Best cruise for Civil War history: Lower Mississippi (round trip from New Orleans)

The Deep South attracts history buffs with its Civil War battlefields and cemeteries and 18th- and 19th-century mansions guarded by regiments of live oaks. Both cruise lines offer a Lower Mississippi river cruise, sailing round-trip from New Orleans, but only one features multiple excursions geared to those with a keen interest in the 19th-century conflict.

On American Cruise Lines' eight-day New Orleans to New Orleans itinerary , cruisers can visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. In Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge, a guided excursion explores critical locations in the Civil War's Battle of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson.

Other ports bring to life the pre-war South. In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves. While no Civil War fighting took place in Natchez, Mississippi, the city is home to hundreds of lavish mansions from the era and the Historic Natchez Cemetery, which dates to 1822.

This itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on four American Cruise Lines ships, ranging from the 150-passenger classic paddlewheeler American Heritage to the 180-passenger modern riverboat American Serenade. American Cruise Lines is known for its regionally inspired cuisine, served with complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, plus complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and hosted entertainment in the main lounges.

Some excursions and a pre-cruise hotel stay in the Big Easy are included in the cruise fare. You can book additional day tours for an extra cost.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

If you're especially passionate about Civil War history, look for American Cruise Lines' special Civil War-themed cruises on limited dates, which allow a deeper dive into the period. These include a nine-day Lower Mississippi itinerary from Memphis to New Orleans (or vice versa).

In addition to visiting monuments and museums, you'll enjoy onboard lectures and presentations and interaction with other Civil War buffs. These sailings are aboard 150-passenger American Heritage and 180-guest American Melody, American Serenade, American Splendor and American Symphony.

Best cruise for music: Lower Mississippi (New Orleans to Memphis)

If you love the musical genres of the South, a Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Memphis (or vice versa) should be your choice.

From Crescent City, the birthplace of American jazz, to Memphis, known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, this itinerary celebrates the region's homegrown rhythms. Both cruise lines offer itineraries between New Orleans and Memphis, but Viking features more excursions and onboard experiences tailored to music lovers.

Viking's 12-day Heart of the Delta itinerary includes a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans. This allows ample time to enjoy the city's street musicians and jazz clubs.

In Baton Rouge, you can visit the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases exhibits dedicated to Louisiana's musical heritage and Mardi Gras traditions. While in Natchez, Mississippi, classical music (played on a 1903 Steinway piano) and Southern cuisine are the stars of the excursion to Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House.

The port call in Greenville, Mississippi, is steeped in the blues with a chance to visit a museum dedicated to hometown legend B.B. King. The grand finale of the cruise is two nights in Memphis, where you can enjoy all things blues, barbecue and Elvis Presley.

Viking is a newcomer to the Mississippi River, and all sailings are aboard the 386-guest Viking Mississippi. The riverboat debuted in 2022 and features a modern Scandinavian design. Itinerary departures are available in 2024 and 2025.

Passengers can enjoy a sun terrace with an aft infinity pool and an Explorer's Lounge with panoramic forward views of the Mississippi. The Restaurant serves both Southern regional cuisine and global favorites, and the ship welcomes local musicians onboard for evening entertainment.

Related: Meet the only line that cruises from Washington, DC. Here's where it'll take you

Best cruise for art and architecture: Upper Mississippi

An Upper Mississippi cruise between St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota, provides access to some of the top architectural landmarks and artistic treasures of the American Heartland — from Eero Saarinen's soaring Gateway Arch to Frank Lloyd Wright's inimitable Taliesin.

Both cruise lines offer Upper Mississippi sailings from July through September. Viking and American Cruise Lines' itineraries and excursions are our picks for fans of American art and architecture.

Viking River Cruises' American Heartland itinerary sails from St. Louis to St. Paul (or vice versa) and runs 12 days with pre- and post-cruise stays in 2024 and 2025. You'll explore architectural gems aboard Viking Mississippi, itself an example of sleek, Scandinavian-inspired nautical architecture.

Highlights include St. Louis, where you'll admire Saarinen's circa-1965 Gateway Arch, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis featuring a 41-million-piece mosaic and the Renaissance Revival-style City Hall. From Dubuque, Iowa, you can head to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to visit Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's private home, studio and school from 1911 to 1959.

After a day in Redwing, Minnesota, known for its pottery studios, you'll end your journey in the Twin Cities, home to the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis and well-preserved Victorian buildings in St. Paul.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

American Cruise Line's nine-day Upper Mississippi river cruise covers much of the same ground, with a few differences. Sailings are available on the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage as well as on three sleek new 180-guest riverboats, American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony. They're offered between June and late September/early October in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Beyond the landmarks of St. Louis, highlights include Hannibal, Missouri, where you can visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, and Dubuque, Iowa, known for its colorful Victorian mansions. (An excursion to the Field of Dreams featured in the 1989 Kevin Costner movie is also available.)

Winona, Minnesota, boasts some of the state's most architecturally significant buildings, many featuring the beautiful stained glass for which the city is known. Then it's off to Red Wing, Minnesota, where you can explore the Pottery Museum before completing your journey in the Twin Cities.

Best extended cruise: Complete Mississippi

Want it all? You can visit 18 ports in six states on a 23-day Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore.

American Cruise Lines offers the 23-day Complete Mississippi Cruise in 2024, 2025 and 2026, with sailings available on three 180-passenger modern river ships: American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony.

After a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, passengers journey through all aspects of American history. You'll visit ports known for ornate mansions (Oak Alley and St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi), Civil War battles (Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Vicksburg, Mississippi), music (Memphis and Greenville, Tennessee) and architecture (St. Louis and Dubuque, Iowa). You'll also call on a historic Missouri trading post in Cape Girardeau (a French river port).

Viking River Cruises' 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage , available in 2024 aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, also embarks in New Orleans and visits 16 ports in nine states as it cruises north to St. Paul, Minnesota.

During this sailing, you'll overnight in Memphis, so there's time to fully savor barbecue, the blues and Elvis Presley's Graceland. A port call in Paducah, Kentucky, lets you explore the National Quilt Museum and colorful street murals.

You can enjoy excursions in Missouri's most famous big city (St. Louis) and small town (Hannibal) and then visit three ports in Iowa known for their historic architecture and agriculture (including a tour of the John Deere Pavilion). Learn about the Norwegian heritage of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and get to know the eagles and pottery of Red Wing, Minnesota, before disembarking in St. Paul.

Bottom line

History buffs and Americana lovers will find plenty to enjoy on a Mississippi River cruise. Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music.

The two cruise lines sailing America's most legendary river offer itineraries for every interest on ships designed with mature travelers in mind. Whether you want to visit Civil War sites, see top architectural landmarks or enjoy our country's best-loved musical genres, these two lines will offer a Mississippi River itinerary that will help you do it — in comfort and style as you make new friends on board.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

The luxury ships and historic tours are nice, yes. But the real star of Mississippi River cruises has always been the river. There’s nothing quite so Americana as getting to know the many personalities of this 2,350-mile stretch, flowing from northern Minnesota’s Lake Itasca through 10 states until it reaches Louisiana , where the Mississippi River Delta gives way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The slow, meandering journeys of Mississippi River cruises have long proven an ideal way to discover the distinct stories of America’s heartland. In the words of Mark Twain (which no Mississippi River story would be complete without), the towns and cities located on the mighty river's shores are “cheering to the spirit” and “reposeful as a dreamland,” with “nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.”

The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage . Below, see our answers to these frequently asked questions, plus our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024.

Which cruise lines do Mississippi River cruises?

After American Queen Voyages shut down in February, only two Mississippi River cruise lines currently remain in operation.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, American Cruise Lines (ACL) has a fleet of more than 20 American-built ships sailing across the country and remains family-owned and American-crewed. ACL offers a Mississippi River fleet of three luxurious 180-passenger modern riverboats– American Melody , American Symphony , and American Serenade —plus two classic paddlewheel ships, the 180-passenger American Splendor and the 150-passenger American Heritage.

The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents.

What is the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise?

For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Although prices might seem high initially, many of these cruises include extras that aren’t always complimentary on ocean cruises such as free WiFi, at least one free shore excursion in every port, paid port taxes and fees, and a pre-cruise hotel stay. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Gratuities are also included in American Cruise Lines fares.

What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?

Spring (late March through mid-June) and autumn (September through November) are the best times of year to go on a river cruise in the US. Spring blossoms add a colorful touch to the shoreline, and you can never go wrong with autumn foliage. The temperatures are mild, if not pleasantly cool, and passengers are eager to welcome a new spring travel season—or to enjoy one last autumn river adventure before winter arrives.

What month is best for a Mississippi River cruise?

If we had to pick just one, September is the best month for a Mississippi River cruise. The weather is usually mild with less likelihood of rain, and autumn colors are beginning to paint the shoreline. Keep in mind, however, that the Mississippi is the fourth largest river in the world—so temperatures any time of year are not going to be the same in warmer Louisiana as they are in cooler Minnesota.

Below, see our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024, featuring stops in iconic American cities like Nashville , Memphis , and New Orleans .

