Upper Mississippi River Cruise

Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure. On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Call 1-800-460-4518 to reserve your space.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Take a guided walk through Winona's historic downtown to admire great architecture, hear surprising stories, and play a fun game or two. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Running on a continuous loop, this guided exploration shuttle takes you from the ship to Winona's hot spots including history and art museums, historic places with beautiful architecture and stained glass, and to the heart of Downtown so you can shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

This narrated Winona boat exploration not only entertains but educates about the famed waterway, the history of Winona and its relation to the Mississippi River. Bring your camera and binoculars to view local wildlife like eagles, deer, turtles, snakes, and beaver on this mesmerizing river cruise.

Activity Level: Low 

Enjoy a guided, in-depth exploration of the historic and intriguing sites around greater Winona. Stops include the Winona County History Center, Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Garvin Heights lookout with amazing views of this stretch of the Mississippi River Valley, and more.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Explore the finest private collection of vintage drag race cars in the Midwest. View original HEMI and Max Wedge race cars, the Clark Rand original race car collection, rare exotic go cart collection, and a vintage bicycle collection. Also on site is a fabulous neon and metal sign collection, as well as memorabilia available for purchase.

Enter the quiet and rich environment of Pool 6 of the Mississippi River and observe wildlife up close within the forested backwaters. On a sit-on-top kayak or canoe, with a partner or on your own, paddle along the smooth water, stopping for a refreshment along the way. A portion of each excursion cost goes towards reclamation efforts in the surrounding Prairie Island Park area. 

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Activity Level: moderate | ADA Accessibilty: No

Delight in an exploration of some of the highlights of Dubuque. First, stop at Steeple Square Event Center, one of the oldest catholic churches in Dubuque which was renovated into a vibrant community gathering space. Next, arrive at Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden for a guided exploration of the beautiful landscapes. Visit the Convivium Urban Farmstead, a center which celebrates the efforts of local gardeners with onsite cooking and gardening classes as well as a restaurant that serves local produce. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator, the shortest steepest railway in the United States. Don’t forget the camera, it’s a great opportunity to get a photo of the ship at dock in the Port of Dubuque from above the bluffs.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to the center of town and back. At your leisure, explore the many districts of downtown Dubuque, including Cable Car Square, the Historic Millwork District, and Historic Old Main District, once a hideaway for notorious gangster Al Capone. Visit the Summer Farmers Market which has been located in the Upper Main district since 1845. Running daily on a continuous loop.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Travel to the Field of Dreams Movie Site, built by Universal Studios and known for the famous quote, “If you build it, he will come.” Released in 1989, Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner, was a movie that inspired millions and became an Academy Award nominee for “Best Picture of the Year.” Explore this famous site, including the baseball field, the magical corn, and the farm house in which the movie was made. After, visit the gift shop for some take-home movie memorabilia.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Take an entertaining and informative journey along the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The museum’s interactive exhibits will give you an inside look at the Mississippi River's past, present, and future. On this guided exploration, learn about the lives of the pioneers, explorers, and artists who once lived along the Mississippi River. Get close to nature, as you make your way through six large aquariums.

Activity Level: Medium | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to:

• Isabel Bloom Studio & Showroom - During your visit learn how Isabel Bloom, who studied under Grant Wood, began designing and producing sculptures more than 60 years ago. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of iconic Isabel Bloom sculptures. Discover why so many people have made Isabel Bloom their gift of choice for every occasion.

• German American Heritage Center & Museum - A cultural center and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places with fun and educational exhibits which preserve the heritage of German-Americans in the Midwest.

• The Putnam Museum - With a focus on history and natural sciences, this museum was founded in 1867 and is one of the first museums west of the Mississippi River. Have fun learning something new while exploring their many exhibits.

• Bix Beiderbecke Museum - Located in the River Music Experience Building, this museum celebrates the life and music the music of legendary cornetist, pianist, and composer Bix Beiderbecke. This is a must-stop for jazz and history lovers who will learn about his brief but eventful life at the dawn of the 20th century.

• Hauberg Estate - An heiress of the Denkmann-Weyerhaeuser Lumber fortune, Susanne Denkmann built this prairie style home in 1908, which consists of 20 rooms, 6 fireplaces, a carriage house, garage, and beautiful gardens. A tulip motif is featured throughout the home in its stained-glass windows, plastered ceilings, mosaic wood beams, and more.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport has been declared "The Most Livable Small City in America.” Led by a local guide, explore all Downtown Davenport has to offer and admire the impressive architecture along the way. Next visit the Smithsonian-Affiliated Putnam Museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s treasures through engaging exhibits and collections that explore science, history, cultures, and environments throughout time.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessibility: No

Discover the inventions that changed American farming at the John Deere Pavilion. Explore new and vintage equipment that you can touch, feel, and sit in. Through interactive and immersive exhibits, learn the John Deere story, including its customers, employees, and John Deere fans, as well as how the company’s machinery was used to build and grow our country.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Enjoy an exploration of two working farms in rural Lee County. Stop at the Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese, a working farm where a farmer will tell you about its history, how production works, as well as other insights about life at the farm. Explore the brand new state-of-the-art cheese production facility and learn about the process of cheese making from start to finish. Stop at the onsite shop featuring all Iowa-made products and of course, the cheese!

