American Countess - Upper Mississippi

Day 1

Day 1: Saturday, September 28, 2024
TRAVEL DAY
Join us this morning from the available departure location of your choice, meet your friendly onboard host and driver, and then settle in to your comfortable seat and enjoy the beautiful fall color as we head to St. Louis, Missouri.
Arrive at the Hilton Saint Louis at the Ballpark. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. For your convenience, our Hospitality Desk will be in the hotel, and the American Queen Voyages friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Representatives from American Queen Voyages and the local port/city partner will be available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2

Day 2: Sunday, September 29, 2024
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out. Depart for a day of included St. Louis explorations before boarding the American Duchess
Old Courthouse / Gateway Arch - Embrace this prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. The Old Courthouse is known not only for its classic architecture, but also the notable cases presented in the courthouse, such as Dred Scott, who sued for his freedom from slavery. The Gateway Arch is symbolic of St. Louis. This iconic structure was completed in 1965 and has since provided millions of visitors with stunning views of up to 30 miles from east to west. Please note: Admission inside the Gateway Arch is additional.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis - Completed in 1914, this stunning cathedral was designed to meet the grandeur of European cathedrals. One of the most notable traits of the structure is its domed ceiling covered in mosaics portraying saints and milestones of the Catholic church in St. Louis. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of this structure dubbed by locals as the "New Cathedral."

Depart for Alton, IL to board the American Countess
Part of the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Alton is located on the Mississippi River about 18 miles north of St. Louis. The area was home to Native Americans for thousands of years before being settled by European Americans. An important river town, at one time, Alton was even growing faster than nearby St. Louis. Its fluctuating wealth in the early days was largely dependent on river traffic, manufacturing and shipping, and agriculture.
During the Civil War, Alton was an important base for abolitionists, with Illinois as a free state across the river from the slave state of Missouri, and it served as the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in October of 1858. Among other noteworthy historical facts, Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, was born and raised in Alton, as was the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. Alton is also reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.

Bon Voyage – Set sail on your Mississippi River journey!
Enjoy dinner in the Grand Ballroom or The River Grill and enjoy this evening’s entertainment in the theatre. Perhaps meet friends and have some drinks in the Grand Lobby while listening to live music.

Day 3

Day 3: Monday, September 30, 2024
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI
Located 100 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, Hannibal is one of Missouri’s and the region’s best tourism destinations. Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but the father of American literature would beg to differ. The town, with style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain. People, entities, and livelihoods of Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi,” and the town’s preservation efforts allow visitors to step right onto the page where Twain left off. Be greeted by the current Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher welcoming you to Hannibal’s attractions that are sure to make your port call unforgettable. Explore the Mark Twain Cave written about in five of Twain’s books. This famous cave was also used by Jesse James as a hideout following his 1879 bank robbery in Saverton, Mo. His signature remains on the cave to this day. Or discover unique attractions like Karlocks Kars & Pop Culture Museum, home to more than 10,000 square feet of artifacts that allow you to relive historic, pop culture moments. Among the remarkable exhibits are more than a dozen vintage cars. The cars include everything from fame-off restorations of beautiful classics to one-of-a-kind American muscle cars. Alternatively, take a walk in the woods at Sodalis Nature Preserve, a 185-acre park with a paved walking and biking loop and the opportunity for woodland hiking.

Included Hannibal Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Big River Train Town - This Hannibal gem is packed with more toy trains than you have probably ever seen. Enjoy authentic replicas as they move swiftly along the tracks or learn the history of the models and the trains they are made after. As you walk around, relive your childhood and learn the stories of the railways' past as you view some authentic memorabilia.
Haunted House & Wax Museum - This Wax Museum features wax figures of Mark Twain and his characters which include real human hair and finger nails! There will be a guide there to tell you all the stories and talk about each one of the wax figures. Don't forget to stop by the haunted house or the gift shop for some unusual finds!
Optional Premium Excursion Tour:
Muddy River Radio’s Live Rendition of
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” Price: $79.00
Step back in time to an era before television before the internet and social media. A time of one of the most ground-breaking inventions of the early 1900s – The time of the radio. With the invention of the radio, for the first time in history, Americans could receive timely information, sometimes up to the minute, an unfathomable concept at the time.
Join us as we journey into the heart of Hannibal, Missouri, hometown of American icon, Mark Twain. Arrive at the intimate Planter’s Barn Theater, where you will experience one of Twain’s novels brought to life by the talented actors of the Muddy River Radio Theater group. From moving monologues to sound effects, everything will be performed live, right in front of your eyes! See for yourself how live radio would have been recorded in the Golden Age of Radio and be swept away by one of Twain’s most beloved stories.
The group will take the stage and offer a nostalgic presentation for our guests with their rendition of America’s famous novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” This entirely acoustic performance will showcase the power of sound to recreate a story near and dear to the Mississippi region. Enjoy Muddy River Radio’s masterful interpretation, alluring your imagination to run wild as Tom and his gang are brought to life!

