Viking Rivers Cruises – Mississippi River Odyssey (United States) 22 Days

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The birthplace of American jazz, New Orleans exudes a festive atmosphere along the balcony-lined Bourbon Street. Here, in the heart of the French Quarter, soulful rhythms lift the spirit, especially during the city’s Mardi Gras celebration. Founded by French colonists in 1718, New Orleans served as a territorial capital before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Its distinctive St. Louis Cathedral—named for King Louis IX of France—is the oldest cathedral in the country. The city’s French, African and other influences flavor its vibrant culture and tantalizing Creole cuisine.

Darrow, Louisiana, United States
The Lower Mississippi region is dotted with historic mansions; Darrow is the gateway to these grand homes, meticulously kept to preserve the memory of early Southern American history. Here, imposing houses share the riverscape with moss-draped oak trees and farm fields. It is easy to imagine steamboats and other vessels delivering supplies and materials to these stately front doors. Today, several properties are designated National Historic Landmarks for their architecture, their landscaping, and the contributions of those who maintained the houses and the lands.

St. Francisville, Louisiana, United States
Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be “two miles long and two yards wide” because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own; rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding.

Shore Excursions – Rosedown Plantation
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes     
Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and stroll its exemplary gardens. Encompassing 374 acres that once sustained cotton, pastureland, stables and orchards, the Rosedown’s prosperity depended on the economic contributions and handiwork of the 450 enslaved Africans who lived on the land. The main house was built in the Greek Revival style with exquisite furnishings from Europe and the North. It is approached by a grand alley of towering oak trees that leads to ornamental gardens—18 acres of paths winding through bowers of azaleas, camellias, roses and many other indigenous and exotic species. The gardens are designed in both the baroque geometric and less formal English styles—accented with beautiful sculptures and latticed gazebos.

Natchez, Mississippi, United States
Natchez has one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country. More than 200 perfectly preserved homes line its avenues. It is the oldest city on the Mississippi, established in 1716 by French colonists and named for the Natchez tribe who once called it home. With its ideal locale, the city became a crossroads among Native American and European cultures. Famously, Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, the overland route to Nashville that allowed traders to bypass the strong upriver currents. Today, it evokes small-town America.

Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States
Located on a high bluff where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, Vicksburg is the epitome of Southern heritage and charm. It was incorporated in 1825 and, with its prime locale on the Mississippi, grew into an important port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the battle site’s rolling green fields and grand monuments.

Shore Excursions – Vicksburg National Military Park
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes      
Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union. Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union. Vicksburg had been the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. When it finally surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant on July 4, 1863, the Union gained control of the entire Mississippi—effectively splitting the South in half. With a Licensed Battlefield Guide narrating your tour, you will see the historic trenches, markers and monuments. Learn about the battle’s impact on the lives of civilians and troops on both sides, including the many African Americans who served in the campaign. Also included is a visit to USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that prowled the Mississippi as part of the Union’s brown-water navy.

Greenville, Mississippi, United States
Greenville is Mississippi’s largest river port, set atop the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. Its rural setting belies a diverse artistic heritage. The Muppets creator Jim Henson was born here, and the city has been home to numerous authors, including noted historian Shelby Foote. Greenville is also steeped in the blues; famed songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after seeing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a nearby dancehall and neighboring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King.

Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi
Teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and a breathtaking array of picturesque landscapes—including deep-green forests, lush wetlands and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—the Lower Mississippi abounds with natural beauty. This portion of America’s great waterway is also rich in history and culture, as reflected in the classic literature and music that have drawn inspiration from it.

Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Memphis, Tennessee, United States
The “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues, popular in vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. With its strong trade in agricultural goods and other natural resources, it grew into one of the South’s largest commercial centers. Memphis famously boasts a wealth of civil rights history, much of it along Beale Street and at the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. It is also the home of Graceland, the mansion where Elvis Presley, “the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” lived.

