7-night Upper Mississippi River Cruise

Located on the Mississippi River the city of Alton Illinois is full of history, and recreational opportunities. Here you'll find magnificent limestone bluffs, forested parks and wildlife areas, real river towns, ferries that ply the rivers, and friendly and gracious people.

At Pere Marquette State Park riders, walkers, and joggers will see prairie wildflowers along the trail as well as flowering trees during the spring. Brilliant reds, yellows and oranges compliment the scenery in the fall.

Fort Madison is a town whose namesake is the Midwest's oldest military garrison on the upper Mississippi River, built in 1808. The fortification was built in part to ensure the protection of the Louisiana Purchase. Guests can visit the old fort, and enjoy a step back in time as they try out candle-making, baking bread, and firing Springfield muskets. The city also contains the Albright Betsy Ross House, where the the ghost of Betsy Ross supposedly haunts, or check out the Sante Fe Bridge built in 1888, which remains the world's longest double deck swing-span bridge. Fort Madison's historic district remains nicely preserved, and provides visitors with an authentic look into the city's past.

This small town is built upon an island in the middle of the Mississippi River, between scenic limestone bluffs and bejeweled with vintage, 19th century architecture and picturesque neighborhoods. Many opportunities for history and art lovers are here, as the town has a thriving arts community and numerous museums, galleries and festivals. Outdoor and further afield, Eagle watching awaits at the National Eagle Center, wine tasting at Seven Hawks Vineyard in nearby Fountain City, or hiking the Great River Bluffs park.

St. Paul has historic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, shopping, and accommodations to fit every budget. The casinos bring Las Vegas thrill, and the rugged mountains cater to the outdoor enthusiast. St. Paul has attractions and activities for a family on vacation, someone visiting for business, or a couple searching for romance. Amusement parks, museums, historic sites, shopping, fine dinging, and educational attractions including: The Science Museum of Minnesota, Historic Lowertown and the Valleyfair Family Amusement Park are all within minutes from anywhere in St. Paul.