Daydreaming of a romantic, leisurely river cruise down the mighty Mississippi? It’s possible, and a delightful way to take in the beauty of the North American continent. But just how long would you need to set aside for the full river cruise? Depending on what kind of pace you’d like to keep, travel time down the Mississippi River could range anywhere from three weeks to three months.
Prepare for the Trip
Traveling down the 2,340 mile long Mississippi River requires some preparation. Most cruisers will need to obtain a boating license, either from the state or from the US Coast Guard if you intend on taking the cruise down the entire length of the river. You’ll need to consider the type of boat you want too, and plan for stocking enough food and supplies to get through the journey. Then you research on the best routes, taking into consideration the great diversity of the Mississippi River.
There are few sandbars or beaches along the banks of the Mississippi, so you’ll have to dock your boat at commercial ports. Before you set off, cruise between different ports and practice maneuvering your boat, so you’ll be well-prepared when you have to dock while underway.
Types of Cruises
How long you spend traveling down the Mississippi River will depend heavily on the type of cruise you choose. The most common route for a Mississippi River cruise follows the 1500-mile main course between the head of navigation at St. Anthony Falls on the northern border of Minneapolis, and the mouth at the Gulf of Mexico in southern Louisiana. If you plan the entire cruise from the head to the mouth, and take in all the interesting stops along the way, it could take up to three weeks. Some cruisers also like to travel down the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, as well as the Illinois River too, though this could extend the journey to three months.
Types of Boats
The type of boat you choose will also determine how your travel time. Traveling by kayak or canoe, you would expect the trip to take up to three months or more, depending on your speed. Traveling by a houseboat could be a comfortable option, but the slow speed – usually only five to six miles per hour- could significantly increase your total journey time.
The fastest option is by powerboat. You can travel up to 30 miles per hour, which would translate to one-to-two weeks’ worth of travel time. The advantages of a powerboat are obvious, but you could also get more of a feel for the Mississippi River’s natural beauty, which you would miss if you traveled too quickly.
Diverse Itineraries
The most popular Mississippi River trips begin and end in St. Paul, Minnesota and St. Louis, Missouri, where cruise ships can dock. During this two-week cruise, you’ll visit major landmarks such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and Tupelo National Battlefield. A seven-day cruise is also available that focuses on the area between St. Louis and Memphis, Tennessee, ending in the ‘Birthplace of the Blues’.
If there are some sights you’re particularly interested in, you can plan a customised cruise to make sure you see them all. Keep in mind, however, that with any kind of cruise, timing and transport can be unpredictable – be sure to allow at least one or two days as a buffer, in case your journey takes a bit longer than predicted.
Riverboat Race
If you’re feeling adventurous and your timing is right, you might want to explore the river by taking part in the Great Mississippi Duck Race. The event takes place in May and starting points vary, but the boats eventually finish in Louisiana. There are different classes for different kinds of boats, so it’s possible to enter with a powerboat, kayak, or any other type of watercraft. If you’re willing to take the risk, you can make the entire trip from Minnesota all the way to Louisiana, in just three days.
Safety and Precautions
No matter which type of cruising you choose, one must keep safety in mind. The Mississippi River is home to many hazards, both natural and man-made. These include submerged logs, sandbars, drifting boats, and other floating debris, that can put your boat at risk. In addition, shipping channels and locks are common along the river and they could cause injury if navigated incorrectly.
To remain safe, make sure to brief yourself on the river’s navigation aids and habits of boat traffic. Also, be sure to equip your boat with the right safety gear and check with the Coast Guard for any new regulations or updates in case of changes on the river.
Hidden Gems
The Mississippi River is full of hidden gems, from Native American historical sites and impressive landscapes. Make sure to bring your best camera and take lots of photos of interesting spots—mark the pictures with the exact coordinates, so you can retrace your steps and come back to them later. You will also have plenty of time to bond with your travel buddies while exploring the nooks and crannies of the Mississippi River.
Best Time to Cruise
Most people find autumn the most pleasant season for cruising along the Mississippi River. The average temperature at this time of year is a comfortable 19°C, and the humidity remains low. There are still plenty of things to do and discover during the summer, just make sure to take precautions against the hot weather if you plan to cruise during this time.
Natural Wonder
The Mississippi River is more than just a body of water—it’s one of the largest and most intimating waterways in the world. Bordering 10 states and stretching over 3000 miles, the river is the perfect destination for any nature enthusiast. A journey down the river will not only be memorable, it will also be educational, as you will learn about the ecology, culture, and history of the surrounding areas. So if you’re thinking of taking a river cruise, the Mississippi River is the perfect place to start!
