Experience 10 Unique U.S. States on This Amazing 23-Day River Cruise

American Queen Voyages, a leader in U.S. river cruising, has announced its longest journey yet—a remarkable river cruise that traverses 10 states and nearly 1,800 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along the scenic Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of its 16-day “Mighty Mississippi” cruise from Minneapolis to New Orleans, the company has decided to create an even more extensive route all the way to Pittsburgh.

Although the 23-day journey begins and concludes in major cities, many stops along the route are in charming, lesser-known Midwestern towns. Notable highlights include LaCrosse, Wisconsin, famous for its nearly 600-foot Granddad Bluff offering stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley; Chester, Illinois, the hometown of Popeye the Sailor Man; and Cincinnati, Ohio, recognized as the birthplace of baseball. The true essence of these cruises lies in the opportunity for passengers to experience the unique charm of riverfront towns they might not otherwise visit.

Each day will bring a new destination, allowing guests to explore the local communities either independently or through complimentary guided tours. These excursions include the iconic “Field of Dreams” experience in Dubuque, Iowa, where guests can visit the original filming location of the 1989 baseball movie, and a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.

The inaugural sailing is set for July 24, 2023, aboard the 245-passenger paddlewheeler American Countess, designed to reflect the classic steamboats that navigated U.S. rivers in the 19th century. The American Countess features a Grand Dining Room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menus inspired by the company’s Southern heritage. Amenities include a theater for nightly performances in a lounge-like atmosphere, a fitness center, a library, a card room, and a sun deck. The 123 guest rooms vary from deluxe staterooms with private verandas to smaller inside cabins equipped with a queen bed but lacking windows.

After arriving in Pittsburgh, the ship will reverse course and head back to Minneapolis on August 13. The cruise package includes meals and drinks (including alcohol), a complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, unlimited Wi-Fi, live onboard entertainment, and access to bicycles and hiking sticks for passengers. Reservations can be made on the American Queen Voyages website, with rates starting at $10,197 per person.