22-day Mississippi River Odyssey: New Orleans to Red Wing, Minnesota

Enjoy the charms of America’s great river on a journey aboard the Viking Mississippi from New Orleans to Red Wing, departing September 20. Custom built to sail American waters, the vessel features river-facing staterooms with either French or step-out balconies.

Stops include Baton Rouge and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Rosedale in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Paducah in Kentucky; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Burlington, Quad Cities, and Dubuque in Iowa; La Crosse in Wisconsin; and ending in Red Wing, Minnesota.

With so many fascinating shore excursions to choose from, it’s well worth taking time to tour the St. Louis Arch . Opened in 1965, the monument to America’s westward expansion is far more than just a stunning photo by the riverside. Venture underground between the arch legs for a museum. Climb aboard a tram to be transported 630 feet up to the top of America’s tallest monument for some stunning views.

12-day Heart of the Delta: Memphis to New Orleans

The 386-guest Viking Mississippi spans five decks, making it one of the largest passenger vessels on the Mississippi. Inaugurated in 2022, the ship features a modern Scandinavian design with an infinity pool and a two-story Explorers’ Lounge observation area similar to its ocean ships. Directly in front of the Explorer’s Lounge is an expanded outdoor seating area known as The Bow. Three restaurants serve both Southern regional cuisine and international favorites.

The cruise starts in Memphis on November 14 and includes stops in Rosedale, Greenville, Vicksburg, and Natchez in Mississippi as well as St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow in Louisiana, ending in New Orleans. The “Mississippi Sings the Blues” shore excursion visits iconic sites along the Mississippi Blues Trail such as historic Dockery Farms, considered the “birthplace of the blues.”

The tour stops in Clarksdale, the fabled “Crossroads” where legend says blues great Robert Johnson reputedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar prowess. Stops at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and the Delta Blues Museum completes this perfect trip for music lovers.

9-day Music Cities Cruise: Nashville to Memphis

Music is the main focus of this cruise offered by American Cruise Lines, which begins in Nashville on July 9 with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Grand Ole Opry and ends in Memphis, where passengers will enjoy live music on Beale Street and a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland . On board the American Splendor, passengers will enjoy spacious cabins and popular rocking chairs. First inaugurated in 2016 and fully redecorated in 2022, this ship offers the nostalgia of a classic paddlewheeler along with the comfort of modern amenities.

While in Nashville, explore the Johnny Cash Museum, then walk upstairs to The Patsy Cline Museum. Nightly entertainment spotlights the musical heritage of this region as the world’s newest paddlewheeler journeys along the river. The itinerary also includes Clarksville and Dover in Tennessee plus Paducah in Kentucky. In Paducah, stroll along the riverfront with more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting Paducah’s past. Stop by Paducah’s National Quilt Museum, the world’s largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Sail 1,393 miles through 10 states on a comprehensive exploration of the mighty Mississippi on the new American Serenade . Inaugurated in 2023, the 91-cabin American Serenade won Best New River Cruise Ship of the Year 2023 by Cruise Critic , the first time an American ship has received this prestigious award.

“With extra-large all-balcony staterooms and suites, trendy interior décor, an innovative hydraulic bow and retractable ramp, and one of the most gorgeous sun decks we’ve seen on a river-going ship, American Serenade sets the bar for domestic US river cruising high,” the award notes.

The epic itinerary beginning July 18, 2024 includes 22 ports of call including Oak Alley, Houmas House, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville in Louisiana; Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, and Tunica in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Hannibal in Missouri; Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa; and Winona, Red Wing, and Saint Paul in Minnesota.

Lindsey Tramuta

Lauren Burvill

Kristi Kellogg

Sarah James

12-day Mississippi River Gateway Cruise: New Orleans to St. Louis

From the French Quarter in New Orleans to the towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis , this American Heritage cruise lives up to its name. Inaugurated in 2015 and totally redecorated in 2022, the 84-cabin American Heritage is the perfect vessel for this interesting itinerary, its design reminiscent of the days when steamboat paddlewheelers plied the Mississippi in the 1800s.

The 12-day voyage departs from New Orleans on July 2. Ports of call along the way include Baton Rouge in Louisiana; Natchez and Vicksburg in Mississippi; Memphis in Tennessee; and Paducah in Kentucky . An onboard expert shares tales of the importance of steam-driven paddlewheels in establishing riverfront communities along the great Mississippi River.

Step ashore in Natchez and enjoy a cold drink at the Under-the-Hill-Saloon, once one of the rowdiest establishments on the Mississippi River in the 1800s. Legend says that Mark Twain stopped here when he was just another riverman named Samuel Clemens.

9-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise: Memphis to New Orleans

This nine-day American Melody cruise departs Memphis on September 8 and features eight ports of call including Vicksburg and Natchez in Mississippi, and St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Houmas House in Louisiana. At Vicksburg Military Park, learn how the 101st Airborne Division got its “Screaming Eagles” nickname, plus the tale of its famous soldier, a young guitar player named Jimi Hendrix. At Houmas House, see the bedroom where Bette Davis stayed to film the 1964 movie Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte . Joan Crawford was the intended co-star but Bette and Joan feuded so Joan quit and Olivia de Havilland replaced her.

Launched in 2021, the five-deck American Melody has 91 staterooms, all with private balconies and full-length sliding glass doors. The ship has several spacious lounges, a fitness center, large dining room, café for casual dining, sun deck, library, and an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. The ship’s unusual bow opens and lowers a platform for passengers to easily walk ashore.

9-day Upper Mississippi River Cruise: St. Louis to St. Paul

Board the American Symphony cruise ship to visit Mark Twain’s hometown and experience the real-life inspiration behind Life on the Mississippi, the classic memoir chronicling the author's days on the river as a steamboat pilot.

The 91-cabin American Symphony, recently inaugurated in 2022, has 100% private balcony accommodations and a unique bow that opens with a retractable gangway that can be extended for landings virtually anywhere. The ship also features lounges soaring 40 feet above the water with triple the glass of other riverboats for spectacular views. Comfy deck chairs welcome passengers to enjoy the undeveloped countryside, picturesque islands, and fascinating dams and navigation locks.

Departing September 27, this itinerary features seven ports of call including Muscatine and Dubuque in Iowa, and Winona and Red Wing in Minnesota. In Hannibal, visit the actual home—with a whitewashed Tom Sawyer fence—where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) grew up. In Dubuque, see the 1989 “Field of Dreams” movie site known for the famous quote, “If you build it, they will come.”

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Mississippi River Boat Cruise

Experience the mississippi river like never before.

June 6, 2024

Rhonda Cole

May 5, 2024

Ronald Frazier

Stefani Esme

Jeff Clemow

Linsey Hurley

Family-Friendly Tours Full Of Adventure, Storytelling, And Fun

History, literature, and travel enthusiasts unite for a unique sightseeing and dining experience aboard riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from beloved author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Witness firsthand what inspired the writer to create iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. At Mark Twain Riverboat Co., you get to experience the Mighty Mississippi River in a truly memorable way, a Mississippi river boat cruise complete with storytelling, scenic views, and fine dining.

We provide a unique experience perfect for individuals, families, and groups. The cruise takes place on the Mississippi River from Mark Twain's boyhood home town of Hannibal, MO.

Mark Twain shared his unique perspective of life on the Mississippi River throughout his writings and characters. Get a glimpse of the Mississippi River as Mark Twain might have seen it.

The Mark Twain has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than 30 years. As a family-owned business since 1997, we strive to offer you a unique riverboat experience on the Mighty Mississippi, whether you’re a Hannibal resident or visitor. Choose between our two daily cruise offerings: our Sightseeing Cruise and our evening Dinner Cruise which includes live entertainment and a two entree buffet-style dinner.

Whether you are looking for a sightseeing adventure on the Mississippi River, taking in the sights, or dining on the river at sunset, Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone.

Set Sail on Our Riverboat Cruises

Sightseeing Tour

This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace. Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River.

A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience! Looking forward to having you onboard!

Departure time: Varies - check calendar Yearly availability: April 1 - Nov. 4 Weekly availability: Daily

Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on this cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck.

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. It may be The Rivermen playing modern jazz (Saturday night from Memorial Day thru September), or you might get to enjoy the music of Tim Hart (Mondays & Tuesdays), or Adam Ledbetter and David Damm (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in.

Departure time: 6:30 p.m. Yearly availability: May 3 - Oct 28 Weekly availability: Varies - check calendar

Why choose us?

A Glimpse At Missouri Through The Lens Of A Famous Author On The Mississippi River

A Mississippi River cruise aboard Mark Twain Riverboat Co. allows you to enjoy a short excursion from Hannibal during the more pleasant weather months of the year. Just 100 miles away from St. Louis, our Mississippi River boat cruise is the only cruise that departs from Mark Twain's boyhood home.

River cruising gives you the time and space to fully immerse yourself in Mark Twain's story and the Mississippi River, getting to know the inspiration behind his books. We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat.

Cruising down the river is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature after a busy week. Hannibal, Missouri is home to some of the most scenic riverfront views in the Midwest!

