Top Tours
All Mississippi River, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Mississippi River
Award winning travel
Best Mississippi River Tours by Duration
Discover the best Mississippi River tours based on duration, whether seeking a quick sightseeing cruise or a multi-day exploration of the river's historic towns and natural wonders. Choose from a range of tour lengths to suit your schedule and interests.
Best Mississippi River Tours by Price
Find the best Mississippi River tours based on price, offering excellent value and unforgettable experiences. Whether on a budget or seeking a luxurious river cruise, explore affordable options and premium packages to make the most of your adventure through the mighty Mississippi River.
Top Mississippi River Attractions
Mississippi River Tours & Travel
The Mississippi flows more than 2,300 miles through America's heartland and passes through ten states from northern Minnesota to Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River connects cities as varied as New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis and has served as the economic lifeline for all of them.
Mississippi River Tours offer a chance to explore the mighty waterway in a relaxing environment — perhaps even on an authentic paddle-wheeler. The most popular segment is in southern Mississippi, between New Orleans and Memphis.
The Mississippi River ranks as America's most iconic waterway, celebrated by author Mark Twain in the mid-19th century, and continues to play a crucial role in American commerce.
The 2,350-mile-long Mississippi is the third longest river in North America, effectively dividing the United States into two regions.
"East of the Mississippi" generally denotes older America, with a long history dating back to the Revolutionary War, while "West of the Mississippi" connotes a younger, more frontier-minded America.
Of course, these are broad generalizations, but almost every American is familiar with the terms. The Mississippi is one of the touchstones of American geography. Exploring it is like exploring the heart of America itself. Once you take a voyage on the "Big Muddy," you'll never think of the Mississippi region as just a "flyover country" only.
The lower Mississippi offers a wealth of regional music, cuisine, history, and architecture. It's a fascinating region that is coming to terms with its past and looking to the future. You'll encounter impressive sights and activities in Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; and some small towns along the way.
The lower Mississippi technically starts from Cairo, Illinois.
In pre-civil war days, when cotton was king, two-thirds of all American millionaires lived between New Orleans and Natchez. That all ended abruptly with the war and the abolition of slavery — the scourge that had enabled the wealthy plantations to thrive.
French-accented New Orleans, with its iconic French Quarter and party-central Bourbon Street, is the place to down donut-like beignets for breakfast, eat fried oysters in a modest seafood shack, dine royally on the finest cuisine in one of the city's world-famous restaurants, or, of course, have a drink or two, perhaps at a local jazz club such as Preservation Hall.
Memphis is another musical mecca. You can tour Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived; Sun Studio, where Elvis made his name; the Stax Museum, which tells the history of one of the great rhythm and blues studios; and of course, Beale Street, with its parade of blues clubs.
Begin your perfect evening with ribs at The Rendezvous or drinks atop the Madison Hotel, complete with panoramic views.
Cruising the upper Mississippi is a very different experience — the land of cotton gives way to the land of corn, and blues and jazz make way for the traditions of descendants of German immigrants in Iowa and Wisconsin.
St. Louis: Embarkations for upper Mississippi cruises usually begin in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the river's major cities and home to one of the country's best zoos.
The swooping 530-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which sits on the west bank of the Mississippi and has become the symbol of St Louis, offers incredible views of the Mississippi and the entire area. You can ride to the top via tram or elevator, as some one million visitors do annually. Museums dedicated to westward expansion are at the foot of the steel arch.
Upper Mississippi River tours end in the Minneapolis area, perhaps at the historic town of Red Wing, south of Saint Paul. Formerly a center for commercial shipping along the river, Red Wing is now known for its artisans and historic homes. Minneapolis-St. Paul is one of America's most livable metropolitan areas, with many museums, restaurants, and other amenities.
The Mississippi flows more than 2,300 miles through America's heartland and passes through ten states from northern Minnesota to Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River connects cities as varied as New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis and has served as the economic lifeline for all of them.
Mississippi River Tours offer a chance to explore the mighty waterway in a relaxing environment — perhaps even on an authentic paddle-wheeler. The most popular segment is in southern Mississippi, between New Orleans and Memphis.
If you cruise the Upper Mississippi during the summer, you can avoid the tourist crowds.
As you move further north along the Mississippi, you will enter the American Midwest's eastern edge. This region is rarely on tour itineraries, and very few Americans vacation here. So, even during the busiest times, you won't face tourist crowds and enjoy quite an authentic feel for small-town America.
However, summers are incredibly hot — if you're not used to hot and humid weather, be prepared for some uncomfortable days. You can help combat the weather by dressing appropriately and drinking much water.
Upper Mississippi River tours are only available between June and October when the water level is low enough to accommodate cruise vessels.
The Lower Mississippi is open for several more months than the Upper Mississippi, which is good if you like off-season travel to avoid crowds. Cruises through the Lower Mississippi visit some of the most popular US cities: Memphis, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge.
Domestic and international tourists alike will experience peak tourist crowds during the summertime.
Savor the rich flavors of southern cuisine as you journey along the majestic Mississippi River. From classic Creole dishes to mouthwatering BBQ, each stop along the river offers a unique culinary experience. Indulge in these must-try foods during your Mississippi River adventure:
A cruise along the Mississippi River is a great experience for music lovers. Travelers will get to witness many types of music, from honky tonk to jazz. The culture in these areas can be heard through the air, immersing travelers as they explore each destination. Below are some of the most iconic types of music you will encounter on a Mississippi River cruise.
Interested in other river cruises? View all river cruise tours >>
Read about the top 15 places to visit in the US now >>
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Mississippi River, where many captivating activities await. From exploring historic landmarks to immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, there's something for every traveler to enjoy on this iconic waterway.
Experience the wonders of the Mississippi River and create lasting memories as you embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and natural splendor.
Mississippi River cruises offer something for everyone, making them an ideal choice for many travelers. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, a Mississippi River cruise promises an unforgettable journey for all who embark on its waters.
History buffs will delight in exploring the river's storied past, from antebellum plantations to Civil War battlefields. Diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes along the riverbanks will welcome nature enthusiasts.
New Orleans is a heaven for foodies who will savor the regional cuisine and culinary delights while music lovers can immerse themselves in the vibrant music scene of Memphis.
Vic
May 2023
Our room rivaled those my wife and I have enjoyed in many an upscale hotel. The food and table settings were both five-star. The lengthy list of available activit...
This was a fabulous trip. The American Symphony is a new ship, beautiful. The sta...
We just got off the ship American Cruiseline's Spendor. Waiting at the airport now and cannot wait to write a review. We had so much fun. First of all the crew, d...
We wanted a nice relaxing cruise for the holiday, someplace where the temps were moderate for that time of year and somewhere in the US. We chose the American Crui...
In March 2022 My husband and I took a wonderful Cruise on American CruiseLine. The trip was on the American Heritage, and we traveled down the Mississippi River from...
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?