Day 4

Day 4: Tuesday, October 1, 2024:
CRUISING
Enjoy a full day of river cruising and relaxation. Grab a complementary drink and watch the small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic from the on-board library and curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Find a rocking chair out on the deck and take in the passing scenery and soak up the fall sunshine. Take part in one of the many activities on board being offered today, or head to the Card Room and start up a great game and meet new friends.

Day 5

Day 5: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
bettendorf, iowa
Situated in southeastern Iowa, Bettendorf is part of a large metro area called the “Quad Cities,” a collection of river vistas and metropolitan communities that meld Midwestern neighborliness with rich educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Comprised of the Mississippi riverfront towns of Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, these distinctively different urban areas, without friction, blend into the melting pot that the region celebrates.
Whimsical architecture complements the eccentric gardens of the Quad City Botanical Center in neighboring Rock Island. The first European-American settlers were predominantly German immigrants who worked as farmers, skilled laborers, and small business owners. They established a village called Lilienthal, after an early tavern and dance hall. An adjacent village of Gilbert developed alongside in 1858. The two villages eventually combined to become the town of Gilbert. Circa 1900, the town gave William and Joseph Bettendorf 70 acres of riverfront land on the condition that they move their iron wagon business from Davenport to Gilbert. In 1903, the town petitioned for incorporation, requesting to change the town’s name in honor of the brothers whose factory was a major economic influence in the early development of the city.
Today Bettendorf offers an array of recreational opportunities including three golf courses, numerous trails for biking, hiking, and walking, and Dek Hockey rinks. Dek Hockey, a variation of Ball Hockey, is played on foot with an orange ball in a boarded rink on a surface that protects players from common leg and foot injuries.

Included Bettendorf Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:
Isabel Bloom Studio & Demonstration
Isabel Rose Scherer was raised in the city of Davenport and began her artistic lifestyle early. In the early 1930s Isabel attended Grant Wood’s Stone City Art Colony where she learned how to carve limestone sculptures flawlessly. Her legacy lives on in the city of Davenport as her art pieces and influences are seen throughout the city, as well as her protégé, Donna Young, who works to help preserve Bloom’s legacy. During the 45-minute guided tour, enjoy behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of each Isabel Bloom sculpture. Get a glimpse of some of her original art and photos and then visit the gift shop where you can purchase exclusive sculptures available only to tour guests.
Figge Art Museum
This gigantic glass building on the banks of the Mississippi, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections, and hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Its studios, auditorium and spacious lobby are alive with art classes, lectures and special events that attract visitors of all ages. Tour the facility, which touches nearly every style of art, spanning across the world, from classical to modern.
River Music Experience
Founded in 2004, the River Music Experience began primarily as a museum celebrating the roots of music and the Quad-Cities’ musical heritage. The program was so successful that the museum now hosts more live music and offers more opportunities for local musicians to perform. Explore the history of music in the Quad Cities and then stop in the Redstone Room to listen to live music as you snack on a delicious treat offered from the restaurant and bar inside.
Quad City Botanical Center
Explore this award-winning Sun Garden with blooms of exotic tropical flowers, a 14-foot waterfall, and reflecting pools. Outdoor gardens feature magnificent conifer collections, thousands of spring bulbs, colorful and rare perennials. This stunning botanical center hosts extravagant festivals, parties, and events. Be certain to explore the gift shop before you depart.

German American Heritage Center
Founded on August 1, 1994 as a private, not-for-profit organization, the German American Heritage Center (GAHC) seeks to preserve the heritage of German speaking ancestors for present and future generations and to enrich the knowledge of the German immigrant experience. Today, the heritage center has evolved into a museum that includes a large permanent exhibit and two rotating special exhibits. Within the permanent exhibit, visitors enjoy an orientation theater, six education stations and two restored hotel rooms. Guests enjoy an interactive experience as they learn about immigrants’ journey by sea, train, and foot to their final destination at the German American Heritage Center building, which was originally a very busy hotel for thousands of immigrants in the 1860s.