Informative

Our cruise guides are experts in their field and love to share their knowledge about this beautiful city. They'll educate you all about the history of the area and its inhabitants, so you can really get an insider's look at this fascinating area.

Family-friendly

Our cruises are great for families with children of all ages, so bring your whole crew along with you! We have plenty of activities that will keep you occupied during the day and night.

Hannibal, Missouri

Despite its small size, Hannibal, MO is full of history and immersive learning experiences. It is there that you can visit Mark Twain's boyhood home and museum, take a Mississippi River cruise, or even attend a festival in his honor. That's not all there is to do in the area, though. You can explore caves and even take a ghost tour. Although, we are sure our cruise will be one of your favorite experiences yet.

Upper Mississippi River cruises are a great way for people of all ages to take a break from the normal day-to-day. Instead you'll enjoy an afternoon taking in the beautiful scenery or an evening of entertainment and dining. Our cruises are perfect for anyone who wants adventure but doesn't want the length of trip that most American cruise lines offer. A short trip aboard our Mississippi River cruises is just the evening out you need to feel refreshed, educated, and creative.

Frequently asked questions

Can we modify existing itineraries.

To some extent – yes. Sometimes we will have to because the weather isn’t always ideal and we want to stay in shallow, calm waters to keep the trip enjoyable.

What is the duration of the cruises?

Our cruises last approximately one to two hours

Are food and drinks available on board?

Yes, we offer a variety of food and drinks, including a snack bar and a full-service bar.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, smoking is not allowed onboard.

Is the Mark Twain Riverboat wheelchair accessible?

We are wheelchair accessible on the lower deck. However, there is no lift to the upper deck and wheelchairs do not fit in the bathrooms.

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

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MISSISSIPPI RIVER PUBLIC CRUISE RATES & SCHEDULE

*Visit our  FAQ’s   regarding  Handicap Accessibility   and other questions you may have regarding your cruise with us.

Reservations may be made  ONLINE . We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Departing from bohemian flats park.

The Mississippi is the largest river system in North America.  Minnesota has the pleasure of being the starting point for this magnificent river, and our cruises are the greatest way to enjoy the Mississippi.

• Mother’s Day through 3rd Weekend of October.
• Boarding begins 10-15 minutes prior to cruise time.
• Concessions and beverages are available on board.
• Ask about our special group pricing.  Additional public cruises upon request. We require a minimum capacity of 20 passengers for each scheduled cruise to depart.
• No outside food or beverages may be brought on board.

*NOTICE: As we do access the locks on a regular basis, PCC/MQ is not responsible for river and or lock closures or delays due current flow, weather conditions, barge traffic, repair or other issues beyond our control or directed by others.

*Visit our  FAQ’s   regarding  Handicap Accessibility  and other questions you may have regarding your cruise with us.

Afternoon Sightseeing & Lock Cruises: $24 per person | Children under 2 Free

Departing from Bohemian Flats on the Mississippi River

Mother’s day weekend through end of May Mondays & Fridays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

June, July and August Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. Thursdays – Sundays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

September and October Mondays & Fridays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: 12:00 (noon) – 1:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Advanced reservations recommended. Walk ups are NOT guaranteed. Our narrated cruises will take you along the southern route of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail system, along the University of Minnesota Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, through the lower St. Anthony Falls Lock system showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! *

A full service cash bar along with corn dogs, chips, snacks, etc. are available for purchase. *Cruise route may change as described based on lock times, traffic, current flows or other issues beyond our control.

purchase tickets here

Group Sightseeing Cruise Luncheon Special – $44.00 per person

Available Mon-Fri., For groups of 20 or more. Tour Groups, Business meetings, Department Parties or Birthdays. Whatever the occasion, any event will be so much more special aboard an authentic paddle-wheeler. Advance reservations are required 2 or more weeks in advance. Your group will be combined with the other public passengers, with reserved tables. Price includes ticket and full lunch.  Click here to view menu . See below about reserving our Private Admirals Room for your group! Available Mon-Fri.  *Senior discounts available, please call for pricing. 

To reserve this cruise for your group, please call 952-474-8058.

Sunday cheeseburger in paradise cruise: $44.00 per person | children under 2 free.

Starting Mother’s Day through Fall Colors Sundays 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Advanced reservations required by 10 am day of cruise.

Enjoy a 1/3lb hamburger built to your liking, served with garden salad, assorted fresh fruit, chips and condiments, along with full bar service and drink specials! This Cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer!

Margarita Fiesta Cruise: $44.00 per person | Children under 2 Free

Advanced reservations required by 10 a.m. day of cruise. Our weekly escape on the water! Grab your friends and enjoy our Margarita Fiesta! Served with our build your burrito buffet and drink specials with a full cash bar available.

Monday Following Mother’s Day through Fall Colors – Monday’s 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Our exciting Margarita Fiesta Cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! *

Taco Tuesday Cruise: $44.00 per person | Children under 2 Free

Advanced reservations required by 10 a.m. day of cruise. Taco Tuesday Night Fun! Take an exciting south of the boarder cruise on the Mississippi River while enjoying a build your Taco Bar and drink specials with a full cash bar available.

Tuesday Following Mother’s Day through Fall Colors – Tuesdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Our exciting Taco Tuesday Cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! *

Wednesday & Thursday Happy Hour Pizza Cruises: $44.00 per person | Children under 2 Free

Our most popular cruise! Take a narrated cruise of the Mississippi River while enjoying a pizza and salad buffet and happy hour drink specials with a full cash bar available.

May, September and October Thursday’s only 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

June, July and August Wed. & Thur. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Advanced reservations required by 3 p.m. day of cruise.

Our exciting Happy Hour and Pizza Cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! *

Friday Night Dinner Cruise: $50.00 per person | Children under 2 Free

Departing from Bohemian Flats on the Mississippi River

Mother’s Day Weekend through the 3rd weekend of October

Friday’s 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Advanced reservations required by 3 p.m. day prior to cruise.

Our exciting dinner cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! * Click here to view menu .

See below about reserving our Private Admirals Room for your group!

Sunday Brunch Cruise: $48.00 per person | Children under 2 Free

Departing from Bohemian Flats on the Mississippi River aboard The Paradise Lady

Mother’s Day Weekend through the 3rd weekend of October Select Sundays. See our calender for available dates. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Our tasty Captains Sunday Brunch menu, complete with full bar service available.

Advanced reservations required by 3 p.m. Friday prior to cruise.

Our relaxing brunch cruise will take you along the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, along the U of M Campus riverfront, under the stunning 35W Bridge, showcasing views of the St. Anthony Falls, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, amazing river bluffs with views of the amazing downtown Minneapolis skyline as we show you the best Mississippi River has to offer! * Click here to view menu .

Groups and Special Cruises

Groups of 20 or more may reserve seating Mon – Fri on any of our scheduled public cruises or special cruise times. Brunch, lunch, pizza or dinner options are available for group reservations. Groups of 20 or more are combined with the other public passengers, with reserved tables on the main deck.

You may rent our Private “Admirals Room” aboard the Minneapolis Queen exclusively for your event for $300. (Accommodates group sizes up to 32)

The Minneapolis Queen is also available for private charters. Contact us for additional information on group reservations or private events at 952.474.8058 or toll free at 888.559.8058.

Specialty Added Cruises

Look for our exciting “Specialty Added Cruises” throughout our calendar such as:

• Entertainment Cruises
• Fireworks Cruises
• Cinco De Mayo Cruises
• Mother’s / Father’s Day Cruises
• Fall Color Cruises
• Additional Added “Regular Scheduled Cruises” added to weekends and more!

Additional Pricing Information

• Senior Discount (60+) $2.00 off. Infants (under 2) Free. One discount per ticket purchase. Call for info.
• Prices subject to change
• Above prices include port charge and tax.
• Fuel Surcharge may apply.
• 20 Passenger minimum required to cruise.
• Gift Certificates available.
• American Express, Discover, VISA, and MasterCard accepted.

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• River Cruises

What to Know About Mississippi River Cruises — From the Cruise Lines to Top Itineraries

See small towns and bustling cities by boat on a Mississippi River cruise.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

River cruises are a great way to see the world — you can visit several waterfront destinations and watch the scenery pass by from cozy accommodations and top-deck lounges on intimate luxury ships. And while rivers like the Danube and the Rhine are top choices for many travelers, you don't have to go abroad for a memorable river cruise. You can access some of the nation's iconic attractions and favorite cities right from the Mississippi River.

There are three main cruise lines traveling the Mississippi, with journeys ranging from less than a week to more than 20 days. Spring and fall are the best times of year to take a cruise along the river, as you'll avoid the summer heat and winter chill and enjoy more pleasant weather while you take in the surroundings.

Here's what you need to know about Mississippi River boat cruises, from choice itineraries to popular stops.

Mississippi River Cruise Lines

There are three main cruise lines that offer itineraries along the Mississippi River: Viking River Cruises , American Queen Voyages , and American Cruise Lines . Viking is known for its luxury river, ocean, and expedition cruises to incredible destinations around the world, and trips aboard its 193-stateroom Viking Mississippi adhere to the same standard of service.