Scenic Sailing: Mississippi River
The rich and varied landscape along the Mississippi River is characterized by wide floodplains, rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches nestled between fertile farmland and bustling bankside cities. Indigenous peoples used the river for thousands of years before Europeans began exploring the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became an important trade route during the 19th century, with the rise of steamboats and river commerce. Today, the river is an important ecological region, with diverse wildlife and habitats, including wetlands and forests.

Paducah, Kentucky, United States
Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is one of Kentucky’s hidden gems. A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is famed for its preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings that line the main street. The city’s Downtown streets are a delight to explore on foot. The National Quilt Museum houses a superb collection of contemporary style quilts by artists from around the globe. Paducah is also famed for its “Wall to Wall” murals, colorful paintings by different artists that document the heritage and history of the city and the region.

Shore Excursions – National Quilt Museum
Duration: 1 hour      
Gain an appreciation of textile artistry during a visit to the National Quilt Museum. You may choose to walk or take the available shuttle service to the museum. Devoted to fiber art, the museum features tapestries by artists from all across the country, with more than 650 works on display. Upon arrival, enjoy an opportunity to explore on your own. View a wide range of quilting styles and techniques, from traditional patchwork to contemporary designs. Admire these intricate works of art that tell stories, evoke emotions and showcase remarkable craftsmanship. You will also learn about quilting’s rich tradition of community and collaboration, and how the museum fosters connections among quilters, artists and enthusiasts with educational programs. At the end of the tour, return to your ship at your leisure, either on foot or via the shuttle service.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States
The largest city between St. Louis and Memphis, Cape Girardeau has a long and storied history. It was an important site during the Civil War and once housed a number of forts, including Fort D, which remains a well-preserved historic site to this day. Fondly referred to as “The Cape” by locals, this riverside destination is also popular with visitors who come to enjoy nature. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a stunning facility with verdant landscapes and picturesque trails to explore, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna.

St. Louis, Missouri, United States
During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.

St. Louis, Missouri, United States
St. Louis was once the gateway to the legendary Wild West, known for its gun-wielding cowboys and law-making sheriffs. Today, the city boasts a world-class cultural scene and one of the leading sporting attractions in the US. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball clubs, having won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees. While the Big Apple is famed for its Central Park, St. Louis has its own green space. Some of St. Louis’ most important cultural sights are located in Forest Park, including the Missouri History Museum.

Alton, Illinois, United States
Alton lies along The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route, where the Mississippi and the Illinois Rivers converge. The road to this historic town is considered one of America’s most picturesque drives, with its limestone river bluffs, flowering trees and whistling birds. Along the bluffs is a mural of the Piasa Bird, a dragon-like creature of Native American mythology, with the horns of a deer and a face like a man. First discovered during the 17th century, it had worn away due to the elements. It has since been restored and is today a celebrated landmark.

Shore Excursions – Explore Elsah
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
Discover two National Historic Landmarks during visits to the village of Elsah and Principia College. Meet your expert guide and transfer to picturesque Elsah, nestled in a scenic valley along the Mississippi River and called the “village where time stood still.” Step back in time as you admire this slice of early 19th-century Americana while leisurely strolling along its quiet streets and passing charming stone houses. Enjoy an opportunity to visit the General Store and other local businesses, including the Village Museum. Continue your walk to the campus of Principia College, a private, liberal arts college. View a mastodon excavation and program on rattlesnakes, and learn about the history and diverse student body that studies here. Cap your tour at the chapel, taking in the views from atop the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi from the highest point on campus.

Hannibal, Missouri, United States
Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.

Shore Excursions – The World of Mark Twain
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes  
See the town where Mark Twain grew up and where he drew inspiration for his most famous novels. Raised as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, the author later took the pseudonym Mark Twain, a unit of measurement used by Mississippi River pilots (his former occupation). You will see his boyhood home, with its iconic white picket fence that the fictional Tom Sawyer was required to whitewash. At the Museum Gallery, admire 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings depicting scenes from Twain’s novels. The museum complex also includes the homes of Laura Hawkins, Twain’s childhood sweetheart who inspired the character of Becky Thatcher, and Tom Blankenship, the real-life Huckleberry Finn.

