Saint Paul
The twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis span the Mississippi River and are located in the state of Minnesota. Saint Paul itself is the capital of the state and the 2nd largest city in Minnesota. Founded in 1849, the city is known for its numerous parks, architecture, and monuments. Saint Paul’s seven miles of Mississippi River waterfront offer breathtaking views of downtown. From St. Paul, visitors can access nearby parklands, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota History Center, and the Cathedral Hill Historic District.
St. Paul is a hub of cultural and recreational activities, from its museums and galleries to their parks and trails. There’s a thriving culinary and music scene in Saint Paul that draws visitors from far and wide. The city also boasts one of the largest Chinese-Vietnamese communities in the Midwest. St. Paul is also home to a wide variety of Native American, Hispanic, and African American cultures.
The city is well-known as the site of the 1858 Battle of Fort Snelling, where the Dakota Sioux Tribe and the US government negotiated a peace treaty. The Battle of Fort Snelling was how the United States legally acquired the Minnesota Territory and it was the first interstate agreement in the history of the United States.
The Saint Paul region is served by a comprehensive transportation system with light rail, bus, and freeway connections. It is also home to international airports, light rail connections, freight railroads, and a deep-water port facility.
Cairo, Illinois
Cairo, Illinois is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in Alexander County. The town was founded in 1818 and is the oldest city on the Mississippi River. It is a designated National Historic Landmark and a major hub of transportation and commerce.
The city of Cairo was a major shipping port during the early 19th century. It provided a stopping point for steam boats traveling from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico. Cairo also became known as a center of illegal trade in slaves and, during the Civil War, served as an important base for Confederate forces.
Today, Cairo is a bustling community that is largely supported by the river trade industry. There is a large grain processing center, a power plant, and other businesses in the city. Residents of Cairo are proud of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Tourists can visit the Cairo Museum of History, the Genesis House Museum, and the USS Cairo Civil War Ironclad replica.
Cairo is a small city of approximately 2,500 people, surrounded by woodlands, farm-fields, and wetlands. Stretching along a few miles of the Mississippi River, the city is popular for its fishing opportunities and its close proximity to national parks, preserves, and trails.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg, Mississippi, is located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Established in 1719, it is the oldest city on the Mississippi River and has the longest history of Indian settlement in the nation. The city’s many attractions include a vast network of walking and biking trails, the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals, which depict the city’s Civil War history.
Today, Vicksburg is a popular tourist destination, with a vibrant downtown, historic pubs and bars, and a bustling nightlife. With its abundant outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, boating, and golf, Vicksburg is an ideal spot for outdoor lovers and nature-lovers.
Vicksburg is also home to numerous cultural attractions, including the Grand peanut-butter factory tour, the Old Court House Museum and Cultural Center, the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the Vicksburg Visitor Center. Several annual events, such as the annual “Vicksburg Victors” parade, the Vicksburg Jazz Festival, and the Mississippi Historical Society and Museum’s annual symposium, also draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Vicksburg is a great city to explore, offering a variety of activities and attractions, from its rich cultural history to its abundant outdoor activities.
Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville, Mississippi is located at the mouth of the St. Johns Bayou on the Mississippi River, only a few miles from the Louisiana border in Washington County. It is the county seat and the largest city in the county and is known for being a major shipping port, exporting cotton and other commodities down the Mississippi River.
Greenville also has a large cultural scene, with several museums, galleries, and fine-dining establishments. Of note is the Delta State University and other universities that offer a wide range of educational opportunities. The city also hosts several annual festivals, such as the Delta Blues Festival, the Watermelon Festival, and the Greenville Arts Festival.
The region around Greenville is known for breathtaking landscapes and the abundance of wildlife in its swamps, forests, and wetlands. It is also one of the best fishing spots in the state. Other popular activities in the area include hunting, horseback riding, rafting, and camping.
Overall, Greenville offers ample opportunities for tourists to explore its rich culture, abundance of activities, and stunning views.
Memphis
Memphis, located in the southwest corner of Tennessee, is one of the largest cities on the Mississippi River. Founded in 1819, the city is the birthplace of blues music, and the legendary Graceland and Beale Street are both located here; Beale Street, in particular, is a significant cultural and entertainment hub in the country.
Today, Memphis is home to numerous tourist attractions, from its rich musical history and museums to its parks, art galleries, and restaurants. The city is a hub for the blues music circuit; the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Sun Studio are some of the most popular sites for music-lovers.
Memphis is a city of rich history and culture, with a variety of cultures represented in the city. It has a robust economy and is home to multiple major corporations, including FedEx, AutoZone, and First Tennessee Bank. The city also boasts numerous institutions of higher education, such as the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Memphis Theological Seminary.
Memphis is known for its vibrant spirit and rich culture. Whether it is exploring the outdoor offerings, taking in the city’s history, or just wandering around and listening to the music, Memphis is a great destination for visitors.
La Crescent, Minnesota
La Crescent, Minnesota is a small city located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1851, La Crescent is the oldest city on the upper Mississippi River between Minneapolis and La Crosse, Wisconsin. The city serves as a center of trade and commerce for the region and is just minutes away from the Mississippi Bluffs Scenic Byway.
La Crescent is known for its outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting, boating, swimming, and hiking. La Crescent is also home to several historic theaters, shops, and restaurants, and the historic La Crescent Opera House is the city’s major tourist attraction. The city also hosts several annual festivals and events, such as the La Crescent Applefest, the La Crescent Arts Council’s gallery openings and art fairs, and the annual Christmas-time Parade of Lights.
The city is also home to a wide variety of cultural attractions. The nearby Winona State University, as well as its Historic Downtown Commercial District, make this a great spot for discovering regional culture. Nearby is the Great River State Park, offering many miles of shoreline for hiking, cycling, and paddling.
Overall, La Crescent is a great spot for visitors seeking a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, offering plenty of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri is situated on the western bank of the Mississippi River and is one of the most populous cities in the state. Founded in 1764, the city is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Gateway Arch, the Old Cathedral, and the St. Louis Zoo, as well as its renowned music scene. This bustling city is bursting with culture and opportunity.
Today, St. Louis is a major transportation hub and home to numerous educational institutions, including Washington University, St. Louis University, and University of Missouri-St. Louis. With its plethora of museums, including the St. Louis Art Museum, Peabody Opera House, and City Museum, as well as its theater district, there are plenty of cultural attractions to explore. The city is also home to numerous parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas.
St. Louis is the home of the “Loaf”, which is an iconic style of bread that has been around since the mid-1800s. It is also well known for its barbeque, particularly for its pork steak sandwiches. The city also has several popular festivals and concerts, such as the annual Taste of St. Louis and the St. Louis Blues Festival.
Overall, St. Louis is an amazing city filled with culture, attractions, opportunities, and superb food, presenting visitors with an abundance of activities to enjoy.