American Queen Voyages offers several itineraries along the Mississippi — one along the Upper Mississippi, another on the Lower Mississippi, and one that also sails a portion of the Ohio River — on its signature paddle-wheel steamboats. The company's flagship, the American Queen, is said to be the world's biggest steamboat.

The itineraries on American Cruise Lines feature either modern riverboats or old-school paddle wheelers, so you can choose your ideal sailing experience.

All three cruise lines offer similar itineraries along the river, so we recommend looking into the ships, the amenities, and what's included in the rate (like pre-departure hotel stays and excursions) to help make your decision.

Popular Ports on the Mississippi

You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to Minneapolis, or you can sail shorter segments of the river. Typically, cruises along the Lower Mississippi sail between New Orleans and Memphis, while cruises on the Upper Mississippi sail between St. Louis and the Twin Cities.

Passengers on the Upper Mississippi may get the chance to hop off and explore Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, stroll the streets of Iowa's oldest city (Dubuque), or marvel at sacred bluffs in Red Wing, Minnesota. Along the Middle Mississippi, there's Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO-designated Creative City , and Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man.

On the Lower Mississippi, you'll find Cajun culture in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Civil War history in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and music and BBQ in Memphis .

Mississippi River Cruise Itineraries

There are many itineraries to choose from between the three major Mississippi River Cruise lines, but here are our top picks.

Viking River Cruises: America's Great River

Cruise from New Orleans all the way up to St. Paul on Viking's 15- or 17-day America's Great River itinerary aboard the 193-stateroom Viking Mississippi , a vessel designed just for this river. The journey starts in New Orleans and stops in Baton Rouge; Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi; Memphis; and St. Louis, where passengers can explore attractions like Gateway Arch National Park and the flagship Anheuser-Busch brewery. From there, it continues on to Hannibal, Missouri; Burlington, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Red Wing, Minnesota, where travelers can learn about America's most recognizable symbol at the National Eagle Center. In between action-packed stops, there's plenty of time to take in the scenery from your veranda or the boat's several public viewing areas.

American Queen Voyages: New Orleans to Memphis

Sail along the Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on this nine-day cruise, which starts with a complimentary stay in New Orleans and a second day to enjoy the Big Easy. Then, it's on to Nottoway Resort and St. Francisville in Louisiana and Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville in Mississippi before a day of cruising through the Delta and disembarking in Memphis. There are a few different paddle-wheel riverboats that cruise this route for American Queen Voyages — find the specific ship for your journey when you select a date.

American Cruise Lines: Upper Mississippi River Cruise

This eight-day cruise starts in St. Louis and sails along the Upper Mississippi to St. Paul. Stops along the way include Hannibal, Missouri; Fort Madison, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa; and Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota. Several riverboats cruise this route, including American Melody and American Symphony , inaugurated in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These sister vessels offer large rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings and an upscale feel.

Related Articles

Authentic Riverboat Cruises

On the mississippi, our cruises, sunday blues.

• Sightseeing

Dinner & Music

• TripAdvisor

See the sights & sounds of the river

“Amazing and worth a visit. Took the Christmas dinner cruise and had two hours of fun. Nice meal from an attentive staff to excellent music from their in house band. Sights of the Mississippi at night against the lights of Memphis was awesome and highly recommended.” Luke F.

“This Place is just absolutely Beautiful, It is peaceful and calming and nothing was better then to have My First Cruise on this bus and dance with 2 little girls that I met there and they were really week and I would love to go back!” Nijah H.

“Spent my bday last year on the river and I really enjoyed myself. The food and music were both great. Any couples looking for something new to do in Memphis on a Friday or Saturday night give the dinner cruise a chance.” Omar D.

“We had a good time and the young man who was are first mate was very knowledgeable and did a great job, he was funny!” David C.

“Our group did the evening cruise and had a phenomenal time out on the river. The food was okay, the band was great, and the views out on the river were fantastic. Definitely a fun non-Beale Street option!” Robert L.

“Awesome time, band was great, food and drinks were great!! I highly recommend checking it out. We did the dinner cruise.” S.G.

“My Fiancé and I had a really great time on the Dinner Cruise. The employees were wonderful, the Music was great, and the food was also very good! We will definitely go on another cruise!!” Theresa R.

“Staff was outstanding and so friendly. The ambitious was great. Can't say enough about the entertainment, the kept the audience so involved it was the most fun my wife and I have had in years. Thank you!!” Jimmy H.

“Tour guide is so funny and knows a lot of the history. This is a fun tour where you learn why you Don't swim in the Mississippi!” ML A.

Enjoy Dinner and Music on the River

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

6 Regions Around the World Best Seen on a River Cruise

River cruising has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades in part because it’s a more convenient alternative to land-based bus tours. Your home-away-from-home moves with you over the course of a week or longer, meaning you unpack only once while exploring a variety of exciting cities and enchanting small towns. You’ll also enjoy superb onboard cuisine and get to know your fellow cruisers. Of course, this is only possible where rivers flow and cruise lines sail, so here’s a look at six regions around the world best seen on a river cruise.

Cambodia & Vietnam

Flowing for almost 3,000 miles through Southeast Asia, the mighty Mekong is a living mosaic of century-spanning sights, from lavish palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Site temples to ramshackle villages and surreally green rice paddies. Most Mekong River cruises sail between Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August to April, since low river levels and hot weather make May to July difficult for travel.

Highlights of these cruises, which range from seven to 13 nights, include the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with its Silver Pagoda and sobering genocide museum detailing the “Killing Fields” era of the 1970s Pol Pot regime. Cambodia’s more mystical destination is Angkor Wat, the superbly carved stone temple complex outside of Siem Reap built as early as the 9th century. 

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city, sometimes still referred to as Saigon, is a mix of French-colonial architecture, Parisian-style boulevards, stunning pagodas, and modern skyscrapers. Smaller villages along the Mekong’s Vietnamese side offer a look at the daily life of farmers, fishermen, and handicraft makers, complete with floating markets and rickshaws.

Which river lines cruise Cambodia & Vietnam?

AmaWaterways, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld, and Viking.

The allure of cruising the Nile River to see the temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel in southern Egypt is undeniable. Add on a few nights in Cairo to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum before or after your seven-night cruise and it’s a truly bucket-list trip for anyone fascinated by ancient history.

There are just a handful of primary ports on most Nile River cruises. After arriving in Cairo, you’ll fly to Luxor to board your ship, which will be notably smaller than those sailing the major rivers of Europe. From Luxor, you’ll visit the riverfront temples of Karnak and Luxor and delve into the lore of King Tut and Queen Hatshepsut. More ancient treasures wait in Edfu and Qena. In Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, you’ll gaze out on mesmerizing desert landscapes that frame lush mid-river islands, visit the two-mile-wide Aswan High Dam, or enjoy an Abu Simbal excursion to see the two massive rock-cut temples.

Which river lines cruise Egypt?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, and Viking.

Cruising the Amazon River is an altogether unique experience, more wildlife safari and rainforest immersion than history lesson. While small luxury cruise ships can explore the river’s larger sections from the Atlantic Ocean to Manaus, Brazil, it’s the Peruvian Amazon that takes center stage for luxury river cruises lasting three, four, or seven nights. Here, on meandering tributaries, these vessels, typically accommodating no more than 30 to 40 guests, get into the heart of the Amazon from the city of Iquitos.

Each day is an adventure as you explore with a guide in a motorized skiff. You’ll spy on monkeys and sloths in the treetops and watch pink-hued river dolphins swim through the greenish-brown water. Hiking along verdant trails, you’ll spot tiny poisonous tree frogs and later enjoy a Champagne toast amid a picturesque quilt of water lilies at sunset. You may also fish for carnivorous piranha by day and search for giant anacondas after dark. 

Which river lines cruise The Amazon?

Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Lindblad Expeditions, and Uniworld.

The Mississippi

If cruising closer to home appeals, it doesn’t get any closer than this. The Mississippi River , which winds its way for 2,340 miles through 10 states, from Louisiana in the south to Minnesota in the north, is a terrific option that will immerse you in the history, music, food, and architecture of America’s Heartland. 

Some vessels are sleek river ships while others are retro-inspired paddle wheelers. If you have 15 days, you can cruise the river’s entire length, from New Orleans to St. Paul (or vice versa). You can also opt for a Lower Mississippi or Upper Mississippi sailing that lasts seven to nine days. With the former, you can do a New Orleans roundtrip and visit historic cities in Mississippi and Louisiana that include Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville, or add on Memphis, Tennessee, with a one-way itinerary to or from New Orleans. On an Upper Mississippi sailing, you’ll start in either St. Louis or St. Paul and visit riverfront cities such as Hannibal, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Red Wing, Minnesota. Which section you choose will dictate when you go, since Upper Mississippi and Full Mississippi sailings are only offered from June to October while Lower Mississippi itineraries are year-round.

Which river lines cruise the Mississippi?

American Cruise Lines and Viking.

