Hidden beneath towering limestone bluffs, Alton, Illinois, marks the starting point for exploration in St. Louis and beyond. Before heading out, stop at the National Great Rivers Museum. Discover the history of the Upper Mississippi River, the communities along its banks, and the diverse ecosystems that depend on its waters.

With the Mississippi stretching before you, enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river. Unwind on your balcony as wildlife moves along the shore, or listen to an onboard expert share local history. Head to the sun deck for the best views, and stop by the restaurant at 3 p.m. for fresh-baked cookies.

Welcome to Hannibal, Missouri, a charming riverside town brimming with character. At the heart of Hannibal lies the legacy of its most famous resident, Mark Twain, whose childhood adventures served as the inspiration for some of literature's most beloved characters. Explore Twain's boyhood home, a beautifully preserved white clapboard house where the author spent his formative years. Nearby, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Twain's life and works, including original manuscripts, rare artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring his stories to life in vivid detail.

But Hannibal is more than just a literary landmark. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, where charming boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops beckon with unique finds and friendly smiles. Don't miss the Rockcliffe Mansion, registered as a historic home, and has breathtaking views of the Mississippi River while you learn about the history of Hannibal.

Hannibal Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Hannibal at your leisure on this convenient shuttle:
Downtown - Explore downtown Hannibal on your own. Take time for shopping and strolling through town.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home &Museum - Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum properties. The complex includes five historic homes which include Twain's Boyhood Home, the Becky Thatcher House, Huckleberry Finn House, J. M. Clemens Justice of the Peace office, and the recently restored Grant's Drugstore. Explore the Interpretive Center and the Museum Gallery which includes artifacts of the Clemens family and first editions. The Mark Twain Museum Complex also includes three gift shops, the historic Tom and Huck Statue, as well as seasonal free performances by Tom and Becky and Mark Twain himself.
LaBinnah Bistro and Laura Hawkins House – At this stop, you will have access to the Laura Hawkins House. Laura Hawkins was a real-life inspiration for Becky Thatcher in the Mark Twain books. Across the street at the LaBinnah Bistro, you will be treated to a sweet and savory sampler along with a wine-tasting experience to enjoy at your leisure. There will be guides on-site to answer questions and share historical information. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum - Complimentary Excursion
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

A day on the river is not a day lost. Grab a book, a friend, a game, or an onboard expert, and take the day as it comes as you navigate the upper Mississippi from Hannibal to Muscatine, IA. Engage in curated activities, from destination-focused enrichment programs led by esteemed guest speakers to stimulating Art and App-titude Classes and group Cooking Demonstrations. Embrace spirited camaraderie with Mixology sessions, Trivia challenges, and Game Shows. 

Muscatine has a unique claim to fame as the only place where the Mighty Mississippi River runs east to west. This charming town is renowned for its history as the former largest button manufacturing area in the world, a claim to fame celebrated through local museums and historic sites. Visitors are enchanted by Muscatine's picturesque riverfront, offering stunning views and recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.
 
Downtown Muscatine invites exploration with its eclectic mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant eateries, all within just two blocks of the dock.
 

Dubuque is a true masterpiece along the upper Mississippi River. As one of the oldest settlements west of the great river, Dubuque wears its history proudly while staying a modern hub for commerce, industry, education, and culture.

Step off the ship and into the renowned National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a mesmerizing complex that promises to captivate your senses. Wander through the charming streets adorned with picturesque Victorian mansions, feel the thrill of riding the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, or visit one of its oldest Catholic churches, and then the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden. 

Dubuque Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to:

Dubuque Museum of Art - The oldest arts organization in Iowa, founded in 1874. Works by Grant Wood, Iowa Regionalist along with a complete set of lithographs celebrating his rural life in eastern Iowa. Among many other artists and exhibitions, a featured artist is Edward Curtis, a photographer who documents 80 tribes west of the Mississippi River from 1900-1930. Open daily for riverboat passengers.
Fenelon Elevator and Dubuque Shopping District - This historic cable car is a funicular elevator that is the shortest and steepest scenic railway, with stunning views of the Mississippi, Dubuque, and the ship from the top. Peruse the shopping district on the surrounding streets.
The Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, enjoy this fantastic, educational museum. Make sure to stop by the large gift shop! From this stop, visit the Diamond Joe Museum, or the Mississippi River Walk.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Complimentary Excursion
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
 

