At a glance
- The Mississippi flows over 2,300 miles, passing or bordering 10 US states
- Expect rich musical heritage, from blues and country to jazz and rock ‘n’ roll
- Food highlights include Creole cuisine, Southern barbecue and Mississippi Delta fare
- History is everywhere, from Civil War sites to Civil Rights museums
What makes the Mississippi cruise-worthy?
For many travellers, there’s scarcely a more evocative way to experience America than by sailing down the Mighty Mississippi. Flowing from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, it passes through or borders 10 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
While some itineraries span the entire length – from St Paul, Minnesota, down to New Orleans, Louisiana – most focus on a particular stretch, offering an immersive way to explore the astonishingly varied landscapes, cultures and cuisines along the Mississippi.
The scenery itself shifts dramatically: expect gator-filled bayous and Spanish moss-draped landscapes in the Deep South, giving way to rolling farmland and thick woods further north.
Along the way, there’s plenty to satisfy travellers with a range of tastes and interests. Music lovers, for one, can trace the roots of culture-defining genres: blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, gospel and more. Festivals celebrate these musical legacies, from Jazz Fest in New Orleans to Elvis Week in Memphis. Foodies will find a river as rich in flavour as it is in culture, with lots to enjoy from bourbon and barbecue to beignets and biscuits.
History lovers and literary fans, too, won’t be left wanting. This is the river that shaped the worlds of Mark Twain and stirred the imagination of Langston Hughes, and whose banks bore witness to pivotal chapters in the American story, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.
When is the best time to cruise the Mississippi?
Given its length, it’s little wonder that the weather along the Mississippi can vary pretty dramatically. To truly understand when it’s best to sail, it helps to break the river down into distinct segments and plan trips around them. While it might be helpful to read our full guide to the best time to cruise the Mississippi, this cheat sheet will give you the basic gist:
- The Lower Mississippi covers sections of Louisiana, Mississippi (the state), Arkansas, and Tennessee. It's suitable for sailing most of the year, though summers get extremely humid and hot; think up to 40 °C.
- The Middle Mississippi, spanning Missouri and Kentucky, is sailable all year round but is at its best in spring and autumn thanks to milder temperatures and colourful foliage.
- The Upper Mississippi, taking in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, is great for most of the year, apart from winter, when it can reach sub-zero temperatures.
Without further ado, here are some of the best ports to visit while sailing the Mississippi River.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Many Mississippi River cruises begin or end in the ‘Big Easy’. Setting the tone is the oft-heard Louisiana expression “laissez les bons temps rouler,” translating to “let the good times roll.” Whether or not your cruise coincides with Mardi Gras or one of the city’s many other festivals, you’ll experience a destination that’s famous for its joie de vivre.
What are the must-dos?
New Orleans is celebrated for its heady mix of nightlife, music, food and drink. On Bourbon Street, you’ll find historic bars like the 1806 Old Absinthe House, while nearby highlights include The Sazerac House, dedicated to one of the city’s most storied cocktails.
But there’s far more to New Orleans than the French Quarter. Head to Faubourg Marigny to discover jazz clubs, bohemian bars and laid-back Cajun bistros. Or make your way to Tremé for what many consider the best Creole cuisine in the city at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Executive chef emeritus Leah Chase, known as the ‘Queen of Creole Cuisine’, cooked for Duke Ellington, James Baldwin and Barack Obama – and even inspired Disney’s Princess Tiana. During the Civil Rights era, the restaurant also served as a key meeting place for organisers, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Don’t overlook… New Orleans’ voodoo heritage
The Voodoo Museum offers curious exhibits and walking tours around the French Quarter, while Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo is dedicated to the legendary 19th-century ‘Voodoo Queen’ of New Orleans. Or, for a cocktail with a side of the supernatural, try the Séance Lounge at Muriel’s Jackson Square, said to be home to several ghostly guests.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The capital of Louisiana has plenty to recommend it, from rich, soulful Southern fare and a toe-tapping live music scene to nearby bayous teeming with life.
What are the must-dos?
If you’re a fan of Southern cooking, you certainly won’t leave hungry. Even if your stop doesn’t coincide with foodie highlights like the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival, you’ll find no shortage of comfort cuisine around town. Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen is a local favourite for classics like fried catfish, smothered pork chops, cornbread, pecan pie and banana pudding.
To balance all that good eatin’, Baton Rouge offers plenty of ways to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. The Mississippi River Levee Path is popular for cycling and riverside strolls, while the Bayou Manchac Hiking Trail provides a serene, wooded escape. For wildlife lovers, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is particularly appealing, with its cypress and magnolia woods.
If you want to explore a little further, local eco-tour operators offer bayou tours that let you experience these biodiverse wetland ecosystems up close. You may well spot creatures big and small, from alligators to herons.
