Best Things to Do in Mississippi River

At 2,348 miles long, the Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America. It stretches throug 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana and has so many amazing attractions along the. You'll probably want to visit multiple times to see them all! From waterfalls, dams, and scenic overlooks to historic buildings and museums full of art and WWII artifacts, there is something for the outdoor lover as well as the history buff and cultural enthusiast.

The best way to visit these midwest attractions is a river cruise! Typically travelers choose to cruise te Upper or Lower Mississippi River. On an Upper Mississippi cruise you will sail through Minnesota to Illinois, and on a Lower Mississippi River cruise you will sail through Illinois to Louisiana. No matter were you coose to start and end your cruise, you're in for a historic, scenic and fun trip!

Below are the must-stop destinations on your cruise of the Mississippi River.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

An obligatory stop on all Lower Mississippi River cruises, New Orleans is a place like no other. The Louisiana city is known for its 'round te clock nightlife, vibrant live music, and cultural and culinary mix of France, Africa, and America. You should definitely plan to stay a few days if possible, either at the start or end of your cruise, because there really is so much to take in.

A few days will give you enough time for history tours, shopping, seeing some live music, and of course eating. You sould plan to eat in between all the other wonderful activities to be sure you get all the tastes of New Orleans: Creole influenced cuisine, classic southern fare, and French cuisine. And don’t forget about the beignets for dessert!

The embodiment of New Orleans' lifestyle is Mardi Gras. The holiday is celebrated for about two weeks during late winter. The carnival is famous for jarring costume parades and street parties. For the ultimate New Orleans nightlife experience, you should visit during Mardi Gras celebrations.

2. Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana

The American South is home to some of the country’s most beautiful homes, although the stunning southern plantation houses are tied to an extremely dark period in American history. The south has tried to address this juxtaposition with comprehensive exhibits and history tours that highlight everyone who lived on the plantations - slaves and masters alike. These tours help keep the original houses from falling into disrepair, and serve as a key moment of education for visitors to the south.

Oak Alley is among the more famous restored plantation house - and a very popular port of call stop on Lower Mississippi River cruises. It was named after a stunning visual feature on the property - a canopy path of southern live oak trees. The plantation was designated a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and landscaping.

3. Hannibal, Missouri

Travelers on an Upper Mississippi River cruise will have a chance to indulge in a town steeped in Mark Twain goodness. The prolific author was from Hannibal, and his words are as much a part of the Mississippi as the river itself. In fact, the Mark Twain Cave Complex served as inspiration for his novels.

The town is a favored stop among cruisers, a highlight being visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. Visitors will also enjoy the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, whic has been lit by different presidents three times for ceremonial occasions.

While in Hannibal, be sure to check out the numerous ghost tours, many art galleries, and a buzzing theater scene before setting off on the rest of your trip.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

“Meet Me in St. Louis.” The film by that name brings enthusiastic musical lovers to the vibrant city every year. St. Louis boasts a thriving art and theater scene, and it is the inaugural port of call for most Upper Mississippi River cruises. Welcoming visitors as they arrive is the famous Gateway Arch, which was built in the 1960s to honor the explorations of Lewis and Clark. A great way to view the arch is a ride on a replica paddleweeler down the Mississippi River.

On your trip make sure to visit the Soulard District, where you'll find some of the best barbecue in the world, as well as numerous blues clubs playing live music. Here you'll enjoy everything from a classic midwestern meal to a night of upscale cocktail bars and restaurants.

5. Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri

As you transition out of the Civil War historic battlefields and the creole roots of Louisiana, you begin to enter the wider expanses of the midwest. Here you’ll encounter a very painful moment in America’s past - when thousands of Native Americans were forced to head west along what is today known as The Trail of Tears.

The state park dedicated to this event features a memorial, as well as several hiking paths and campgrounds. It lies right on the bank of the Mississippi, though there is no major dock for the cruise ships. So you will likely be able to learn about the trails history on-board, but you probably won’t be able to stop.

6. Vicksburg, Mississippi

Extremely popular among Civil War buffs, the city of Vicksburg is a very common port of call on Lower Mississippi River cruises. Vicksburg is known for being the site of a key Civil War battle. The siege of the city is commemorated at Vicksburg National Military Park. At the park you can visit Vicksburg National Cemetery and the restored USS Cairo gunboat. Another can't miss site for history buffs is the Old Court House, where Civil War artifacts are on display.

Here in Vicksburg you can watch Civil War reenactments, encounter famous Civil War ghosts in Cedar Hill Cemetery, and take in many other sites of significance during the American Civil War.

For those travelers who want to see some animals along with historic artifacts, Vicksburg has a great aquarium inside the Lower Mississippi River Museum, and many interactive exhibits.

7. Memphis, Tennessee

Elvis fans, get ready. Memphis is a true mecca for music lovers, and sees a steady stream of tourists eager to explore Graceland, the former home of the legendary rock star. One of the many things Memphis is famous for is the influential blues, soul, and rock'n' roll music that originated here. Because of this, Memphis is a great place for seeing live music, particularly along historic Beale St. Many up and coming musicians make their way here, and bars and small music venues always have something interesting on the bill.

You should take you time in Memphis to see all that the city has to offer, which includes the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the legendary Sun Studio where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash all recorded albums.

Also in Memphis, you can see the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed in 1968. The motel is rather eerily frozen in time, and there is a National Civil Rights museum inside.

8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Another classic Louisiana spot, and the state capital, Baton Rouge is similar to New Orleans and features several historic sites from the Antebellum period. Antebellum landmarks include a museum inside the castle-like Old Louisiana State Capitol, and the French Creole house of the Magnolia Mound Plantation.

On the Mississippi River you can visit the USS Kidd, a restored WWII destroyer turned museum. In Downtown Baton Rouge, there is a growing art scene, and there are numerous places for visitors to view art galleries, exhibits, and theater and opera performances.

9. Red Wing, Minnesota

Minnesota is a quintessential midwestern state. From the much imitated accent to the landscape to the down to earth people. Red Wing is a starting or ending port of call on many Upper Mississippi River cruises.

The city is quite beautiful, and has many state parks. It’s a great destination for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Take a day to hike the trails up to Barn Bluff, where visitors can see the incredible views of the Mississippi River and city below.

Aside from nature, Red Wing offers historical and educational opportunities. At the Pottery Museum you can trace the history of the local clay industry. Any visitor must make a stop at the Red Wing Show Store and Museum where you can purchase a pair of Red Wing shoes, and learn about te community's history at the museum.

10. La Crosse, Wisconsin

La Crosse, Wisconsin is a popular stop along the Mississippi River. The small town is packed full of history, which you can learn all about at the Riverside Museum. At the Dahl Auto Museum you can see and learn about tons of restored classic cars. While visiting the museums, you should also take time to see the historic downtown buildings, and eat at the many award winning restaurants.

La Crosse is also home to Riverside Park, where your cruise will stop and depart. In Riverside Park you can visit the International Friendship Gardens, which features landscape styles from around the world. For even more time spent in nature, you can visit Grandad Bluff Park, which features hiking trails and incredible views of the city.

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