Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Week-Long Cruise Along The Illinois And Mississippi Rivers In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published October 06, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Did you know that you can take a week-long cruise in Illinois? If you’ve been longing to go on a cruise, just know that you don’t have to fly anywhere if you live in or around Illinois. You can actually take a week-long cruise aboard a beautiful riverboat that will travel along a couple of the state’s most beautiful rivers, stopping at picturesque towns along the way. The American Queen Steamboat Company specializes in river cruises around the United States, including one that starts along the Illinois River and ends at the Mississippi River. If you’ve been dreaming of taking a cruise, read on and see what’s in store aboard the American Countess riverboat.
The Chicago (Ottawa) to St. Louis (Alton) cruise is aboard the American Countess, a large paddlewheel riverboat that can accommodate up to 245 guests.
This beautiful boat boasts 123 staterooms with your choice among four categories, a theater, a library, a card room, a large bar, entertainment, and more.
The nine-day itinerary starts with an overnight complimentary hotel stay in Chicago, and there's an option to take a guided city tour for an extra fee before the cruise begins.
The cruise starts along the Illinois River. On Days 2 and 3, you are free to explore the city of Ottawa, located at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers.
On Day 4, the riverboat will be docked in Peoria which is the largest city along the Illinois River. Feel free to get off the boat to explore the city's culture, art, history, and restaurant scene. Visit one of the many museums or the Peoria Zoo before going back to your stateroom.
The next day, you'll be in Havana, a historic city known for its gorgeous Riverfront Park. Take in the sights in the charming downtown as you stroll along the city's red brick streets.
Day 6 is a river cruising day. There won't be any stops, at least not for a while. Sit out on one of the boat's large decks or your room's private balcony as you relax and take in the passing scenery.
By Day 7, the boat will arrive in Hannibal, Missouri, the city along the Mississippi River where Mark Twain grew up, so you'll find plenty of historical sites here. Day 8 is spent in Alton, Illinois, a city that sits along the banks of the Mississippi. There plenty of historical sights to visit, over 60 restaurants to choose from, and you can take one of the many haunted tours offered around town.
Your memorable trip along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers concludes on Day 9 when you'll have the option of taking a post-cruise tour of St. Louis, Alton, and the surrounding areas.
If you want to take a cruise but don’t want to travel far, this cruise along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers is a wonderful and memorable option. Are you ready to hop aboard the American Countess for a serene week-long river cruise? To book your Chicago (Ottawa) to St. Louis (Alton) excursion, visit the American Queen Steamboat Company website.