Optional Premium Excursion Tour:
The Ultimate American Agriculture Experience
Price: $149.00
Explore two success stories of American agriculture on this ultimate farming excursion. Your journey will give you an inside look at both an industrial-level farming company and a local, family-run farm. Le

Day 6

Day 6: Thursday, October 3, 2024
dubuque, iowa
Victorian meets bohemian in this ever-growing Mississippi River gem that’s sure to leave dazzling memories. In Dubuque you can check off your outdoor bucket list in the perfect nature getaway, and explore historic districts peppered with preserved history. Take a ride on the historic Fenelon Place Elevator, which is also the shortest, steepest, scenic railway, spanning 296 feet in length. Admire the 105 stained-glass Tiffany windows at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, home to “one of the five finest religious Tiffany collections in the world.” See all the wildlife displays and hands-on exhibits at the National Mississippi River Museum. Cap your day in Dubuque with a tasting at one of the local vineyards or tasting rooms including Stone Cliff and Park Farm wineries. Be sure to take a little piece of Dubuque home with you with goodies from Betty Jane Candies, named the “Top Culinary Gift in Iowa” by People magazine
Included Bettendorf Hop-On Hop-Off Tours:
Historic Millwork District: This repurposed warehouse district is now home to niche retail stores, cafes, coffee shops, apartments, and offices. Offering authenticity and character, the Millwork District shows the importance of sustainable urban design strategies. At the start of the 20th century, the area was the innovative and entrepreneurial center of the region and was the backbone of the regional economy. The revitalization is renewing the area with a strategy that connects people, planet, and profit in a mixed-use neighborhood.
Dubuque Museum of Art: The Dubuque Museum of Art (DuMA) is a Smithsonian affiliate and the first art museum in Iowa. The Museum is home to two of the most important paintings outside of Chicago by renowned Iowan artist Grant Wood. The museum is also home to one of only 200 intact sets of Edward Curtis’s masterpiece, The North American Indian. DuMA regularly hosts special exhibitions that showcase the history of American art and contemporary art of the region.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church: Explore the history and art of this expansive church, known for its world-famous Tiffany stained-glass windows, which have been called, “one of the five finest religious Tiffany Collections in the world.” This beautiful Romanesque style church is characterized by thick walls, heavy columns, and round arches. Its 32-inch-thick foundation walls are built of enduring Bedford limestone from Indiana. Each stone was cut by hand, and if one looks carefully, embedded fossils may be seen. Inside, the original organ from 1897 has been carefully restored for regular use, replica marble Florentine murals grace the ornate chancel, and impressive woodwork covers the sanctuary.
Grand Opera House: Dubuque’s historic Grand Opera House is the oldest and grandest of more than 16 legitimate theaters that served the community prior to 1900. The theater opened in 1890 and presented opera, theater, and vaudeville until 1928. Afterward, it was converted into a movie theater, but in 1986, it returned to showing live productions. Over the past 3 decades the Grand has been beautifully restored and presents locally produced theatrical productions, touring musical and variety acts, and remains one of the community’s greatest architectural treasures.
Fenelon Place Elevator: The Fenelon Place Elevator is described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway, 296 feet in length, elevating passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. The railway was constructed in 1882 for the private use by a wealthy local banker and former state senator, J.K. Graves. Take the short ride up and get a view of the historic Dubuque business district, the river, and three states. You can even see the boat docked at the riverfront!

Hotel Julien Dubuque: Since 1839, a hotel or inn has occupied the corner of Second and Main — the present site of Hotel Julien Dubuque. The original structure, four stories high, was called the Waples House and was named after its owner, Peter Waples, a wealthy Dubuque merchant. It was the first building visible to the travelers entering Dubuque from across the Mississippi. The Waples House was furnished extravagantly and was known far and wide for its gourmet cuisine. Traveler’s first sight as they crossed the Mississippi River into Dubuque was a hotel building on the corner of 2nd and Main. This old “Julien Hotel” survived a fire, hosted famous guests such as Abraham Lincoln, “Buffalo Bill”, Cody and Mark Twain, gained notoriety thanks to Al Capone and was ultimately purchased by the current ownership in 1962.