Central Europe

No other region is home to as many navigable rivers and must-see historic cities, from Amsterdam, Antwerp, Vienna, and Cologne in the north to Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Porto in the west. In Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Portugal rivers connect these vibrant cities with dozens of smaller towns featuring landmark castles, lavish cathedrals, and charming old towns. 

Central Europe’s top rivers include the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro, and Danube. Dozens of cruise itineraries along these waterways immerse you in history, culinary traditions, wine-making, art, architecture, and natural beauty. Picture a living mosaic of tulips in April along the waterways of Belgium and Holland or gliding past the terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley during the grape harvest in September. Mix history and art as you explore rogue papacies, Roman amphitheaters, and French wine along the Rhone in the South of France or tour the palaces and cathedrals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the Danube.

What can you expect on each river? Here’s an intro:

The  Danube , which flows through 10 countries from southern Germany to the Black Sea, is ideal for anyone with an interest in history, art, and architecture. On an Upper Danube itinerary, you’ll  visit capital cities  Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava (Slovakia), as well as smaller Austrian cities and towns like Linz, Durnstein, and Melk. Day trips to lofty Salzburg or the picturesque Czech town of Cesky Krumlov are also possible. Most cruises begin or end in the Bavaria region of Germany, so a stay in Munich can cap off the trip.

The  Rhine , which begins in the Swiss Alps and runs to the North Sea near Rotterdam, offers views of storybook castles and vineyards set against a backdrop that is among the most stunning in river cruising. Cities on a Rhine itinerary can include Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Cologne, Germany; and Amsterdam. In between are wine-making hamlets such as Rüdesheim am Rhein and Bamberg in Germany, plus scenic Kinderdijk in the Netherlands, home to centuries-old windmills.

The  Rhone , which meanders from food-centric Lyon all the way to the Mediterranean in the South of France, is chock full of delights. These include the Roman arena and medieval streets of Arles (also famous as the setting for some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most notable paintings), the papal intrigue of Avignon, the wine-making excellence around Tournon-sur-Rhône, and the truffle treasures of Viviers. 

The  Seine , which flows north through Paris to the English Channel, is equally intriguing, especially to history buffs and art lovers. On these cruises, you can explore the museums and landmarks of the French capital, wander Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and see buildings and landscapes painted by Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise (where he’s also buried). You can also walk the medieval streets of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake and Monet painted the Gothic cathedral, before visiting Honfleur, a seaside hamlet favored by Impressionists, as well as the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery, resting place of 9,387 fallen soldiers.

The  Dordogne and Garonne rivers , located in the Bordeaux wine-making region of France, offer a heady immersion for oenophiles — from the historic bustle of the city of Bordeaux to the bucolic ambiance of wine-making hamlets such as St.-Emilion, Pauillac, and Cadillac.

The  Douro River  in northern Portugal is another mecca for  wine lovers . Riverboats cruise from atmospheric Porto, home to historic port wine cellars, to small towns such as Pinhão and Régua, set amid pastoral hillside vineyards.

Central Europe also has two lesser-known rivers. The  Elbe River  flows through the former East Germany and offers access to Berlin, Potsdam, and Dresden, as well as nearby Prague in the Czech Republic. The waterways of  Holland and Belgium  attract garden lovers each spring with millions of tulips, historic windmills, and the chocolate and beer abundant in Belgian cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges.

Which river lines cruise Central Europe?

Check out AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Riverside, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

Eastern Europe

While exploring Central Europe is more popular, Eastern Europe has plenty to offer in the way of lesser-known but history-rich countries like Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Danube River passes through all six and Lower Danube itineraries generally begin in Budapest, Hungary, and end in Bucharest, Romania (or vice versa). 

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

In Hungary, the contrast between the stately architecture of Budapest and the port of Kalocsa couldn’t be greater. Known for paprika production and embroidered handicrafts, this city and its surrounding countryside are also the place to experience cowboy culture (the energetic but touristy Puszta Horse Show is a popular excursion) and the Hajós-Baja wine region (Hungarian wines are quite good, so wine-tasting is a commendable option).

Croatia, which most people know for its historic ports on the Adriatic coast, also has a port on the Danube. Vukovar is the gateway to Osijek, located about 45 minutes away. Both cities were heavily damaged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, but many buildings in Osijek’s historic Baroque center were spared or have been restored. Here you can visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul with its 295-foot steeple and pedestrian-only Holy Trinity Square in the Old Town known as Tvrda.

Belgrade, the former capital of Yugoslavia and current capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Its architecture ranges from charming 17th-century buildings set on the cobblestone streets of Old Town (a short stroll from the port) to dour Communist block structures. Don’t miss the Belgrade Fortress (it was destroyed 40 times, and what remains is mainly from the Ottoman period), the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the massive Church of Saint Sava with its lavish gilded crypt. 

Bulgaria may offer up the most surprises. One of the region’s least wealthy countries, it is full of scenic beauty and unique sights. River ships call on Vidin, home to Fortress Bab Vida, for excursions to the striking, red-hued Belogradchick Rocks. You’ll also call on Ruse for an all-day scenic excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town and fortress built into the cliffs of the Yantra River. Back on the Danube, you’ll marvel at the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that are one of Europe’s natural wonders, as you cruise through them.

You’ll board or disembark your cruise about an hour outside of the Romanian capital. Bucharest is a city of contrasts, known as the “Paris of the East” for its stately boulevards (it even has an Arc de Triomphe). It's also home to the massive Palace of the Parliament, built by notorious mid-20th-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Many cruisers also add on pre- or post-cruise tour to the historic towns and castles of nearby Transylvania.

Which river lines cruise Eastern Europe?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

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For a century, this upper Mississippi River refuge has been an ecological oasis. What comes next?

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MINNESOTA CITY, Minn. — Sabrina Chandler spent much of her life on the other end of the Mississippi River .

Growing up on the Gulf Coast near New Orleans, where levees wall the river off, she had to work to see it. Near the delta, the river is a big, scary, powerful thing. People fear it.

Now the manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge , Chandler recounted those days as she drove to one of her favorite places. She pulled up to Verchota Landing, where the river opened up in front of her, expansive and calm. She pointed to a pile of felled trees — a beaver’s calling card — then to an arc of pelicans flying overhead, and a muskrat poking its head above water before disappearing under the surface.

“There’s not really a bad view anywhere,” she said.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge protects more than 240,000 acres of floodplain along the river from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, including much of Wisconsin’s geographically unique Driftless Region . It’s one of 571 such refuges across the U.S., which garner less love from the public than the country’s national parks but have an equally important mission. It’s the land system managed first and foremost for wildlife conservation.

This month, the upper Mississippi refuge is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dozens of events this summer are aimed at getting people out to explore its beauty and unique value.

Much of the rest of the Mississippi River floodplain has been developed to serve human needs. Levees in Iowa and Illinois restrain the river as it courses through high-production farmland, and further south, it’s lined by fossil fuel and petrochemical plants.

It was the specter of such development more than a century ago that led one impassioned fisherman, Will Dilg – a Chicagoan who co-founded the Izaak Walton League – on a crusade to protect the stretch of river he loved most.

On June 7, 1924, he got his wish: the creation of a refuge on the upper Mississippi, which to this day provides hundreds of miles of river habitat to fish and wildlife and gives people the opportunity to enjoy it for free.

But the refuge faces new threats. Habitat degradation, made worse by climate change, is threatening this protected place as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is tasked with taking care of it, has fewer resources to do so. It means the next 100 years of the refuge’s lifetime will be critical.

“We’re thankful for conservation advocates like Will Dilg, who were just stubborn enough to make it happen,” Chandler said. “We are hoping for a new generation of those kinds of folks.”

Dilg makes a stand to stop the ‘drainage crime of the century’

In July 1923, subscribers to the monthly magazine of the newly formed Izaak Walton League found a fiery plea from Dilg in its pages.

“The drainage crime of a century is about to be committed and you can stop it,” he wrote. “Will you do it?”

Dilg was talking about a plan to drain Winneshiek Bottoms, a tranquil riverside channel on the Wisconsin-Iowa border. It was part of a larger push by developers who were frustrated by farmland near the river getting flooded, and who proposed building levees to hold the river in.

Dilg had every reason to ignore the plight of the Mississippi: His young son had drowned in it during a family vacation to a houseboat near Winona. Instead, he sang the upper river’s praises as paradise on earth for animals, birds, and most importantly, fish and the fishers who loved to catch them.

He implored the League’s members, already tens of thousands strong, to write to then-President Warren G. Harding to stop the drainage of Winneshiek Bottoms and ask Congress to purchase the land along the river from Wabasha to Rock Island so that it could become “forever a National Preserve.”

“‘Let George do it’ won’t do this time,” Dilg wrote, referring to the idea of foisting responsibility for solving a problem onto someone else. “You have got to do it yourself OR IT WON’T BE DONE.”

Dilg meant business, and his words galvanized an impressive cadre of sportsmen across the country, as well as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs . Eleven months later, Congress passed the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge Act, which authorized the acquisition of land for the refuge.