Burlington, Iowa, United States
The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul’s Church.

Shore Excursions – Historic Burlington
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes     
Experience small-town American life with a guided tour of this charming city. During your motor coach ride into town, listen as your onboard guide narrates the sites you will see. Call at the Des Moines County Heritage Center in the former Gothic Revival–style library—Iowa’s first free public library. Explore its exhibits and learn about the region’s agricultural history. Discover Burlington’s railroad heritage and its role today in one of North America’s largest railroads. Then, visit the Garrett-Phelps House Museum, an elegant Victorian home filled with antiques and textiles dating to 1774. Enroute back to your ship, stop at Snake Alley, named the world’s most crooked street by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. This fascinating road is made of limestone and blue clay, to keep the slant to the outside, and features five half curves and two quarter curves.

Quad Cities, Iowa, United States
Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America’s Breadbasket”—the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.

Shore Excursions – John Deere Pavilion & the John Deere Homes
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes   
See the Deere family homes and discover the inventions that changed American farming at the John Deere Pavilion. Filled with a wide array of iconic green-and-yellow farm machinery, the John Deere Pavilion also includes a replica of John Deere’s original blacksmith shop, as well as simulators and equipment you can climb into and explore. Learn about the history of John Deere and view vintage equipment, as well as modern machinery, including lawn and farm tractors, sprayers, and construction hardware. After touring the Pavilion, visit one of the Deere family homes. Admire the array of antiques and memorabilia as you get a glimpse of the life of America’s Victorian-era gentry and discover how the Deere family built their beloved brand.

Dubuque, Iowa, United States
One of Iowa’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city’s growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.

Shore Excursions – National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Duration: 3 hours     
Explore the culture and wildlife along the Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. A Smithsonian-affiliated institution and one of only a handful in the nation to be accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums, the facility showcases the cultural and natural history of the Mississippi, from its headwaters at Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Acclaimed for its interactive displays, it has five aquariums and numerous exhibits. Upon arrival, you will receive a map, then set out to explore at your leisure. You may choose to see a working wetland and the restored dredge boat that William M. Black built in 1934 for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Or investigate the animal exhibits that include North American river otters, an American alligator and more. Afterward, you will walk back to your ship.

La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or “Norwegian Valley.” Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum.

Shore Excursions – River Town Discovery
Duration: 3 hours     
See the best of La Crosse—from top to bottom—on this tour that blends scenic views with historic landmarks. Begin your journey at one of the city’s parks where you will enjoy vistas of La Crosse, the Mississippi and the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. As you make your way downtown, view St. Rose Convent and learn the story of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Next, visit the Hixon House, the former home of the 19th-century lumber baron Gideon C. Hixon. The modest exterior belies the rich interior filled with furnishings and objects Hixon acquired during his international travels. At the end of your tour, you can stroll the downtown area, whose shops and restaurants are housed in architecturally interesting historic buildings.

Red Wing, Minnesota, United States
Red Wing is known for its Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers—many from New England—arrived in the mid-1800s. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed, bringing skills in tanning, shoemaking, pottery and more. The city boasts a diversity of legacies including Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the nation’s first commercial potter. Today, Red Wing enjoys a place in the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Shore Excursions – Downtown Red Wing & the National Eagle Center
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Get acquainted with Red Wing and learn about America’s national symbol at the National Eagle Center. Red Wing is set among scenic bluffs and a majestic harbor, which you will see en route to the eagle interpretive center in Wabasha. Your guide will point out the many sites you may wish to visit on your own during your free time. There are 26 museums and many eye-catching, historic and architectural gems. The waterfront features three parks: Colvill, Bay Point and Levee Parks. And the downtown area abounds in art and craft galleries, cafés and shops. Arriving at the National Eagle Center, you will see majestic American bald eagles and golden eagles up close, and learn about the ecology, biology and natural history of these magnificent raptors.

St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.