Optional Premium Excursion Tours:
A Story of Cinema: The Field of Dreams Experience
Price: $129.00
Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. Immerse yourself in America’s Heartland on this journey through the scenes of the 1989 Academy Award winning film, Field of Dreams. Bubbling with baseball and Americana, this experience will lead you to the iconic locations in Dubuque,

Day 7

Day 7: Friday, October 4, 2024
la crosse, wisconsin
La Crosse resides along the famous Great River Road National Scenic Byway, considered by some as the most scenic drive in America. This river town also has a long-standing romance with the steamboat era, and as our paddlewheeler kisses its port, guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park. The La Crosse Region is a proud part of the Driftless Region, a part of the world with an ancient, distinct topography and unparalleled views. “Drift” refers to glacial drift; the rock and sediment deposited by a glacier as it moves over an area of land. During the last Ice Age, a small piece of the Upper Mississippi Region was miraculously left untouched by glacial erosion and deposits. The surrounding landscapes that once featured prominent bluffs were leveled to plains and rolling hills, yet no glaciers entered one small pocket; thus, the Driftless Region became the last remnant of the natural, rugged terrain that once spanned today’s Upper Midwest.
Straddling the Mississippi, the Driftless Region of today encompasses more than 24,000 miles across Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. La Crosse County is one of the 18 Wisconsin counties within the realm of the Driftless. Within its depths, La Crosse harbors a vibrant community; the cultural exchange among it and its six sister cities showcases a deep appreciation for enrichment through diversity. Influences from far-off destinations such as Bantry, Ireland, and Bavaria, Germany, woven into the history and charm of this scenic port, will certainly stir a traveler’s soul.
La Crosse Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Dahl Auto Museum - Take a stroll down memory lane and immerse yourself in the rich history of the most widely used mode of transportation, the automobile. The Dahl Auto Museum celebrates the Dahl family's involvement as automotive dealers, with a history spanning over 100 years and five generations. It also features the history of the automobile through the eyes of Ford Motor Company, an extensive mascot collection and many beautifully restored classic automobiles from the turn of the century to present.
Riverside International Friendship Garden - La Crosse enjoys thriving relationships with sister cities, business partners, students, and people from around the world. To celebrate the success of these partnerships and build a tribute to the culture and traditions, the township created a garden filled with flowers and decorations that closely resemble a garden that could be found in each one of La Crosse’s sister cities. In the Chinese Gardens, principles of Feng Shui are showcased as rock, soil, water, architecture, and plants are harmoniously and meticulously placed to create a free-flowing movement. In the French Garden, finely trimmed plants, granite statues, and elegant fountains are arranged in a formal and geometric pattern, recreating the sophistication and romance found in France. The German Garden is adorned with colorful hydrangea, roses, and fruit bearing shrubs, which set a vibrant contrast to the Rock Garden and pergola. Inside the Norwegian Garden, many waterfalls trickle past luscious rhubarb, strawberry, and blueberry plants, creating a pleasantly aromatic environment. Conclude the day at the casual Russian Garden, with tree-filled groves, an elegant “Basedka” structure centerpiece, and beautiful sculpture focal points.

Hixon House - This beautiful Victorian house is filled with nearly all of the original furnishings, making it stand out from many other historical homes. With 90 percent original furnishings, this nearly hidden downtown gem offers a window into early La Crosse life and the Victorian era around the country.
Historic Hixon House was built in 1858 by pioneer Gideon Hixon, who went on to become a wealthy lumber baron in La Crosse. He and his wife Ellen raised their five sons in this home and expanded it to the size it is today. The family had for many years retained the home in close to the same state that Ellen Hixon left it when she died in 1913. In 1965, their descendants gifted the house to La Crosse Historical Society complete with its original Victorian and Arts and Crafts furnishings. Their knowledgeable docents will guide you through this piece of La Crosse history.
Optional Premium Excursion Tour:
Into the Mississippi on the Winona Tour Boat
Price: $79.00
Prepare to discover the upper Mississippi River region from a fresh perspective.
Discover a new aspect of the region with an intimate river experience on a narrated sightseeing tour aboard the Winona Tour Boat. Experience the Mississippi River, as the US Coast Guard licensed captain covers river refuge history, aquatic life, and the river’s local environmental impacts, making sure to point out native wildlife, including eagles in their natural habitat! We will also discover the history of Winona, and the importance of the Mississippi River throughout the port's history

