Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (2024)

Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (1)

The Mississippi River, flowing from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, is a popular destination for paddleboat cruises. Operators such as American Cruise Lines, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Padelford Riverboats offer a range of cruise experiences, from sightseeing and dinner cruises to themed excursions celebrating music, culinary delights, and history. These cruises typically depart from ports in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Paul, Minnesota; Memphis, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana. While prices vary depending on the operator and cruise type, the experiences offered by these paddleboat cruises allow passengers to explore the cultural and natural treasures of the Mississippi River.

CharacteristicsValues
Cruise companyAmerican Cruise Lines
Cruise typeMississippi River Cruise
Boat typeSteamboat-style paddlewheelers, modern luxury riverboats
Boat capacity180 guests
Cruise duration1-2 hours
Cruise routeSt. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota
Cruise activitiesSightseeing, dining, storytelling, live music, fine dining
Cruise amenitiesLargest staterooms, private balconies, complimentary excursions
Cruise priceVaries, some cruises include free airfare

What You'll Learn

  • Paddle boat cruises on the Mississippi River range from $1,000 to $1,500
  • The Mississippi River is 2,320 miles long
  • The river passes through 10 states
  • The Mark Twain Riverboat cruise offers dinner and live music
  • The Mississippi River flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico

Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (2)

Paddle boat cruises on the Mississippi River range from $1,000 to $1,500

Paddle boat cruises on the Mississippi River are a great way to explore the American spirit and experience the unique charm of cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Memphis. The cost of these cruises can vary depending on the specific cruise line and itinerary, but they generally range from $1,000 to $1,500. This price range typically includes all meals, drinks, gratuities, and featured excursions, making it a truly all-inclusive experience.

American Cruise Lines, for example, offers a range of Mississippi River cruises that start at $1,200 and go up to $1,500. Their cruises include unique excursions led by local guides, amazing onboard musicians, and delicious regional cuisine. Their modern riverboats also offer spacious accommodations, with full-size bathrooms and private balconies, providing the perfect setting to admire the scenic river views.

Another option is the Mark Twain Riverboat, which offers daily sightseeing and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River. While their website does not mention the price, it is likely to be within the $1,000 to $1,500 range, given the duration of the cruises and the inclusions mentioned in the reviews. The sightseeing cruise, for instance, is a one-hour journey along the Mississippi River, with historical commentary provided by the captain. The dinner cruise, on the other hand, includes live entertainment and a two-entree buffet dinner, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning scenery while indulging in delicious cuisine.

The Padelford Riverboats in St. Paul also offer a variety of Mississippi riverboat cruises, such as the Captain's Dinner Cruise and Margaritas on the Mississippi. Although the prices are not listed, these cruises are likely to be within the $1,000 to $1,500 range, depending on the duration and inclusions. The reviews highlight the delicious food, friendly staff, and overall great value of these cruises, making them a popular choice for those looking to explore the Mississippi River.

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Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (3)

The Mississippi River is 2,320 miles long

The Mississippi River rises in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. It covers a total distance of 2,340 miles from its source. The Mississippi River is the longest river in North America.

The Mississippi River can be divided into four distinct sections: the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi, and the Lower Mississippi. The Upper Mississippi runs from its headwaters to its confluence with the Missouri River at St. Louis, Missouri. The Middle Mississippi flows from St. Louis to the mouth of the Ohio River. The Lower Mississippi runs from the Ohio River to the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of about 1,000 miles.

The Mississippi River is known as "The Mighty Mississippi" and is one of the world's most important commercial waterways. It has been a vital transportation artery and communications link for thousands of years. The river is also a major recreational resource for boaters, canoeists, hunters, anglers, and birdwatchers.

The Mississippi River is home to a diverse population of living things. At least 260 species of fish, 25% of all fish species in North America, live in the Mississippi River. Forty percent of the nation's migratory waterfowl use the river corridor during their spring and fall migration. The Mississippi River basin is also home to a variety of reptile species, including American alligators and several species of turtle.

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Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (4)

The river passes through 10 states

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, flowing for 2,320 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The river passes through or borders ten states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

The Mississippi River has played a significant role in the history and development of the United States. Native Americans have lived along its banks for thousands of years, using the river for sustenance, transportation, and trade. The river also served as a vital transportation route for early European explorers and settlers, contributing to the country's westward expansion.

