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Mississippi River Adventure
The mighty Mississippi begins in northern Minnesota, and winds its way south until it flows through the heart of Saint Paul. Minnesota's Capital City grew up on the banks of this mighty river as early pioneers and immigrants made their way into the Minnesota Territory in the early 1820s. You'll experience everything from life along the river at Minnesota's government outpost in 1827 to piloting your own tug boat and barge.

Come and meet one of Saint Paul's early river pioneers on a fun and interesting costumed guided River and Roots Tour. Your guide will share with you Saint Paul's close relationship with the river as well as how it aided in the growth of the region.

Then it's time to board a riverboat with Padelford Packet Riverboats. We'll ply the mighty Mississippi River and marvel at the beautiful sandstone bluffs and tree-lined shore - not a building in sight! Cruises are available for sightseeing, brunch, lunch and dinner. There isn't a better way to experience the Mississippi River.

Discover what life was like during the early Saint Paul days at Historic Fort Snelling. Perched high on the bluffs overlooking the river valley is the birthplace of the Twin Cities, a reconstructed 1820s U.S. Army Military Post, Historic Fort Snelling. You'll enjoy visiting with costumed character guides stationed throughout the site to answer questions and demonstrate life in early Minnesota. Learn how to trade or barter with a rather ill-tempered fur trader, speak with the fort's doctor to find out what ailed the soldiers or visit the shop to compare your shopping list with that of a soldier.

No visit is complete without a stop at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Mississippi River Gallery. The magnificent view the museum provides will long be remembered as well as the opportunity to board an actual river tug. You can even pilot your own "virtual tug." We'll also visit the National Parks Mississippi River Visitor Center, housed at the Science Museum. Visitors can speak with National Park Rangers about Mississippi River resources in Saint Paul or anywhere along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

You'll want a great photo to remember your Mississippi River experience and the perfect place to take some spectacular pictures is Saint Paul's Mounds Park, home to a Native American burial mound. This vantage point provides a beautiful park setting that overlooks the Mississippi River and downtown Saint Paul. It is especially nice in the autumn.

There is no other opportunity to enjoy professional theater while floating on the Mississippi river! Prepare to "hiss" the villains and "cheer" the heroes! Complete with breathtaking views of downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat is one of the most beautiful and unique theaters in the world.

For more information and restaurant/accommodation recommendations please call:

Mark Dziuk
Tourism Group Sales Manager
(651) 265-4906
(800) 627-6101 ext. 4906
[email protected]
Accommodations
 
Best Western Kelly Inn-State Capitol
126 guestrooms, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, children's pool and free parking. Featuring the Sweetwater Bar & Grill, meeting ...
 
 
Embassy Suites Saint Paul
Deluxe two room suites with separate living and bedroom areas. Living room features sofa sleeper, four person table, mini-kitchen, ...
 
 
Holiday Inn RiverCentre

Opened March 2001 after a $10 million renovation. We offer coffee makers, hair dryers, irons/full-sized ironing boards ...

 
 
Holiday Inn Saint Paul East
Full service hotel located adjacent to 3M headquarters and 5 miles from downtown Saint Paul. Recreation area, fitness center, ...
 
 
Best Western-Bandana Square
109 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites arranged within a structure listed on the National Register of Historic ...
 
 
Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center

Located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, full-service hotel located just 15 minutes from MSP International Airport ...

 
 
Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel
The Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Recently completed $9.2 million ...
 
 
The Saint Paul Hotel
Minnesota's Landmark Hotel. The Saint Paul Hotel, built in 1910, is a member of Historic Hotels of America and is Saint ...