Steve Marking, a river historian and guest performer for American Cruise Lines on its Mississippi River cruises, said Dilg’s name should be remembered along with other great environmental conservationists like John Muir and Aldo Leopold.

“He sold our modern conservation movement to the American public,” said Marking, who this year debuted “A Visit from Will Dilg,” a documentary and live performance about Dilg’s work that he scripted, filmed and starred in. “Nobody else did that kind of sales job and got them to buy it.”

Dilg’s leadership style was divisive, and a few years later, he was ousted from his role as president of the Izaak Walton League. But the legacy he left with the creation of the refuge and the love he inspired for the land remains.

Refuge protections facilitate connection to the river

For Marking, the refuge was the playground he grew up on, one he was taught to cherish by his father, who worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service.

After leaving for college and a singing career out east, he’d take a canoe out on the water each time he returned, noticing how quickly his stress melted away.

“So many people I know moved away for a decade, two, three, and always find their way back to the Mississippi River,” Marking said. “It’s in your blood.”

He’s not alone.

Barry Allen, senior regional director for Ducks Unlimited in southwest Wisconsin, hunted on the refuge with his father near their home in Wabasha all through high school. His favorite part is searching through bays and backwaters for groups of birds, often a wide variety species, undiscovered by other hunters.

Allen said it’s “unbelievable” how many duck hunters use the refuge. On last year’s opening weekend, he arrived at his previously scouted spot at 2 a.m. to find the parking lot completely full.

“Having access to a place like the river and the (refuge) has shaped me, and I know it’s shaped …hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.

Although it’s difficult to say exactly what this corridor of the river might have looked like had it been leveed off for farmland, it’s fairly certain that access — for both people and wildlife — would be restricted.

Today, the refuge is designated as a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area . Such large tracts of relatively undisturbed habitat are increasingly hard to find, to the detriment of birds that need them, said Nat Miller, senior director of conservation for the National Audubon Society’s Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway regions.

Cutting off the river from its natural floodplain and constraining its flow through narrower levees also makes it rise higher and flow faster during floods , which can cause worse flooding downstream. For a long time, the answer to that was to build levees with higher walls , although some communities are now pursuing levee setbacks to make room for the river instead.

Communities along the refuge don’t have those decisions to make. And they have the luxury of being able to launch a boat or take a walk directly by the water.

It’s something that Brenda Kelly, Mississippi River wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, takes full advantage of.

She takes her hunting dogs, Harper and Reno (both named after places on the river near De Soto, where she lives) swimming in the Mississippi often. She fishes, kayaks, hunts and hikes. She also leads a paddling field trip annually to entice people to the area who may have never explored it before.

Once people know about it, “They’ll be sure to be right back,” Kelly said.

And that’s important, she believes, even on a river like the Mississippi, which is so massive that people might think it simply takes care of itself.

“The answer is, no, it doesn’t,” she said. “It needs the refuge. It needs those protections in place.”

A shrinking refuge staff tackles urgent challenges

The effects of degrading habitat and climate change are showing themselves on the refuge, and funding to address them hasn’t kept up.

Dying floodplain forests have become one of the refuge staff’s chief concerns these days, Chandler said. More severe and longer-lasting flooding, caused by a warmer, wetter atmosphere as well as land use changes that make water run off the landscape faster, is killing off trees that would otherwise perform important ecological functions.

The trees on the refuge are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns more than a third of refuge lands that it acquired for the creation of the locks and dams nearly a century ago. The Corps, the Fish and Wildlife Service and an Audubon forest ecologist work together to take care of the trees and control the new problems that can arise when they die off, like the spread of invasive reed canary grass .

The river’s backwater channels, a favored spot for many fish species, are also getting shallower as sediment from upstream washes downriver and settles. That’s also causing problems in the main channel, where the Corps must dredge large amounts of sand to allow shipping traffic to pass through, but in the backwaters, it’s hurting vegetation growth and driving out fish.

Kelly worries about an influx of road salt , the presence of PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” that threaten human health – in the water, and the possibility of train accidents and pollution as a result of more frequent flooding.

“As great as this resource is, it’s not like we marked it with the refuge” and shielded it forever, she said.

The urgency to fix these problems comes at a time when the national wildlife refuge system is seeing budget cuts and staffing shortfalls. The system has lost over 800 permanent positions since the 2011 budget year, according to the National Wildlife Refuge Association , and a 2019 High Country News story reported the system’s budget had decreased nearly 18% since 2010 when accounting for inflation.

Chandler said on the upper Mississippi refuge, she’s lost about a third of her staff since she took over as manager.

“There are a lot of things where we just have to say, ‘You know what, this is not a priority,’ and we have to let those things go,” she said.

Inspiring the next generation of refuge protectors

Still, there are opportunities ahead that could lighten the load. The refuge received $10 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to build up resiliency to the impacts of climate change and restore its ecosystems.

Chandler said she’s also focused on acquiring more privately owned land for the refuge. In the last 10 years, close to 8,000 acres have been donated, or acquired by, the refuge.

The staff also relies more heavily today on the work of volunteers – something that could get easier as its 100th anniversary has prompted interest in new chapters of the Izaak Walton League.

During the premiere performances of Marking’s “A Visit from Will Dilg” in La Crosse earlier this year, more than 50 people said they’d be interested in forming a chapter to tackle environmental challenges they’re concerned about, said Jodi Labs, the League’s national president, who’s based in Wisconsin.

That investment in the future resonates with Brian Vigue, freshwater policy director for Audubon Great Lakes. A member of the Oneida Nation, Vigue sees parallels between the creation of the refuge and the Seventh Generation principle that many tribes hold, in which today’s choices should be made to benefit those who will live seven generations later, and people should live in the world as if they are borrowing it from future generations.

Though the refuge isn’t quite seven generations old, “can you imagine if somebody hadn’t had the foresight to plan ahead?” Vigue said. “Who knows what we would have there right now.”

What’s there now is beauty that astounds him. On a fall trip up the Great River Road with his wife, they stopped in the refuge, admiring the colors and the ducks that still hung around before flying south. They climbed a bluff to look down at the Mississippi, a view that “puts you in your place,” he said, thinking about how long the river has wound its way through this part of the world.

Like Kelly, Vigue has been struck by the thought that the river is so big that it feels impossible that humans would have any impact on it. But its struggles have proven that untrue.

That makes the rallying effort behind the creation of the refuge — long before communication through social media — all the more remarkable.

“If people look at how that actually all took place, it really could be a great template for modern conservation advocacy,” Labs said. “Just think what we could accomplish today.”

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk , an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America , with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited and Audubon Society, all sources in this story, also receive Walton funding.

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For a century, this upper Mississippi River refuge has been an ecological oasis. What comes next?

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Sabrina Chandler spent much of her life on the other end of the Mississippi River . 

Growing up on the Gulf Coast near New Orleans, where levees wall the river off, she had to work to see it. Near the delta, the river is a big, scary, powerful thing. People fear it. 

Now the manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge , Chandler recounted those days as she drove to one of her favorite places. She pulled up to Verchota Landing, where the river opened up in front of her, expansive and calm. She pointed to a pile of felled trees – a beaver’s calling card – then to an arc of pelicans flying overhead and a muskrat poking its head above water before disappearing under the surface. 

“There’s not really a bad view anywhere,” she said. 

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge protects more than 240,000 acres of floodplain along the river from Wabasha, Minnesota, to Rock Island, Illinois, including much of Wisconsin’s geographically unique Driftless Region . It’s one of 571 such refuges across the U.S., which garner less love from the public than the country’s national parks but have an equally important mission. It’s the land system managed first and foremost for wildlife conservation.

This month, the upper Mississippi refuge is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dozens of events this summer are aimed at getting people out to explore its beauty and unique value.

Much of the rest of the Mississippi River floodplain has been developed to serve human needs. Levees in Iowa and Illinois restrain the river as it courses through high-production farmland, and further south, it’s lined by fossil fuel and petrochemical plants. 

It was the specter of such development more than a century ago that led impassioned fisherman Will Dilg, a Chicagoan who co-founded the Izaak Walton League, on a crusade to protect the stretch of river he loved most. 

On June 7, 1924, he got his wish: the creation of a refuge on the upper Mississippi, which to this day provides hundreds of miles of river habitat to fish and wildlife and gives people the opportunity to enjoy it for free. 

But the refuge faces new threats. Habitat degradation, made worse by climate change, is threatening this protected place as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is tasked with taking care of it, has fewer resources to do so. It means the next 100 years of the refuge’s lifetime will be critical.

“We’re thankful for conservation advocates like Will Dilg, who were just stubborn enough to make it happen,” Chandler said. “We are hoping for a new generation of those kinds of folks.”

Making a stand to stop ‘drainage crime of a century ‘

In July 1923, subscribers to the monthly magazine of the newly formed Izaak Walton League found a fiery plea from Dilg in its pages. 

“The drainage crime of a century is about to be committed and you can stop it,” he wrote. “Will you do it?” 

