Exploring the Upper Mississippi

The Mississippi River is America’s longest and most storied waterway, a route that has shaped the nation’s history, culture, and landscape. This immense river is usually split into two, referring to the respective sections as the Upper Mississippi and Lower Mississippi River. Its character changes dramatically as it flows from north to south, and the experience you will have on any cruise differs greatly between the two. 

The Upper Mississippi River

The Upper Mississippi, flowing roughly from its source in Minnesota to St Louis, Missouri, is far better for observing the natural beauty and classic Americana. Here, the river is shaped by a system of locks and dams, creating a series of pools that facilitate commerce and offer stunning scenery.

• Landscape and Nature: This section is defined by its dramatic limestone bluffs, forested islands, and backwater channels. The river is a vital part of the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory route for birds, and is a prime spot for bald eagle sightings. The unique “driftless area” in Wisconsin and Iowa, left untouched by glaciers, adds to the scenic diversity.
• Cultural Heritage: The culture of the Upper Mississippi is rooted in the history of westward expansion and the industrial age. Steamboats, which became a primary mode of transportation in the 19th century, transformed small river towns into bustling ports. This era also saw the rise of farming and manufacturing, with cities like St. Paul and St. Louis becoming major economic hubs.

Key Upper Mississippi River Destinations

St. Paul, Minnesota:

The northern terminus of the navigable river, St. Paul is a beautiful capital city with a historic downtown and elegant architecture. It was a key fur-trading post and a gateway for new settlers arriving from the east.

Hannibal, Missouri:

The boyhood home of author Mark Twain, this town is the backdrop for his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can explore the caves and riverbanks that inspired his tales of frontier life.

Dubuque, Iowa:

Set among the bluffs, Dubuque is a city with a rich river history. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium provides a comprehensive look at the river’s ecology and the history of its people.

St. Louis, Missouri:

The “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Its iconic Gateway Arch symbolizes the city’s role as a launching point for pioneers. The area was also the site of Cahokia, a large pre-Columbian city of the Mississippian culture, known for its vast earthen mounds.