Vacation On The Mississippi River

Mississippi River vacations offer a true American voyage. There is something about this mighty river that stirs the passions of everyone who sees her greatness. Look at these lines

The Mississippi River offers a plethora of exciting things to do during your vacation. Campgrounds, beaches, national parks, historic sites and road trips are just some of the things that you’ll experience when you plan your next vacation on the mighty Mississippi River.

Have you ever been curious about what it was like to travel the Mississippi River? Information and pictures of how people traveled on the Mississippi from 1825-1850.

The Mississippi River is a beautiful place in the state of Missouri. It’s one of the best vacation spots in the whole state. I like to kayak down the river and it’s filled with historical sights you can explore with your family.

The Mississippi River is the longest river in the USA and it the fourth largest by volume. It flows through or along the border of 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. The basin has 31 major drainage basins.The length of the Mississippi River is 3200 miles (4800 km).

From the chilly waters of Lake Itasca in Minnesota, a nondescript stream of water begins a 2,300-mile descent, gathering volume as it flows, cutting southward through 10 states, until it reaches the warm Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.

This is the mighty Mississippi River. It’s one of the largest rivers in the world and the longest in North America. It’s also a natural playground full of history, culture, and recreational opportunities.

There is so much to do and see along its couple thousand miles. Visitors often spend days exploring it on river cruises.

Vacation On The Mississippi River

But we’re going to break it down so you can plan to have the most fun doing the things that interest you.

We researched all the best things to do by region for families, couples, and groups, from our travels and visitor reviews. We also found some excellent hotel options for your stay.

Then we put them together in a guide you’ll find helpful as you plan your next vacation to one of the many fun and fascinating cities or towns on the Mississippi River.

As always, weather, illness, and other unpredictable events can ruin a trip faster than you can say “pass the tissues.” That’s why we always recommend World Nomads as one of the most responsive travel insurance companies available.

Read on to learn more about the best ways you can enjoy the Mississippi River. Here are the best things to do on the Mississippi River.

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Best Museums for Learning the Mississippi River’s History and Culture

The Mississippi River’s history is long and storied. It’s also inspired many songs, books, and folk art. Here are the best places if you want to learn more.

1. National Mississippi River Museum

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The National Mississippi River Museum, located in Port of Dubuque, Iowa, is part of the Smithsonian Institution with aquariums and other interactive exhibits that tell the natural history story of the great river.

The museum, made of two buildings, and an outdoor plaza, plus the grounds, occupy 14-acres on the banks of the Iowa portion of the river.

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It houses over 100 animal species and many historic artifacts.

You’ll also get the chance to learn about the famous steam-powered dredge, William M. Black, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, kept the navigation channels of the major western rivers clear.

Now moored permanently in the adjacent Ice Harbor, this museum ship offers a self-guided tour to show you what life was like on board for the officers and crewmen.

Besides the Black dredge, Iowa visitors also love the museum’s hands-on exhibits, including touch tanks, and knowledgeable guides.

Be aware that the observation tower and the upper deck of the dredge are only accessible by stairs.

This is an ideal place to spend the afternoon as a family.

The highly-rated TownPlace Suites by Marriott Downtown Dubuque, Iowa, is only 0.6 miles from the museum.

See Related: Best Iowa Family Vacations

2. Delta Blues Museum

Clarksdale was founded at “the crossroads” of Highways 61 and 49 and has been at the center of delta blues culture since the 1920s.

Now it’s home to the oldest music museum in the state. You’ll find it in the Yazoo and Mississippi River Valley Railroad Depot.

The Delta Blues Museum celebrates the musicians and the music that define the blues and is a featured stop for people looking for Mississippi attractions on a Great River Road trip.

Muddy Water’s old shack is here and you can also see photographs, music instruments, and other memorabilia of the artists, from the obscure to the world-famous.

Here visitors get an accurate picture of the lives of their favorite artists. Many commented that the museum is better suited for real fans of blues music, rather than the casual listener.

Also, no photography is allowed and the rule appears to be strictly enforced. Couples or small groups of friends who know blues music would enjoy this museum.

The charming Travelers Hotel is close to the Delta Blues Museum and other things to do in Mississippi and comes highly rated.

3. Vicksburg National Military Park

If you’re a history buff and want to know what to see in Mississippi, go to the site of the Battle of Vicksburg, waged during the American Civil War in 1863 from March 29 to July 4.

The 1,800-acre battlefield is in Vicksburg. Besides commemorating the actual 47-day bloody battle, it also tells the history of the greater Vicksburg Campaign that preceded it.

Easily accessible by car, you can spend as much time as you want here. But if you are into Civil War history, then you may want to explore it and Vicksburg over a couple of days.

The battle of Vicksburg military history has been overshadowed by the battle of Gettysburg as both occurred over the same week.

Both battles turned the tide of the Civil War decidedly toward the Union, handing them landmark victories, and in the case of Vicksburg, control over the Mississippi.

Vicksburg is also as awe-inspiring, solemn, and beautiful as Gettysburg.

The monuments are along a winding road and while the plaques contain a massive amount of information, some people may find it hard to visualize the setup of the battle.

You also don’t get a bird’s eye view of the river or Vicksburg.

However, I recommend seeing it as a sobering reminder of what happens when a country becomes dangerously divided.

Although the Vicksburg National Military Park is educational, young kids may not appreciate its military history importance. But couples and groups of friends who are into Civil War facts will love it.

A reasonably priced accommodation with a pool and WiFi, the Super 8 by Wyndham Vicksburg is close and gets good reviews.