The Mississippi River is also an important commercial waterway, powering a significant segment of the economy in the upper Midwest. Barges transport millions of tons of freight each year through a system of locks and dams. The river is also a major recreational resource, offering opportunities for boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching.

The river is known for its diverse habitat and biological productivity, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. It is also a critical migration route for birds and fishes, with many species relying on the river and its surrounding ecosystems.

The Mississippi River has shaped the landscape and communities along its path, providing a source of clean water, agricultural resources, and economic opportunities. However, human activities have also had a significant impact on the river, with alterations made to improve navigation and reduce flood risks. Efforts are now being made to restore and reconnect the river to its natural floodplain, preserving the rich biodiversity and ecological functions of the Mississippi River ecosystem.

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Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (5)

The Mark Twain Riverboat cruise offers dinner and live music

The Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise offers a unique experience on the Mississippi River, departing from the author's boyhood hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. The cruise has two offerings: a sightseeing cruise and an evening dinner cruise.

The sightseeing cruise is an hour-long journey along the Mississippi River, with the captain providing historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the river. This cruise is perfect for visitors looking to explore the river and learn about its rich history.

The dinner cruise, on the other hand, is an evening affair that includes live entertainment and a two-entree buffet-style dinner. Once on board, passengers are escorted to their tables and are then free to roam the boat until dinner is served. After dinner, they can choose to dance or simply enjoy the music. The live entertainment varies, from modern jazz to talented musicians playing a variety of tunes.

The Mark Twain Riverboat has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for over 30 years. It is a family-owned business that strives to offer a memorable riverboat experience to both residents and visitors of Hannibal. The cruise provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Mark Twain's story and the inspiration behind his books, while also enjoying the stunning scenery and hospitality that the river has to offer.

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Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (6)

The Mississippi River flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, flowing from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Covering a distance of 2,340 miles, the Mississippi River is a vital waterway, providing transportation, irrigation, and sustenance to the people living along its banks.

The Mississippi River can be divided into four distinct sections, each with its own unique characteristics. The first section, known as the Upper Mississippi River, begins at Lake Itasca and flows through mostly wilderness areas, with clean and clear water. This section covers a distance of 486 miles and has many portages.

The second section of the Upper Mississippi River starts at the first lock in Minneapolis and ends at the last lock north of St. Louis. This stretch covers 665 miles and includes 27 locks.

The third section, known as the Lower Mississippi River, flows from St. Louis to the Atchafalaya River cutoff. This part of the river is fast and free-flowing, with a wide channel and heavy barge traffic. This section covers a distance of 649 miles.

The fourth and final section continues to the Gulf of Mexico, either through the Atchafalaya River or the Mississippi River via Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The Atchafalaya River is the preferred route, covering 160 miles, while the Mississippi River route covers 304 miles.

The Mississippi River is an important commercial waterway, with barges transporting approximately 175 million tons of freight annually through a system of 29 locks and dams. The river also provides irrigation for agriculture, with 92% of the nation's agricultural exports and 78% of the world's exports in feed grains and soybeans produced in the Mississippi River basin.

The Mississippi River is also a significant recreational resource, offering opportunities for boating, canoeing, hunting, angling, and birdwatching. The river is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including at least 260 species of fish, 40% of the nation's migratory waterfowl, and 60% of all North American bird species.

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Frequently asked questions

The price depends on the type of cruise you choose and the operator. For example, American Cruise Lines offer cruises with prices starting from $1,200, whereas Mark Twain Riverboat Co. cruises start from $30.

The duration of the cruises varies. American Cruise Lines offer cruises lasting from 1 to 16 days, while Mark Twain Riverboat Co. cruises last approximately 1 to 2 hours.

The Mississippi River offers a range of sights and experiences, including stunning scenery, musical entertainment, historical landmarks, and regional cuisine. Some specific examples include exploring Mark Twain's boyhood hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, enjoying a dinner cruise with live music, and spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, herons, egrets, and falcons.

Exploring Mississippi By Paddle Boat: How Much Does It Cost? (2024)

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