Day 8

Day 8: Saturday, October 5, 2024
red wing, wisconsin
Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. The port city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past. The first settlers in town built small mills, factories, and workshops, similar to ones they were familiar with in New England where many came from. Immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and Sweden were also skilled craftsman. Some early and persistent industries are tanning and shoe-making. Other businessmen made farm equipment, bricks, barrels, boats, furniture, pottery, and buttons. Consumables included beer and lumber. Service industries included stone-cutting, hospitality, and retailing. The Saint James Hotel remains a working token of the earlier time.
Red Wing also was the home of Gustavus Adolphus College, a private liberal arts college. It was founded in Red Wing but moved to East Union before settling in St. Peter. Red Wing was once home to Hamline University, founded in 1854 as the first institution of higher education in the state of Minnesota; it closed in 1869 due to low enrollment. The Red Wing stoneware and pottery industry developed in the northwest region of the city. It used clay from the area of Hay Creek, near a hamlet named Claybank. A railroad branch line was built to carry the clay to Red Wing. The factory buildings remain, but only traces of the railroad, abandoned in 1937, are left.
Red Wing Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Aliveo Military Museum - The Aliveo Military Museum has a significant collection of military artifacts such as edged weapons, flags, badges and much more! They have a vast collection that includes artifacts and relics from all major wars from the Revolutionary War to the current Middle-East Wars. They believe in education about our military history through preservation, protention and presentation of the military artifacts themselves.
Red Wing Marine Museum – The Red Wing Marine Museum is in one of the city’s historical venues along the river near boathouse village and depicts one of the oldest manufacturing industries-the boat and motor business. It sits very near the site of the original factory where Red Wing-made boats and motors were made and launched. The museum exhibits include more than 30 restored Red Wing orobred marine engines, outboard motors and a display of fishing tackle, photographs, documents and other river-related items.
Optional Premium Excursion Tours:
Twin Cities Pre-Cruise Tour Price: $119.00
Minnesota’s bustling capital of St. Paul and most populated city of Minneapolis has much to offer. Some of the historical intricacies you’ll learn about include: why the city has been divided into "twins," why the state chose to plant its capital here and the reasons behind the names “Minneapolis” and “St. Paul.” Watch the city unfold through the windows of the motorcoach as we pass some of the most historical treasures including Fort Snelling, St. Paul Cathedral, the Minnesota State Capitol building, the new Guthrie Theater, and Historic Summit Avenue lined in pristine Victorian architecture.
At Minnehaha Falls, breathe in the fresh air as the breeze blows a shimmering mist across your cheeks. Watch the fresh water pour off the slick sheets of rock at the top of the cliffs, powerfully funneling into the small body of water located below. At the observation deck at the Guthrie Theater, known as the "Endless Bridge," get an amazing view of the Mississippi River below. See the Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge and admire the beauty of the architectural link that contrasts the metallic structures of the urban city with the natural glimmer of the Mississippi waters. Watch as the Mississippi rapids channel towards Saint Anthony Falls downstream before visiting the restored Harriet Island Regional Park with its paddlewheel riverboats.
Note: This tour includes a lunch stop at West 7th Street where guests can enjoy lunch on their own at one of the many local St. Paul eateries.
Hidden Waters of the Mississippi:
A Scenic Kayak Tour Price: $129.00
Our journey begins as we depart Red Wing for Wabasha, the oldest city along the Upper Mississippi River. Our expert guide and naturalist will meet us here to start our kayaking adventure into the vibrant heart of the Upper Mississippi River. We’ll paddle off the main channel of the river for a leisurely tour through the hidden and scenic backwaters. Enjoy narrations and insight about the surrounding landscape and take in the views of the river from a fresh perspective.
With a strong focus on conservation, our guide will discuss the efforts needed to keep the river alive and healthy for generations to come. From the importance of mussels to the impact of invasive species, you will learn all about this unique ecosystem. And since the Wabasha area is a prim

Day 9

Day 9: Sunday, October 6, 2024
HOME SWEET HOME
Our relaxing cruise is over, and our Burlington Trailways motorcoach will be awaiting us to whisk us back home to our own homes on the Mississippi!