Dilg was talking about a plan to drain Winneshiek Bottoms, a tranquil riverside channel on the Wisconsin-Iowa border. It was part of a larger push by developers who were frustrated by farmland near the river getting flooded and who proposed building levees to hold the river in.

Dilg had every reason to ignore the plight of the Mississippi: His young son had drowned in it during a family vacation to a houseboat near Winona. Instead, he sang the upper river’s praises as paradise on earth for animals, birds and, most importantly, fish and the fishers who loved to catch them. 

He implored the league’s members, already tens of thousands strong, to write to then-President Warren G. Harding to stop the drainage of Winneshiek Bottoms and ask Congress to purchase the land along the river from Wabasha to Rock Island so that it could become “forever a National Preserve.” 

“‘Let George do it’ won’t do this time,” Dilg wrote, referring to the idea of foisting responsibility for solving a problem onto someone else. “You have got to do it yourself OR IT WON’T BE DONE.” 

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Dilg meant business, and his words galvanized an impressive cadre of sportsmen across the country, as well as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs . Eleven months later, Congress passed the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge Act, which authorized the acquisition of land for the refuge.

Steve Marking, a river historian and guest performer for American Cruise Lines on its Mississippi River cruises, said Dilg’s name should be remembered along with other great environmental conservationists like John Muir and Aldo Leopold. 

“He sold our modern conservation movement to the American public,” said Marking, who this year debuted “A Visit from Will Dilg,” a documentary and live performance about Dilg’s work that he scripted, filmed and starred in. “Nobody else did that kind of sales job and got them to buy it.” 

Dilg’s leadership style was divisive, and a few years later, he was ousted from his role as president of the Izaak Walton League. But the legacy he left with the creation of the refuge and the love he inspired for the land remain. 

Refuge protections facilitate connection to the river 

For Marking, the refuge was the playground he grew up on, one he was taught to cherish by his father, who worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

After leaving for college and a singing career out east, he’d take a canoe out on the water each time he returned, noticing how quickly his stress melted away. 

“So many people I know moved away for a decade, two, three, and always find their way back to the Mississippi River,” Marking said. “It’s in your blood.”

He’s not alone. 

Barry Allen, senior regional director for Ducks Unlimited in southwest Wisconsin, hunted on the refuge with his father near their home in Wabasha all through high school. His favorite part is searching through bays and backwaters for groups of birds, often a wide variety of species, undiscovered by other hunters. 

Allen said it’s “unbelievable” how many duck hunters use the refuge. On last year’s opening weekend, he arrived at his previously scouted spot at 2 a.m. to find the parking lot completely full. 

“Having access to a place like the river and the (refuge) has shaped me, and I know it’s shaped … hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.

Although it’s difficult to say exactly what this corridor of the river might have looked like had it been leveed off for farmland, it’s fairly certain that access – for both people and wildlife – would be restricted. 

Today, the refuge is designated as a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area . Such large tracts of relatively undisturbed habitat are increasingly hard to find, to the detriment of birds that need them, said Nat Miller, senior director of conservation for the National Audubon Society’s Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway regions.

Cutting off the river from its natural floodplain and constraining its flow through narrower levees also make it rise higher and flow faster during floods , which can cause worse flooding downstream. For a long time, the answer to that was to build levees with higher walls although some communities are now pursuing levee setbacks to make room for the river instead. 

Communities along the refuge don’t have those decisions to make. And they have the luxury of being able to launch a boat or take a walk directly by the water. 

It’s something that Brenda Kelly, Mississippi River wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, takes full advantage of. 

She takes her hunting dogs Harper and Reno (both named after places on the river near De Soto, where she lives) swimming in the Mississippi often. She fishes, kayaks, hunts and hikes. She also leads a paddling field trip annually to entice people to the area who may have never explored it before. 

Once people know about it, “They’ll be sure to be right back,” Kelly said. 

And that’s important, she believes, even on a river like the Mississippi, which is so massive that people might think it simply takes care of itself. 

“The answer is, no, it doesn’t,” she said. “It needs the refuge. It needs those protections in place.”

Shrinking refuge staff tackles urgent challenges 

The effects of degrading habitat and climate change are showing themselves on the refuge, and funding to address them hasn’t kept up. 

Dying floodplain forests have become one of the refuge staff’s chief concerns these days, Chandler said. More severe and longer-lasting flooding, caused by a warmer, wetter atmosphere as well as land use changes that make water run off the landscape faster, is killing off trees that would otherwise perform important ecological functions. 

The trees on the refuge are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns more than a third of refuge lands that it acquired for the creation of the locks and dams nearly a century ago. The corps, the Fish and Wildlife Service and an Audubon forest ecologist work together to take care of the trees and control the new problems that can arise when they die off, like the spread of invasive reed canary grass . 

The river’s backwater channels, a favored spot for many fish species, are also getting shallower as sediment from upstream washes downriver and settles. That’s also causing problems in the main channel, where the corps must dredge large amounts of sand to allow shipping traffic to pass through, but in the backwaters, it’s hurting vegetation growth and driving out fish. 

Kelly worries about an influx of road salt , the presence of PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” that threaten human health – in the water, and the possibility of train accidents and pollution as a result of more frequent flooding. 

“As great as this resource is, it’s not like we marked it with the refuge” and shielded it forever, she said. 

The urgency to fix these problems comes at a time when the national wildlife refuge system is seeing budget cuts and staffing shortfalls. The system has lost over 800 permanent positions since the 2011 budget year, according to the National Wildlife Refuge Association , and a 2019 High Country News story reported the system’s budget had decreased nearly 18% since 2010 when accounting for inflation. 

Chandler said on the upper Mississippi refuge, she’s lost about a third of her staff since she took over as manager. 

“There are a lot of things where we just have to say, ‘You know what, this is not a priority,’ and we have to let those things go,” she said.

Inspiring the next generation of refuge protectors 

Still, there are opportunities ahead that could lighten the load. The refuge received $10 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to build up resiliency to the impacts of climate change and restore its ecosystems. 

Chandler said she’s also focused on acquiring more privately owned land for the refuge. In the last 10 years, close to 8,000 acres have been donated, or acquired by, the refuge.

The staff also relies more heavily today on the work of volunteers – something that could get easier as its 100th anniversary has prompted interest in new chapters of the Izaak Walton League.

During the premiere performances of Marking’s “A Visit from Will Dilg” in La Crosse earlier this year, more than 50 people said they’d be interested in forming a chapter to tackle environmental challenges they’re concerned about, said Jodi Labs, the league’s national president, who’s based in Wisconsin. 

That investment in the future resonates with Brian Vigue, freshwater policy director for Audubon Great Lakes. A member of the Oneida Nation, Vigue sees parallels between the creation of the refuge and the Seventh Generation principle that many tribes hold, in which today’s choices should be made to benefit those who will live seven generations later, and people should live in the world as if they are borrowing it from future generations. 

Though the refuge isn’t quite seven generations old, “can you imagine if somebody hadn’t had the foresight to plan ahead?” Vigue said. “Who knows what we would have there right now.” 

What’s there now is beauty that astounds him. On a fall trip up the Great River Road with his wife, they stopped in the refuge, admiring the colors and the ducks that still hung around before flying south. They climbed a bluff to look down at the Mississippi, a view that “puts you in your place,” he said, thinking about how long the river has wound its way through this part of the world. 

Like Kelly, Vigue has been struck by the thought that the river is so big that it feels impossible that humans would have any impact on it. But its struggles have proven that untrue. 

That makes the rallying effort behind the creation of the refuge — long before communication through social media — all the more remarkable.

“If people look at how that actually all took place, it really could be a great template for modern conservation advocacy,” Labs said. “Just think what we could accomplish today.”

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk , an editorially independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism in partnership with Report For America and funded by the Walton Family Foundation. Wisconsin Watch is a member of the network . Sign up for our  newsletter to get our news straight to your inbox.

Popular stories from Wisconsin Watch

Madeline Heim / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Report for America corps member

Madeline Heim is a Report for America corps member who writes about environmental challenges in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or [email protected].

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For a century, this upper Mississippi River refuge has been an ecological oasis. What comes next?

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This story was originally published by the  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .

MINNESOTA CITY, Minn. — Sabrina Chandler spent much of her life on the other end of the Mississippi River .

Growing up on the Gulf Coast near New Orleans, where levees wall the river off, she had to work to see it. Near the delta, the river is a big, scary, powerful thing. People fear it.

Now the manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge , Chandler recounted those days as she drove to one of her favorite places. She pulled up to Verchota Landing, where the river opened up in front of her, expansive and calm. She pointed to a pile of felled trees – a beaver’s calling card – then to an arc of pelicans flying overhead, and a muskrat poking its head above water before disappearing under the surface.

“There’s not really a bad view anywhere,” she said.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge protects more than 240,000 acres of floodplain along the river from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, including much of Wisconsin’s geographically unique Driftless Region . It’s one of 571 such refuges across the U.S., which garner less love from the public than the country’s national parks but have an equally important mission. It’s the land system managed first and foremost for wildlife conservation.

This month, the upper Mississippi refuge is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dozens of events this summer are aimed at getting people out to explore its beauty and unique value.

