Home > River Cruises > America's Heartland

America's Heartland

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Balcony
$9,400
Suite
$12,964
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Saint Louis
 Cruise Finishes
Saint Paul
12 Day America's Heartland Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: USA
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Ship Class
Mississippi River Ship
Departures
Passengers
386
Crew
150
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
VKAH

Overview

Embark on a 12-day cruise tour of the fabled Upper Mississippi. Hear stories of pioneers who shaped the Midwest and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain and learn about Norwegian migration to the area. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system. And experience the region’s many cultural treasures—from ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.

Itinerary

Arrive and check in to your hotel. During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world's fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.

St. Louis was once the gateway to the legendary Wild West, known for its gun-wielding cowboys and law-making sheriffs. Today, the city boasts a world-class cultural scene and one of the leading sporting attractions in the US. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball clubs, having won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees. While the Big Apple is famed for its Central Park, St. Louis has its own green space. Some of St. Louis' most important cultural sights are located in Forest Park, including the Missouri History Museum.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. The largest city in the Great Plains, St. Louis enjoys a lively music scene. Music legends from the past and present launched their start in the music business in some of St. Louis's venues. Scott Joplin, Chuck Berry, Tina Turner and Miles Davis went on to enjoy illustrious careers. Blues and jazz are widely enjoyed across Downtown and the Greater St. Louis areas. As is the food of the Midwest; the World Fair of 1904 was the first to showcase some of the most popular dishes in the US today, including the hot dog and the all-American favorite, the Hamburger.

Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.

The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul's Church.

Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America's Breadbasket”—the nation's most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.

One of Iowa's few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city's growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.

La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or 'Norwegian Valley.' Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum.

Red Wing is known for its Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers—many from New England—arrived in the mid-1800s. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed, bringing skills in tanning, shoemaking, pottery and more. The city boasts a diversity of legacies including Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the nation's first commercial potter. Today, Red Wing enjoys a place in the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Exuding small-town charm, Red Wing shares a border with Wisconsin along the winding waterway of the Mississippi River. The city is renowned for its 'impressive architecture and enviable natural environment,' according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Surrounded by striking landscapes, Red Wing is an attraction for nature lovers seeking unspoiled natural beauty, where numerous hiking trails and prime fishing spots abound. The city is also home to a vibrant local arts scene, with several festivals throughout the summer and fall. After breakfast, disembark your ship.

Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and bird watching. The Twin Cities is home to more than 500 miles of bike trails, including the scenic Gateway State Trail and the Mississippi River Trail. Hikers can explore the trails in Minnehaha Park or head to more rugged terrain at nearby Lebanon Hills or Afton State Park. Bird watchers can observe a variety of species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons and great blue herons at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.

Minneapolis and St. Paul have played a large role in shaping the music industry. The region is home to a vibrant music scene and has given a start to celebrated legends like classical composer Stephen Paulus, genre-spanning Prince and alternative rock band The Replacements. The cities also have a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters and museums showcasing works from local and international artists. The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Weisman Art Museum are some of the region's most prominent cultural institutions. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey home.

Life Onboard Viking Mississippi

Viking Mississippi
Viking Mississippi

Viking's award-winning Longships® showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

A Mississippi River cruise offers you the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland. Read more

Serene Scandinavian Spaces
Serene Scandinavian Spaces

Elegant, light-filled ships thoughtfully designed to connect you to your destination. Read more

Destination Focused Dining
Destination Focused Dining

From relaxed, multi-course fine-dining to casual meals on the Aquavit Terrace. Read more

Viking Inclusive Value
Viking Inclusive Value

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not and your river cruise fare. Read more

The Viking Way
The Viking Way

Viking offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set them apart from other travel companies. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Brochure

River Cruises

Viking River Cruises (2023-25)

Wherever you choose to go - Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, USA or beyond - Viking takes you to places you can only fully appreciate by river, and we take you there in comfort. Everything we do is focused on making your time with us truly memorable - for all the right reasons. Come and discover the Viking difference for yourself.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Savings
Thursday 22 Aug 2024
Monday 02 Sep 2024
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $595
$9,400
View Cabins
Suite
Save $631
$12,964
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 05 Sep 2024
Monday 16 Sep 2024
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $598
$9,697
View Cabins
Suite
Save $637
$13,558
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 26 Jun 2025
Monday 07 Jul 2025
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $1,104
$10,291
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,140
$13,855
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 31 Jul 2025
Monday 11 Aug 2025
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $1,096
$9,499
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,133
$13,162
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
Monday 25 Aug 2025
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $1,107
$10,588
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,145
$14,350
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 28 Aug 2025
Monday 08 Sep 2025
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $1,107
$10,588
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,145
$14,350
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 02 Oct 2025
Monday 13 Oct 2025
Ship Viking Mississippi
Balcony
Save $1,110
$10,885
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,147
$14,548
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar River Cruises

12 Day America's Heartland (Viking)

12 Days Saint Paul Saint Louis

Operated By: Viking

From 9,202
Save 1,107
12 Day Heart of the Delta (Viking)

12 Days New Orleans Memphis

Operated By: Viking

From 8,410
Save 1,116
12 Day Heart of the Delta (Viking)

12 Days Memphis New Orleans

Operated By: Viking

From 8,410
Save 1,116
15 Day America's Great River (Viking)

15 Days Saint Paul New Orleans

Operated By: Viking

From 16,132
Save 1,214