Don’t overlook… American football
American football reigns supreme in Louisiana’s capital, and game day at Tiger Stadium, nicknamed Death Valley, is a jubilant, all-American spectacle well worth throwing yourself into.
Natchez, Mississippi
Discover the oldest city on the Mississippi River, known for its warm Southern hospitality and deep, complex history.
What are the must-dos?
One of Natchez’s greatest draws is its celebrated food scene. Standouts include Frankie’s on Main, set in a former bank; Biscuits & Blues, beloved for authentic Southern cooking – think fully dressed po’boys, fried oysters and grits – plus live music; and Fat Mama’s Tamales, a laid-back local hangout.
Walking tours are available, but if you’d rather wander at your own pace, start in Natchez-Under-the-Hill. Once a notorious riverfront haunt for gamblers, river pirates and highwaymen, today it’s home to restaurants, shops and sweeping river views, all easily explored on foot.
History buffs will also find plenty to reflect on, from well-preserved historic homes and gardens to thought-provoking museums. The Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture offers an essential perspective on the region’s past.
Don’t overlook… Natchez Trace Parkway
Feeling adventurous? Lace-up your hiking boots or hire a bike and head for the Natchez Trace Parkway. The scenic trail follows a route through woods and countryside, so be sure to pack your camera to snap pictures on pit stops.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Those fascinated by history will find Vicksburg an intriguing stop. Perched at the point where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, the city is deeply entwined with the Civil War’s enduring legacy.
What are the must-dos?
The standout attraction is undoubtedly Vicksburg National Military Park, which commemorates one of the most pivotal campaigns of the Civil War. Today, the 1,800-acre park is dotted with more than 1,400 monuments, tablets and markers honouring soldiers who fought in the war. Preserved trenches, cannons, carriages and other artefacts bring historical events into sharp focus.
Back in town, don’t miss the riverfront murals, which capture scenes from the city’s layered past in bold colour. If you’d like to explore more of Vicksburg’s artistic streak, drop by the Attic Gallery, which lays claim to being the oldest independent art gallery in Mississippi. It's an Aladdin’s cave of folk art, pottery, jewellery and blues-inspired pieces.
Don’t overlook… Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
For something quirkier, pop into the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. This is where the quintessential American drink was first bottled. Today, the space is packed with nostalgic memorabilia. It also serves frosty Coke floats – perfect for cooling down on hot Mississippi afternoons.
Greenville, Mississippi
Situated in the Mississippi Delta, Greenville is known for its rich musical heritage – from blues and jazz to big band – and its standout Southern cooking.
What are the must-dos?
You’re in the heart of blues country here, and music is one of the city’s defining attractions. Download the Mississippi Blues Trail app to uncover markers and stories that might otherwise pass you by. While in the area, it’s also worth heading 15 minutes up the road to Leland, home to the no-frills but fascinating Highway 61 Blues Museum.
Greenville also shines on the culinary front. Don’t leave without a meal at Doe’s Eat Place. A family-owned institution since 1941, it’s known for its down-home Delta flavours served in unfussy surroundings. The tamales are a classic.
Don’t overlook… the birthplace of Kermit the Frog
More specifically, Greenville is the hometown of Jim Henson, the visionary behind The Muppets. Alongside his work as a puppeteer and television innovator, Henson also directed cult classics like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Today, an exhibit in town celebrates his Mississippi Delta boyhood, complete with a tableau commemorating Kermit’s ‘birth’ on Deer Creek, family photographs and a gift shop selling quirky souvenirs.
Memphis, Tennessee
Many Mississippi River itineraries, including some by Viking Cruises, offer overnight stays in Memphis. It’s easy to see why – the city is steeped in musical heritage and has some of America’s best barbecue.
What are the must-dos?
For music aficionados, Memphis is a treasure trove. Take the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, for instance, where highlights include a reconstructed circa-1906 country church showcasing gospel’s influence on soul, and the Hall of Records, lined floor-to-ceiling with albums.
No evening is complete without a stroll down Beale Street. Head to B. B. King’s Blues Club or simply soak up the street’s electric atmosphere, with live music spilling out of neon-lit bars.
Of course, for many visitors, walking in the footsteps of Elvis is the real draw. Graceland is a pilgrimage in and of itself, but you can also eat like the King at the Arcade Restaurant, where his old booth is preserved for modern diners. Another key stop is The Beauty Shop, once Priscilla Presley’s hairdresser; today, it serves playful retro dishes under hooded Belvedere hair dryers.
The most thought-provoking spot to visit, however, is housed in the former Lorraine Motel. This is where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated; today it's home to the National Civil Rights Museum. It offers a powerful exploration of the Civil Rights Movement, with exhibits covering pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and student sit-ins of the 1960s.