Much of the rest of the Mississippi River floodplain has been developed to serve human needs. Levees in Iowa and Illinois restrain the river as it courses through high-production farmland, and further south, it’s lined by fossil fuel and petrochemical plants.

It was the specter of such development more than a century ago that led one impassioned fisherman, Will Dilg – a Chicagoan who co-founded the Izaak Walton League – on a crusade to protect the stretch of river he loved most.

On June 7, 1924, he got his wish: the creation of a refuge on the upper Mississippi, which to this day provides hundreds of miles of river habitat to fish and wildlife and gives people the opportunity to enjoy it for free.

But the refuge faces new threats. Habitat degradation, made worse by climate change, is threatening this protected place as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is tasked with taking care of it, has fewer resources to do so. It means the next 100 years of the refuge’s lifetime will be critical. “We’re thankful for conservation advocates like Will Dilg, who were just stubborn enough to make it happen,” Chandler said. “We are hoping for a new generation of those kinds of folks.”

Dilg makes a stand to stop the ‘drainage crime of the century’

In July 1923, subscribers to the monthly magazine of the newly formed Izaak Walton League found a fiery plea from Dilg in its pages.

“The drainage crime of a century is about to be committed and you can stop it,” he wrote. “Will you do it?”

Dilg was talking about a plan to drain Winneshiek Bottoms, a tranquil riverside channel on the Wisconsin-Iowa border. It was part of a larger push by developers who were frustrated by farmland near the river getting flooded, and who proposed building levees to hold the river in.

Dilg had every reason to ignore the plight of the Mississippi: His young son had drowned in it during a family vacation to a houseboat near Winona. Instead, he sang the upper river’s praises as paradise on earth for animals, birds, and most importantly, fish and the fishers who loved to catch them.

He implored the League’s members, already tens of thousands strong, to write to then-President Warren G. Harding to stop the drainage of Winneshiek Bottoms and ask Congress to purchase the land along the river from Wabasha to Rock Island so that it could become “forever a National Preserve.”

“‘Let George do it’ won’t do this time,” Dilg wrote, referring to the idea of foisting responsibility for solving a problem onto someone else. “You have got to do it yourself OR IT WON’T BE DONE.”

Dilg meant business, and his words galvanized an impressive cadre of sportsmen across the country, as well as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs . Eleven months later, Congress passed the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge Act, which authorized the acquisition of land for the refuge.

Steve Marking, a river historian and guest performer for American Cruise Lines on its Mississippi River cruises, said Dilg’s name should be remembered along with other great environmental conservationists like John Muir and Aldo Leopold.

“He sold our modern conservation movement to the American public,” said Marking, who this year debuted “A Visit from Will Dilg,” a documentary and live performance about Dilg’s work that he scripted, filmed and starred in. “Nobody else did that kind of sales job and got them to buy it.”

Dilg’s leadership style was divisive, and a few years later, he was ousted from his role as president of the Izaak Walton League. But the legacy he left with the creation of the refuge and the love he inspired for the land remains.

Refuge protections facilitate connection to the river

For Marking, the refuge was the playground he grew up on, one he was taught to cherish by his father, who worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service.

After leaving for college and a singing career out east, he’d take a canoe out on the water each time he returned, noticing how quickly his stress melted away.

“So many people I know moved away for a decade, two, three, and always find their way back to the Mississippi River,” Marking said. “It’s in your blood.”

He’s not alone.

Barry Allen, senior regional director for Ducks Unlimited in southwest Wisconsin, hunted on the refuge with his father near their home in Wabasha all through high school. His favorite part is searching through bays and backwaters for groups of birds, often a wide variety species, undiscovered by other hunters.

Allen said it’s “unbelievable” how many duck hunters use the refuge. On last year’s opening weekend, he arrived at his previously scouted spot at 2 a.m. to find the parking lot completely full.

“Having access to a place like the river and the (refuge) has shaped me, and I know it’s shaped …hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.

Although it’s difficult to say exactly what this corridor of the river might have looked like had it been leveed off for farmland, it’s fairly certain that access – for both people and wildlife – would be restricted.

Today, the refuge is designated as a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area . Such large tracts of relatively undisturbed habitat are increasingly hard to find, to the detriment of birds that need them, said Nat Miller, senior director of conservation for the National Audubon Society’s Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway regions.

Cutting off the river from its natural floodplain and constraining its flow through narrower levees also makes it rise higher and flow faster during floods , which can cause worse flooding downstream. For a long time, the answer to that was to build levees with higher walls , although some communities are now pursuing levee setbacks to make room for the river instead.

Communities along the refuge don’t have those decisions to make. And they have the luxury of being able to launch a boat or take a walk directly by the water.

It’s something that Brenda Kelly, Mississippi River wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, takes full advantage of.

She takes her hunting dogs, Harper and Reno (both named after places on the river near De Soto, where she lives) swimming in the Mississippi often. She fishes, kayaks, hunts and hikes. She also leads a paddling field trip annually to entice people to the area who may have never explored it before.

Once people know about it, “They’ll be sure to be right back,” Kelly said.

And that’s important, she believes, even on a river like the Mississippi, which is so massive that people might think it simply takes care of itself. “The answer is, no, it doesn’t,” she said. “It needs the refuge. It needs those protections in place.”

A shrinking refuge staff tackles urgent challenges

The effects of degrading habitat and climate change are showing themselves on the refuge, and funding to address them hasn’t kept up.

Dying floodplain forests have become one of the refuge staff’s chief concerns these days, Chandler said. More severe and longer-lasting flooding, caused by a warmer, wetter atmosphere as well as land use changes that make water run off the landscape faster, is killing off trees that would otherwise perform important ecological functions.

The trees on the refuge are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns more than a third of refuge lands that it acquired for the creation of the locks and dams nearly a century ago. The Corps, the Fish and Wildlife Service and an Audubon forest ecologist work together to take care of the trees and control the new problems that can arise when they die off, like the spread of invasive reed canary grass . The river’s backwater channels, a favored spot for many fish species, are also getting shallower as sediment from upstream washes downriver and settles. That’s also causing problems in the main channel, where the Corps must dredge large amounts of sand to allow shipping traffic to pass through, but in the backwaters, it’s hurting vegetation growth and driving out fish.

Kelly worries about an influx of road salt , the presence of PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” that threaten human health – in the water, and the possibility of train accidents and pollution as a result of more frequent flooding.

“As great as this resource is, it’s not like we marked it with the refuge” and shielded it forever, she said.

The urgency to fix these problems comes at a time when the national wildlife refuge system is seeing budget cuts and staffing shortfalls. The system has lost over 800 permanent positions since the 2011 budget year, according to the National Wildlife Refuge Association , and a 2019 High Country News story reported the system’s budget had decreased nearly 18% since 2010 when accounting for inflation.

Chandler said on the upper Mississippi refuge, she’s lost about a third of her staff since she took over as manager.

“There are a lot of things where we just have to say, ‘You know what, this is not a priority,’ and we have to let those things go,” she said.

Inspiring the next generation of refuge protectors

Still, there are opportunities ahead that could lighten the load. The refuge received $10 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to build up resiliency to the impacts of climate change and restore its ecosystems.

Chandler said she’s also focused on acquiring more privately owned land for the refuge. In the last 10 years, close to 8,000 acres have been donated, or acquired by, the refuge.

The staff also relies more heavily today on the work of volunteers – something that could get easier as its 100th anniversary has prompted interest in new chapters of the Izaak Walton League.

During the premiere performances of Marking’s “A Visit from Will Dilg” in La Crosse earlier this year, more than 50 people said they’d be interested in forming a chapter to tackle environmental challenges they’re concerned about, said Jodi Labs, the League’s national president, who’s based in Wisconsin.

That investment in the future resonates with Brian Vigue, freshwater policy director for Audubon Great Lakes. A member of the Oneida Nation, Vigue sees parallels between the creation of the refuge and the Seventh Generation principle that many tribes hold, in which today’s choices should be made to benefit those who will live seven generations later, and people should live in the world as if they are borrowing it from future generations.

Though the refuge isn’t quite seven generations old, “can you imagine if somebody hadn’t had the foresight to plan ahead?” Vigue said. “Who knows what we would have there right now.”

What’s there now is beauty that astounds him. On a fall trip up the Great River Road with his wife, they stopped in the refuge, admiring the colors and the ducks that still hung around before flying south. They climbed a bluff to look down at the Mississippi, a view that “puts you in your place,” he said, thinking about how long the river has wound its way through this part of the world.

Like Kelly, Vigue has been struck by the thought that the river is so big that it feels impossible that humans would have any impact on it. But its struggles have proven that untrue.

That makes the rallying effort behind the creation of the refuge — long before communication through social media — all the more remarkable.

“If people look at how that actually all took place, it really could be a great template for modern conservation advocacy,” Labs said. “Just think what we could accomplish today.”

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk , an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America , with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited and Audubon Society, all sources in this story, also receive Walton funding.

Type of work: News Service Produced externally by an organization we trust to adhere to journalistic standards.

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