Take a journey following the Mighty Mississippi River's path in reverse by visiting the people and places between St. Louis, Missouri and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit small river towns and museums that highlight the significance of the Mississippi River as a cultural and physical waterway that has shaped the development of the American Midwest in so many ways.
DAY 1 – St. Louis - First Look at the Mighty Mississippi.
Fly into St. Louis and arrive at your St. Louis area hotel for a welcoming dinner and a chance to meet your traveling companions for the next eight days.
DAY 2 – St. Louis – A Day in the Shadow of the Arch.
See the sights around St.Louis including the world famous Gateway Arch. Also featured is a visit to the Museum of Westward Expansion, a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and a sightseeing cruise aboard a boat on the river. Finish the evening with shopping on "the Loop".
DAY 3 – The Quad Cities – On the Road to Iowa.
After breakfast we venture upstream to the Quad Cities on the Iowa/Illinois boundary with a lunchtime visit to Mark Twain's home in Hannibal, Missouri along the way. An evening dinner cruise on the Celebration Belle rounds out the day's activities.
DAY 4 – John Deere Green, Arrive in Dubuque.
The John Deere factory, home of the John Deere tractor, highlights today's stops. Awesome views of the river from Eagle Point Park are also on the agenda.
DAY 5 – National River Museum, Historic Galena.
Your morning begins with breakfast, and then a trip to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. The afternoon will include a trolley ride through Galena, Illinois, Ulysses Grant's hometown. The evening will be spent touring the splendid Victorian homes of Dubuque, Iowa were you will enjoy a multi-course "progressive" dinner in four seperate homes.
DAY 6 – Field of Dreams, Prairie du Chien.
En route to Wisconsin, a stop at the sight of the movie "Field of Dreams" is included in the day's itinerary. In Wisconsin, a Norwegian village tour and Norwegian supper make the evening memorable.
Day7- La Crosse, Wisconsin to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This day takes you through several attractions in small quaint Minnesota river towns. Unique stops on the way include the Wenonah Canore factory in Winona, MN and L.A.R.K. Toys in Kellogg, MN.
DAY 8 – Meandering Around Minneapolis.
See Minneapolis from the Mid-Town Global Market, to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, to the new Mill City Museum, which highlights the history of the milling industry in the area. Also enjoy a final dinner cruise aboard the Minneapolis Queen.
DAY 9 – Leaving the River Behind.
Your last day along the river will be spent in St. Paul, Minnesota where after a delicious breakfast at the Carousel Restaraunt you can see the Minnesota State Capitol and the Cathedral of St. Paul before catching your flight home.
Meander the Mississippi upstream and feel a piece of America's heartland heritage. From scenic vistas to cultural townships, this tour will take you along to some of the nation's most interesting places, nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. From small river towns to the major metro areas of St. Louis and the Twin Cities, you will get a taste of what life along the Mississippi River is all about.