Don’t overlook… Memphis barbecue
The only thing that might give you pause in Memphis is which of its many barbecue joints to try first. Ask locals for the best Memphis-style ribs and you’ll get a different answer every time, but A&R Bar-B-Que and The Bar-B-Q Shop are well-established favourites.
Nashville, Tennessee
While Nashville isn’t on the Mississippi River itself, it sits along the Cumberland River, which eventually flows into the Mississippi via the Ohio. The city is sometimes included on Mississippi River itineraries, and for good reason: this is America’s great music city, where you can walk in the footsteps of legends like June Carter Cash and Dolly Parton.
What are the must-dos?
Exploring Nashville’s music scene is why most visitors come here. Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame, which pairs well with a tour of RCA Studio B, where artists like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Chet Atkins recorded some of their biggest hits. Another standout is the National Museum of African American Music, tracing the history and influence of genres including jazz, blues and soul.
The Grand Ole Opry, turning 100 in 2025, remains the biggest stage for country music in the world – an electric place to see a live show. It’s also worth experiencing a more intimate performance at one of the city’s smaller songwriter venues, such as Bluebird Café, Station Inn (famed for bluegrass) or Listening Room Café.
Don’t overlook… Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee produces some of the world’s most acclaimed whiskey, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is dedicated to seeking out the best of the best. At Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, guided tours and tastings let you sample everything from a spirit based on Tennessee’s oldest whiskey recipe to modern-day bourbons, all while hearing extraordinary stories. Think sunken ships, lost gold and a woman who ran a distillery before women could even vote in the US.
St Louis, Missouri
St Louis sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and acts as the ‘Gateway to the West’. Its geography has shaped a unique cultural blend at the crossroads of American traditions and histories.
What are the must-dos?
The best place for a bird’s-eye view is from the top of the Gateway Arch. A tram ride to the peak of this futuristic 630-foot monument reveals sweeping vistas over the Mississippi River – just be sure to book ahead to secure your spot.
After those dizzying heights, you may fancy something more down-to-earth. Breweries are a major draw in St Louis, with Anheuser-Busch Brewery leading the pack. It has been brewing and bottling brands like Budweiser and Bud Light for over a century. But perhaps more intriguing is the city’s craft beer scene, where you’ll find only-in-St-Louis flavours you won’t encounter anywhere else.
To temper all that free-flowing beer with a little culture, head to Forest Park. Once the grounds of the 1904 World’s Fair, today it plays host to a variety of galleries and museums, many of them free. Standouts include the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum, where you’ll find a collection dedicated to Charles Lindbergh, including a replica of his Spirit of St Louis plane.
Don’t overlook… the St Louis Blues
While St Louis’ musical legacy may be outshone by cities like New Orleans or Memphis, its blues scene is impressive in its own right. The National Blues Museum is a testament to this heritage, and if you visit in summer, your sailing might coincide with the Blues at the Arch Festival.
Hannibal, Missouri
No author and perhaps no American is as closely tied to the Mississippi River as Mark Twain, and his hometown of Hannibal undoubtedly shaped his literary landscapes.
What are the must-dos?
The primary reason to visit Hannibal is to follow in the footsteps of its most famous son: Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Today, you can visit his boyhood home as well as several other museum properties dedicated to him and his work. These include the Becky Thatcher House, Huckleberry Finn House, J. M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, Grant’s Drug Store and the Interpretive Center. There’s also the Museum Gallery, which is particularly noteworthy for its 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings inspired by Twain’s classic Mississippi tales.
Don’t overlook… Mark Twain Cave
A young Twain frequently explored this cave, which inspired the one pivotal to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In 2019, his childhood signature was discovered etched into its walls.
St Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota’s capital and one half of the Twin Cities, St Paul pairs with its larger neighbour, Minneapolis, to create one of the Midwest’s most intriguing urban duos. While Minneapolis impresses with its modern skyline, St Paul has a quieter charm, with dramatic river landscapes, leafy green spaces and historic architecture overlooking the Mississippi.
What are the must-dos?
There’s plenty to fill your time here, from grand landmarks like the Minnesota State Capitol to the elegant Cathedral of St Paul, which crowns the city’s skyline with an imposing dome. The James J. Hill House, meanwhile, is sometimes called Minnesota’s answer to Downton Abbey. The 36,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion gives you a glimpse into the past and also showcases a variety of Minnesota art.
Cycling is a major draw, too. St Paul has miles of dedicated bike paths, including scenic routes that take you past forested banks, with river breezes rustling cottonwoods and, if you’re lucky, a bald eagle flying overhead.
Don’t overlook… the Fitzgerald Theater
St Paul’s most famous literary son is F. Scott Fitzgerald. His name graces the city’s oldest surviving theatre, built in 1910.
Here's what else to know before booking your Mississippi River cruise:
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