Situated in southeastern Minnesota along the banks of the upper Mississippi River, Winona is a gem of a city renowned for its stunning bluffs, picturesque riverfront, and blend of cultures. The city's architecture is a captivating mesh of styles, ranging from the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts-style Winona County Courthouse to the intricate details of the Victorian-era homes in the historic district. The Winona National Bank Building, with its striking neoclassical facade, and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka with Polish Cathedral-style architecture are breathtaking examples of what lies in this small Minnesotan town.
Winona's cultural scene is equally impressive, anchored by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of marine art spanning centuries. Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice as there are plenty of scenic trails to explore at Garvin Heights Park. With complete panoramic views of the river valley below, and the tranquil waters of Lake Winona, this area is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Downtown Winona Walking Experience - Complimentary Excursion
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

Winona Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
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 the heart of Downtown so you can shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Discover Winona - Complimentary Excursion
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

Winona County Heritage Exploration
Explore the rich history of the area, including how the river played an important role in industry and agriculture through time. Enjoy the beauty and storied history of HWY 61, part of The Great River Road and America’s Byways. Learn about early agriculture and the wheat industry with a guided tour of Pickwick Mill, the first commercial flour mill west of the Mississippi River, built-in 1858. The mill ran 24 hours a day during the Civil War and produced 100 barrels daily for the Union Army. After the war, the mill became a flour-milling center for most of Southern Minnesota and portions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Conclude with a visit to the Winona County History Center which features engaging exhibits about the storied local history, an art gallery, and an expansive gift shop. Learn about Winona’s distinctive architecture, its role in education and industry, stained glass, the arts, and more. Enjoy a break with a famous local Bloedow Bakery treat and beverage
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

One of the most iconic features of Red Wing is Barn Bluff, a towering limestone bluff that overlooks the city and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails wind their way to the summit, offering outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the area's natural beauty up close.

Red Wing is also famous for its pottery, thanks to the presence of the Red Wing Stoneware Company, which has been producing high-quality ceramics since the 19th century. Visitors can tour the pottery factory, browse the showroom, and even try their hand at creating their own pottery.

History buffs will delight in exploring the city's historic downtown district, where beautifully preserved buildings house charming boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. The Red Wing Shoe Company Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the iconic footwear brand, while the Goodhue County Historical Society provides insight into the area's rich past.

National Eagle Center - Complimentary Excursion
Visit the National Eagle Center, offering additional up-close viewing of non-releasable bald and golden eagles. Learn about the ecology, biology, and natural history of these magnificent creatures.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Red Wing City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Travel back in time as you explore the beautiful city of Red Wing. Led by the local expert guide, view some of the most impressive Victorian homes of the period as well as the historic St. James Hotel. Visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and admire the numerous true vintage pieces on site such as stoneware, dinnerware, folk art, and more! Stop at the Sheldon Theatre, among the oldest operating theatres in Minnesota, and host to thousands of large national touring acts, international artists, and local performers alike.
 Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

Red Wing Trolley – Complimentary Excursion
Explore the highlights of Red Wing on this convenient shuttle to:
Goodhue County History Center - Established in 1869, this museum is home to the first county historical society in Minnesota. Learn about Goodhue County’s rich and vibrant history spanning centuries. View two and three-dimensional exhibits that represent every decade of the county’s history, including rare examples of Mississippian and Woodland pottery, as well as terracotta and stoneware products from the pottery companies of Red Wing.
Shopping Area - Stroll around and enjoy the quaint downtown shops. This area is home to the world’s largest boot (over 20 feet tall!) at Red Wing Shoe Flagship store.
Red Wing Arts - Visit this creative art center and gift store, in the historic Red Wing Depot, which celebrates community and creativity and features local art and exhibits.
Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

In St. Paul, a stroll down Summit Avenue unveils a captivating array of historic mansions, each with its own story to tell from the late 1800s. For a shopping extravaganza like no other, venture into the vast expanse of the Mall of America, boasting over 500 stores alongside an indoor water park and theme park. And don't miss the opportunity to visit the natural wonder of the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, which cascade into a serene oasis, enveloping visitors in its enchanting charm. Disembark with convenient access to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Or choose to indulge in an extended stay to fully experience this captivating region.