7 Night Cruise sailing from St Paul to St Louis aboard American Queen.

Upper Mississippi Cruises:
Early explorers and native tribes left their legacy behind in town names here: Joliet. Red Wing. Dubuque. Rolling farmland stretches out to the horizon; barges are measured in acres; man-made lakes and locks channel the river's flow. What to do on a river day? Grab your binoculars and study a pair of American bald eagles. Wave to the motorboat captains locking through the dam beside you. Study red in ten different shades of fall foliage. Tap into the sense of wonder that caused early pioneers to call the heartland home.

Destinations handpicked to pique the interest of nature lovers, history buffs and culture enthusiasts let you delve into beauty and adventure on an epic scale. After all, this is America's Heartland, envisioned by Washington and Jefferson, celebrated by Mark Twain and stitched into the very fabric of a nation. From Chippewa country in the north to the confluence of the Missouri near St. Louis and Ohio Rivers at Cairo, the Upper Mississippi flows through the pages of U.S. history.

American Hootenanny
A Hootenanny is a folk-music party and boy do we have a party planned for our October 18 river cruise between St. Paul and St. Louis! Be sure to check back for updates on our featured entertainers.

Day 1: St. Paul, MN
Departure: 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of St. Paul today. This afternoon, you will board the American Queen to begin your voyage.

Day 2: Winona, MN
Arrival: 12:00 p.m. - Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Winona is one of the most beautiful places in the country, nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs that rise 500 feet and the stunning mighty Mississippi River. The historic architecture and cultural opportunities give Winona a soul that is living, breathing and growing. Still, Winona and its wealth of culture, arts, history, recreation and festivals, is relatively undiscovered.

Day 3: La Crosse, WI
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 1:00 p.m.
This gem of Victorian and Art Deco architecture with an inviting Riverwalk is your gateway to local culture. Explore Amish Country or enjoy "lefse" and Scandinavian folk tunes with Norwegian descendants.

Day 4: Dubuque, IA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 1:00 p.m.
The flags of five nations have flown over a city that lives and breathes river lore. Take in its diverse flavors from Cable Car Square to the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Day 5: Davenport, IA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 5:00 p.m.
The world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit celebrates the accomplishments of John Deere. Discover our 3,000- year addiction to chocolate with taste testing and a tour of the tropical gardens and chocolate tree in historic downtown Rock Island.

Day 6: Fort Madison, IA
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 1:00 p.m.
The city of Fort Madison was established around the site of the historic Fort Madison (1808-1813), which was the first permanent U.S. military fortification on the Upper Mississippi. Fort Madison was the site of Black Hawk's first battle against U.S. troops, the only real War of 1812 battle fought west of the Mississippi. It was also the location of the first U.S. military cemetery in the upper Midwest. Fort Madison was one of three posts established by the U.S. Army to establish control over the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territories. Fort Madison was built to control trade and pacify Native Americans in the Upper Mississippi River region. The other two posts were Fort Belle Fontaine near St. Louis, which controlled the mouth of the Missouri, and Fort Osage, near what is now Kansas City, which controlled trade with western Native American tribes. Fort Madison has the last remaining double swing-span bridge on the Mississippi River, the Fort Madison Toll Bridge. It has a top level for cars and a bottom level for trains; it is also the world's largest. The Fort Madison Downtown Commercial Historic District is a collection of well-preserved historic storefronts from the late 19th century.

Day 7: Hannibal, MO
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 12:00 p.m.
Board the Twainland Express for a journey enlivened by the spirit of Samuel Clemens, who authored American classics under the pen name of Mark Twain. Stroll through the Museum Complex, explore the famous Cave and watch as your guide points out scenes from famous tales.

Day 8: St. Louis, MO
Arrival: 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy the day in St. Louis. Perhaps you will choose to visit the Gateway Arch or take in a ballgame.