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Trips

Mississippi River Cruise

Climb aboard the American Duchess, the only all-suite paddlewheeler in the United States, or one of her sister steamboats for an unforgettable journey on the Mighty Mississippi. Learn about engaging topics from Civil War history and steamboat navigation to Cajun cooking and soulful jazz. Whichever educational adventure by paddlewheeler appeals to you most, you’ll get an in-depth look at life along America’s most famous river and the towns that line her shore — plus, you’ll find free round-trip airfare on each of these voyages!

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Mississippi River Cruises

Mississippi is a southern state home to one of the most extended river systems in North America, the aptly named Mississippi River. The state is known for its music origins as one of the critical birthplaces of bluegrass music, cotton plantations, and delicious food. Catfish and hot tamales, anyone? 

Road Scholar offers two unique Mississippi river cruises aboard the American Duchess, the only all-suite paddle wheeler in the United States, or one of her key sister steamboats. Participants will have the opportunity to set out on a river adventure to learn about the tumultuous history of the state in the Civil War, taste the delicious flavors of Cajun cooking, and hear the soulful jazz that Mississippi is famous for. 

This riverboat cruise on the Mississippi gives travelers a unique opportunity to witness life along America’s most famous river and the towns that line the shore.

 

Discover the Best Time to Visit Mississippi River Cruises

Whether you’re planning on eating delicious food, listening to live music, taking in breathtaking sights, or exploring historical towns, the best time to take part in a Mississippi River boat cruise is all up to you and the experience you’re after. 

Summer months between late June and August can often bring in higher temperatures within the region, but they can be perfect for a warm weather getaway. Fall months between September and right before the holidays are great for those who want to take advantage of cooler humidity and gorgeous autumn scenery along the coast of the Mississippi. 

 

What to Expect on Your Mississippi River Cruise

If you are looking for the best Mississippi River boat tours, look no further. Join Road Scholar on this classic Mississippi River cruise, where guests will board a magnificent paddlewheel riverboat and get a front-row seat to immerse themselves in the music, food, natural beauty, and architectural grandeur of Dixie, historic Natchez and Vicksburg, and many more small river towns. Spend three days exploring the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, including a jazz show at the iconic Fritzel’s Jazz Club.

 

4 Noteworthy Landmarks to Visit

There’s a lot to take in while on a Mississippi River cruise. Given all the sights, sounds, and smells to experience, it can be challenging to plan out the perfect itinerary for things to schedule to visit.

With that in mind, here are four particular landmark locations to keep in mind while on Mississippi River boat tours.

  • Elvis Presley’s Graceland: The “King of Rock and Roll’s” nearly 14-acre state in Nashville, Tennessee, is an unadulterated love and tribute for all things Elvis Presley. Opening to the public as a house museum in the summer of 1982, Graceland brings in over 600,000 visitors annually. It was the first landmark site listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in popular rock music.

  • St. Louis Arch: The world’s tallest arch structure can be found in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, and some even suggest that it’s the tallest human-made monument in the entire Western Hemisphere. Often referred to as “The Gateway to the West,” construction on the monument began in 1963 with completion two years later. The Arch receives nearly four million visitors annually.

  • French Quarter: One of the most popular neighborhoods in the US resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the city’s French Quarter. As the oldest neighborhood within the city, it was founded in 1718 and officially designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Fans of gourmet food, unique architecture, and a vibrant nightlife will not want to miss the chance to explore the Quarter.

  • Grandad Bluff:  Wisconsin's Grandad Bluff is probably one of the most unique areas to get a unique sightseeing experience in the region. Nearly 590 feet above its surrounding land area, making your way to the top of the bluffs allows you to get a picturesque view of the Mississippi River and three states in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

 

History Along the Mississippi

Along the Mississippi River is a story of American history that runs through wars, flows through culinary traditions, and wades along the vibrant jazz scene. Road Scholar has local experts who will be on the southern journey to discover the natural, political, military, and music history from Minnesota to New Orleans.

Mark Twain grew up along the Mississippi River in the 1800s and wrote about the science of navigating the ever-changing Mississippi River in his book entitled Old Times on the Mississippi. This trip down the Mississippi includes a lesson about Mark Twain in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Some of Hannibal’s most noteworthy attractions include Cameron Cave, Rockcliffe Mansion, and the Mark Twain Cave.

 

Experience Travel with Road Scholar

Climb aboard a river cruise to learn about a new destination from a unique point of view. At Road Scholar, we offer two educational Mississippi River cruises for seniors and free round-trip airfare is available for select cities all across the United States. 

Book your travel and learn more about Mississippi cruises for seniors with Road Scholar today.