The Mississippi river was named so by the Indians that
once lived on the shores of the waters. They named it
"Messipi", or Big River. Today you can experience the
wonder of this river that has carved itself into the soul
of American History. A Mississippi River cruise is the
leisurely way to experience river culture firsthand.
On the Mississippi Riverboat cruise, there is a lot to
see and do. Local Mississippi River cruises are an excellent
introduction to the river traditions. Ask questions, and
the people of the river will be happy to share their stories
with you. You can jump right into the heart of the river
by taking a Mississippi River cruise.
The Mississippi River is the largest and longest river
in North America. This body of water is host to a diverse
mix of ecosystems. The northern part of the river, known
The Headwaters, begins in Minnesota
at Lake Itasca as nothing more than a small stream 2ft
deep. The water makes a steep descent as it passes through
swamps, glacial lakes, rapids and dams. The Minnesota
River meets the Mississippi at St. Anthony Falls. This
area, known as the Upper Mississippi River, is where the
river widens tremendously.
You can make the most of your Mississippi Riverboat cruises
if you decide in advance what you'd like to do. Nature
lovers will love these trips, visit from January to March
and be sure to bring your binoculars if you'd like to
eagle watch. Some great fishing is to be has as well,
you can bring your own pole but there is always one for
rent. If you enjoy dinner there are lots of different
offerings from dinner and dance cruises to candle-lit
romantic evenings on an overnight excursion.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has inspired many
a river lover, and created generations of Mississippi
River Boat cruises. The Lower Mississippi is a faster
moving body of water, and it is more remote, with large
stretches of woodland on either side. Here, the cities
and towns are further set back from the water.
Wisconsin is the second state on the rivers journey south. Next, the Mississippi stretches to a width 4 miles as it flows through Iowa. Illinois is the next city on the Mississippi, and here, at Lock AND Dam 18 is where you can see Bald Eagle watching and Walleye fishing. Further south as you pass Quincy, Illinois is the Governor John Wood Mansion, a stunning example of Victorian Architecture.
Next the river winds through Missouri,
where at St.
Louis it joins up with the Illinois and the Missouri
river, which is the largest river in the United States.
The Mississippi delta is a music lover's dream. This
area is the birthplace of Zydeco, Rhythm and Blues, Ragtime,
and Gospel. Be sure to try some of the southern inspired
food, like gumbo: a spicy stewed rice dish with meat and
beans.
At its final stop, the Mississippi meets Louisiana.
Its winds like a snake through the backcountry. Some nights
the river is shrouded in the gentle fog. The sound of
crickets chirping and the abundance Spanish moss, add
to the magic of the tender southern evening. Here you
can watch the river make its way out to sea at the end
of its journey.
