Let Your Adventures Begin! 

Day 1: Hotel Stay - Minneapolis, MN

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2: Red Wing, MN

Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. The city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land before today, or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past.

Day 3: Winona, MN

Explore one of the most beautiful places in the country. Nestled in the covered limestone river bluffs of the Mississippi River, Winona is full of culture and Americana. This historic city – filled with incredible museums, galleries and parks – is also where J.R. Watkins has produced its fine natural products for over 150 years. Take a trip to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and fall even more in love with the maritime lifestyle.

Day 4: La Crosse, WI

This river town has a long-standing romance with the steamboat era, and as our paddlewheeler kisses its port, guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park. Within its depths, La Crosse harbors a vibrant community; the cultural exchange among it and its six sister cities showcases a deep appreciation for enrichment through diversity. Influences from far-off destinations such as Bantry, Ireland, and Bavaria, Germany, woven into the history and charm of this scenic port, will certainly stir a traveler’s soul.

Day 5: Dubuque, IA

Explore Dubuque, the roots from which Iowa sprouted. It’s brimming with opportunity for river travelers to experience an All-America City. Check off your outdoor bucket list in the perfect nature getaway for any adventure, and explore historic districts peppered with preserved history. From the architectural delight of Tiffany-designed windows in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to the exhibits of the Dubuque Museum of Art, this city captures artistry. Victorian meets bohemian in this ever-growing Mississippi River gem that’s sure to leave dazzling memories.

Day 6: Bettendorf, IA

Bettendorf is but the beginning of this quest to the Quad Cities. Our deluxe motorcoaches bridge the gap between the distinctively different urban areas that, without friction, blend into the melting pot that the region celebrates. Whimsical architecture in Rock Island complements the eccentric gardens of the Quad City Botanical Center. The varied heritages and customs of the area come to life through the multiform dexterity of local artisans. A collection of riverfront vistas and metropolitan communities meet Midwestern neighborliness at the mighty Mississippi in this multifaceted port.

Day 7: Burlington, IA

Charm indwells this city. Swaggering trails showcase flourishing vegetation, neighborhood hangouts offer upscale dining options and steepled churches rich in architecture abound. Pleasure awaits each visitor in this city of contrasts. Quiet strolls through courtly streets in historic districts are juxtaposed by boisterous thespian artistry inside Capitol Theater; the drumming heart of the city is soothed by the scenic backdrop of the Mississippi River. Lover of all seasons, connoisseur of culture, friend to foodies: Welcome to Burlington. 

Day 8: Hannibal, MO

Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but the father of American literature would beg to differ. The town, with style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain. People, entities and livelihoods of Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi,” and the town’s preservation efforts allow our quests to step right onto the page where Twain left off. Today, the river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been then, and, still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this exuberant port marks the start of adventure for all who visit.

Day 9: St. Louis, MO or Kimmswick, MO

St. Louis, famously referred to as the Gateway City, is known for its diverse neighborhoods and the different cultural traditions each one brings forth. The city is typically associated with its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch, which stands on the banks of the Mississippi River to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States.

Day 10: River Cruising

Because history plays such a large part of your river cruise experience, spend some time with our onboard Riverlorian to gain insight into our nation’s history and heritage. Relive a tale from Mark Twain, or simply enjoy fascinating stories, facts and fables about the very stretch of river on which you are cruising.

Day 11: Memphis, TN

Memphis has a plethora of places to visit and things to do for all guests. Embrace the city that has been coined not only the home of the blues but also the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Boogie on down to Beale Street – alive with quirky places to indulge in some Southern barbeque, purchase souvenirs for friends and family (or a little something for yourself) and sip on a Blue Suede Tini. As one of the most famous music destinations in the world, Memphis is a melodious port for our guests to experience.

Day 12: Cleveland (Terrene Landing), Mississippi

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta lies the town of Cleveland, one of the two county seats of Bolivar County. Named for President Grover Cleveland, the town began formation in 1869. Bolivar County has deep roots in the civil rights movement. Amzie Moore, a civil rights pioneer, opened a gas station, beauty shop, and grocery store on Highway 61 in Cleveland. His business also served as headquarters for the area’s civil rights efforts. His home was declared a historical landmark on May 13, 2008. Because of the Louisville, New Orleans and Texas Railroad that ran through the middle of town, people were drawn to Cleveland from outlying areas.

Often called the “Birthplace of the Blues,” Cleveland brims with musical history and avenues to learn about it. The blues are very much alive in this Delta community, and one of the best places to experience the heritage and culture that is the blues is just outside Cleveland at Dockery Farms, home to world-famous Delta blues musician Charley Patton. His former home was recently honored with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Today, Cleveland is a nice, college town with friendly neighbors. More of a farming community than “small city,” the town’s unique Southern culture is the amalgamation of the blues, hand-spun Mississippi mud pottery, and mouthwatering delicacies like catfish and tamales. Cleveland is also home to the GRAMMY® museum. Recent exhibits were “Stronger Together: The Power of Women in Country Music” and a special limited-time display celebrating the music of Garth Brooks.

Day 13: Vicksburg, MS

Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other. Learn about the historic conflicts of the city, taste its cuisine, visit the many museums and pick out the perfect souvenir.

Day 14: Natchez, MS

It seems as if history fell asleep and awoke unscathed by the changing of times in this magical port. This charming river town was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River. It’s known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner. Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums and historic homes, all of which inspired Hugh Bayless to include Natchez in his book “The 100 Best Towns in America."

Day 15: Nottoway , LA

American Queen Steamboat Company features an exclusive port at Nottoway. While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South. Nottoway is an intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to create an atmosphere that does justice to the home’s original ambiance. It is fascinating history and luxurious aesthetic packaged in Southern hospitality – an experience that you will not want to pass up.

Day 16: New Orleans, LA

As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider an airport transfer.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Arrive in Toronto and settle into your cabin. Set sail on Lake Ontario in the evening.

Day 2 — Niagara Falls and Lake Erie: Transit the Welland Canal to Port Colborne for a visit to Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls that straddles the border between Ontario and New York. Ride a specially designed boat within feet of Horseshoe Falls. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising Lake Erie.

Day 3 — Detroit and St. Clair River: Sail through Detroit, taking in views of Motor City and Ambassador Bridge. Cruise the St. Clair River, used by French fur traders in the 18th century, on the way to Lake Huron.

Day 4 — Lake Huron: Parry Sound and Georgian Bay: Dock in Parry Sound and set out on a cruise aboard the Island Queen among the Thirty Thousand Islands of Georgian Bay, or take a nature walk in Killbear Provincial Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Day 5 —Manitoulin Island: On Manitoulin Island, learn about the area’s First Nations heritage at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation or hike to the highest point and sample local wines and cheeses. Alternatively, go kayaking on the upper Kagawong River.

Day 6 — Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S.: Enter the U.S. and explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Or visit the Sault Lock Viewing Station and Interpretive Center and the Museum Ship Valley Camp. Ride a chartered boat to the Soo Locks, where your boat is raised 21 feet to access Lake Superior.

Day 7 — Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan: Tour historic Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage, viewing the iconic Grand Hotel and the museum of Fort Mackinac. Enjoy free time in town before an afternoon sail on Lake Michigan.

Day 8 — Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Disembark in Milwaukee and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Add a one-night extension in Toronto.

*Pricing reflects a savings bonus ranging from 0% to 30%, based on the number of staterooms available at the time of printing. See our website for current pricing. Book early for higher savings.

Experience the Great Lakes in their autumn splendor, exploring the islands and coasts of Ontario and Michigan and discovering natural wonders and historic sites from Georgian Bay to Mackinac Island.