Visit the Harvestville Farm, a 5th generation family farm. Explore the farm, enjoy a trip through the corn maze, browse through the retail barn, and even take a wagon ride through the acreage. You will have an opportunity to pick up some homemade treats and goods that are either made right there on the farm or by a local vendor.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Step back in time to when the Mississippi River reached to the railway line, when breweries and distilleries reigned supreme, and where a garment district attracted the likes of Chicago gangsters who came to buy their “Hesse” suits during the roaring 20s. Stop at Fort Madison, an active military outpost from 1808 to 1813 and the only known War of 1812 battlefield in the state of Iowa. Visit the Iowa Territorial Prison, the longest continually used penitentiary in the United States, operational from January of 1839 to August of 2015. View the original 1839 cell block which still stands in testament to the frontier justice that was handed out throughout the heartland.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Explore downtown Hannibal on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town. Our convenient shuttle will also take you to the following:

Hannibal History Museum - Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and historic photos, learn the story of Hannibal's remarkable past.

Jim’s Journey, The Huck Finn Freedom Center - Explore Hannibal's first African American history museum which pays tribute to Mark Twain's most complex yet locally under-represented literary figures.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home &Museum - Enjoy a guided exploration of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. This is truly a piece of Americana.

Mark Twain Cave - Explore this national landmark and Missouri’s oldest show cave.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Step back in time and relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s days in Hannibal. Your guide will share the history of Hannibal and will show you sites of historical importance. While on your excursion, visit Rockcliffe Mansion – this American “castle” has a breathtaking view overlooking the Mississippi and is on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

As you arrive in Hannibal, the boyhood home of famous author Mark Twain, relive the author’s experiences that heavily influenced his writings. Visit the actual home that Mark Twain grew up in, which is surrounded by the legendary whitewashed fence of Tom Sawyer. The vivid stories told by Mark Twain come to life at this interactive museum. Visit the Becky Thatcher House, the Huck Finn Home, and the Tom and Huck Statue at the foot of Cardiff Hill. Stop at the Interpretive Center, home to 15 original Normal Rockwell paintings.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Join Richard Garey as Mark Twain and stroll through the streets of Hannibal, the hometown that inspired Mark Twain’s famous literary novels. Learn about its history through the author’s own words and observations and then enjoy a special performance of “Mark Twain Himself” at the Planter’s Barn Theater.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the Mark Twain Cave, a labyrinth of a 260 passageways which inspired the author’s famous work, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) played here throughout his childhood, and 170 years later, you can still see his name written on a wall in the cave. After, quench your thirst with a wine flight or wine slushy as you learn about the history of local wine.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessibility: No

Explore the best sites in Alton on this convenient shuttle. Visit the Audubon Center at Riverland, situated within a picturesque migratory bird sanctuary. Stop at the Alton Visitor Center to find out more about the city and the Great Rivers & Road region and try your luck at the Argosy Casino located directly across the street. Enjoy artist demonstrations and browsing unique handmade pottery at Mississippi Mud Pottery, before viewing a stunning works at Jacoby Arts Center. Savor delicious local favorites and ice cold beer in a fun, casual setting at Fast Eddie's Bon Air, a legendary establishment located just blocks from the Mississippi River.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

Relive the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring over 200 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the U.S., with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era.

Shaped by the inspired design of Finnish-America architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch monument celebrates the expansion West and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, millions of visitors have taken a trip to the top to enjoy stunning views. Begin your adventure with our new, interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s-era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be transported 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest man-made monument. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the movie Monument to a Dream.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton, as well as on the Complete Mississippi River and Grand Heartland cruises.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This narrated exploration provides you with a wonderful overview of the city, including downtown St. Louis and the riverfront, Citygarden Sculpture Park, the historic neighborhoods of Soulard and Lafayette Square, Forest Park, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a stunning church which rivals the cathedrals in Rome, Italy.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis/Alton, as well as on the Complete Mississippi River and Grand Heartland itineraries.
 

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they made their historic journey into the West at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. Featured here is a museum dedicated to the planning and journey of the two explorers and their Corps of Discovery. Explore five exhibit rooms, view the film "At Journey's Edge," and admire an impressive 55-foot full scale replica of their "cutaway" keelboat.

Continue to the Lewis & Clark Confluence tower which rises 180 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. A variety of viewing platforms are available for visitors to view the Mississippi and Missouri rivers from above and to witness where Lewis & Clark began their journey westward. The indoor visitor center has interactive exhibits which tell the story of the history, wildlife, and communities along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

As you travel along The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, admire the rolling waters of the Mighty Mississippi River framed by magnificent limestone bluffs. Next, enjoy the best view in the Midwest on the brand-new Grafton Sky Tour, a combination lift and fixed-grip gondola. As you soar high above Grafton, view the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers like never before. After, explore the Grafton Winery, aptly named “the Vineyards.” Settled among orchards and sprawling farmland, this 11,000-square-foot facility is a full production winery overlooking a picturesque lake and 4 acres of vineyards where Chardonel, Vidal, and Vinoles grapes are grown. Enjoy an exploration of the Vineyards followed by a private wine tasting.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in St. Louis, MO, or Alton, IL.

Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.