8 Must-Visit Stops Along the Mississippi River

Stretching 2,350 miles through 10 states, from its headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi looms as large culturally as it does geographically. Whether you’re interested in Civil War history, wildlife, or food and music, cruising up and down the Mississippi is one of America’s most timeless journeys. From north to south, here are eight must-see ports along the Mississippi River.

Red Wing, Minnesota

Just south of Minneapolis, the city of Red Wing was named for a Dakota Sioux chief and grew around the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux reservation established in 1886. Today, Red Wing is famous for the shoe and boot and pottery companies that both bear its name. The historic downtown has museums celebrating both — be sure to get a photo with the world’s largest boot at the Red Wing Shoes Museum.

Later, enjoy a Prohibition-inspired cocktail at the Port in the historic St. James Hotel after hiking to Barn Bluff, also known as He Mni Can-Barn Bluff by the Dakota people, for river and city views from its summit. If you have time, you can also take a 40-minute drive to the National Eagle Center to learn more about the national symbol of the United States.

Bettendorf, Iowa

Part of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area in Illinois and Iowa, the city of Bettendorf is the site of a bridge spanning across the Mississippi to Moline, Illinois. Kids will enjoy hands-on fun at the Family Museum of Arts and Sciences, while adults may want to revisit their inner child at Nerdspeak Brewery, which has retro board games. Or, enjoy something stronger at the Cat’s Eye, a micro-distillery, and browse works by local artists at Bereskin Gallery and Art Academy. Avid baseball and film fans with sufficient time might also want to make the 90-minute drive to Dyersburg, home of the famed Field of Dreams.

Hannibal, Missouri

As the hometown of Samuel Clemens, the charming city of Hannibal is the setting for both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The town’s Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is therefore a must-stop for literature lovers. Afterward, get a great view of the town and river while admiring the Gilded Age Rockcliffe Mansion, hunt for haunts on a ghost tour, or enjoy a scrumptious Turkish meal and authentic Turkish coffee at the upscale LaBinnah Bistro.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis was the official “Gateway to the West” during the westward expansion of America in the 19th century. That status is celebrated at the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which comprises the smallest U.S. national park along with the adjacent historic courthouse. Take the tram to the top for an incredible view of the city and the river. Afterward, enjoy one of the many world-class cultural offerings endowed by the prominent families of St. Louis — several of which are free and located in or near Forest Park. 

Don’t miss the St. Louis Art Museum or the Missouri Botanical Garden, ranked as one of the best gardens in the world. Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis delicacy, and you can find it (along with amazing sandwiches) at Amighetti’s on the Hill, which has been serving the city’s Italian-food lovers for over a hundred years. 

Memphis, Tennessee

Blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll — Memphis can reasonably argue that it’s home to all three. Named after the majestic Egyptian city on the Nile, Memphis was home to Elvis Presley (visit his mansion at Graceland), Beale Street blues legend B.B. King, and Stax Records, second only to Motown and the recording studio of everyone from Big Star to the Staple Singers. 

The city also has a rich civil rights history, admirably explored at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. It’s a barbecue capital, too, hosting the world championship every year in May. (Locals have their favorites, but we’re sticking with Corky’s.) And no visit to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Mud Island, where you can stroll down a scaled replica of the very river you’re cruising.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Since the city is the site of one of the Civil War’s most crucial battles, historians will want to visit Vicksburg. At the National Military Park, visitors can see the restored USS Cairo gunboat — one of the first ironclad warships used during the Civil War. There is also a Lower Mississippi River Museum, a well-preserved selection of historic homes, and tons of boutiques and galleries. Save your appetite for the best in old-fashioned Southern cuisine and feast on grits, vegetables, fried catfish, and pie at Walnut Hills Restaurant.

Natchez, Mississippi

Start your tour of Natchez by learning about the area’s earliest inhabitants at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. The 128-acre site features three prehistoric Native American mounds and a reconstructed Natchez Indian house, as well as a museum.

Explore the grounds further on a walking tour, and don’t miss Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, home of the oldest organized Black Baptist congregation in Mississippi. (The building was erected in 1908, but the church was organized before the Civil War.) If you have extra time, pay a visit to Natchez Under the Hill, home to a lively food scene — the pan-fried redfish at Magnolia Grill will leave you with no regrets.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether you call it the “Crescent City,” the “Big Easy,” or “Nola,” New Orleans is pure magic. Simultaneously the most European and the most Caribbean of American cities, New Orleans keeps its rhythm as one of the most lively cities in the country.

In the famed French Quarter, wait in line with both locals and tourists at Café du Monde for pillowy sweet beignets and chicory-infused coffee, or at Central Grocery for an overstuffed muffaletta. (Or both!) Check out the artists in Jackson Square, home of St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest church in North America. Outside the Quarter, don’t miss the National World War II Museum, the Garden District, and the incredible Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.