CABINS ARE STILL OPEN as of mid-April 2021. Join us! CHAMPAIGN COUNTY FARM BUREAU'S Lois Wood & Mary Beth Kurasek invite you to join them on Mark Twain's Mississippi. Many would argue that Samuel Clemens, best known by his pen name Mark Twain, is quite simply one of America’s greatest authors. On this magnificent journey along the Upper Mississippi River, you will discover the beauty of the region from the unique perspective of the river. At our stops between Alton, MO & Red Wing, MN our included Hop-on Hop-off tours allow you to explore Twain’s childhood hometown of Hannibal, Missouri; the town from where much of the inspiration for his beloved classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is derived. You will not want to miss this opportunity to share the Mississippi River with Mark Twain. The newest gem in our riverboat fleet, American Countess welcomes 245 guests along American rivers. Her sleek, contemporary design offers plenty of open space for gathering and sharing the fun, and you’ll love the great forward-facing windows and the portside bar with an 80-foot view.

• Local departure from Central Illinois cities • Choice of Accommodations • All meals, & at dinner with beer and wine • Includes extra features like taxes, crew tips and travel insurance • Shore excursions included at each port with optional premium excursions at extra cost • Tour host accompanies the group throughout to assure all goes well

Cruise package operated by American Queen Steamboat Company. Click here for Print Friendly Flier with Deck Plans. All prices are per person, based on occupancy (call for a single rate for double staterooms). • Document required is government-issued photo ID like driver's license. • Insurance coverage included is Deluxe Group Plan from Travel Guard and for coverage details see steviejaytravel.com/insurance covering cancellation charges; other terms at steviejaytravel.com/terms which are incorporated by reference. • All entertainment, events, tours, and prices are subject to change without notice. Springfield & Decatur pick-ups cost $50/person extra. Acct#200802s 12Apr21 17:44

• Your package price includes Travel Insurance so if you become ill or have an accident and can't go, you will get a full refund of all but the insurance premium—even the day of departure.

• The travel insurance includes family members and traveling companions. See the insurance description for details: steviejaytravel.com/insurance

• All categories booked online are on a "request basis" and if not available with American Queen Steamboat Co., you will be given the choice of another category(ies) or you may cancel for a full refund.

(8) total number of nights

St. Louis (1) TBA

Cruising (7) American Countess

Another reason to book as soon as possible is to have a better chance of getting your preference of evening dining times in the Grand Dining Room:

• Early 5:15PM

• Late 7:45 PM

If you have friends booking that you want to sit with each evening, please enter their names in the booking form field, Notes To Organizer. Dinner meals at the Grand Dining Room are assigned each evening.*

The other two meals are "open seating" between 7:00-9:00 AM for Breakfast and 11:30 AM-1:30 PM for Lunch.

*Casual dining is available also in the River Grill daily: Breakfast 6:30-9:30 AM, Lunch 11:00 AM-2:00 PM and Dinner 5:30-8:15 PM.

• Bloomington • Champaign • Decatur* • Springfield*

*A $50/person is required for these two departure points because we must arrange a van for these people to join the coach enroute to St. Louis or home from Red Wing.

As of 7/2/21 there are category B & E cabins available. Book securely online by clicking the Green Select button above or call Mary Beth at 217 840-8724 or Stevie Jay at 217 840-9913.

Join the Champaign County Farm Bureau’s Lois Wood with Mary Beth Kurasek as they welcome you aboard and we head southwest (pick-up also in Bloomington, with Decatur and Springfield departures) to Missouri. 

Enjoy your complimentary stay in St. Louis. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Pictured: St. Louis' Gateway Arch & a map of our route up the Mississippi

We are taken to Alton IL for free time before boarding the steamboat. This adventurist’s oasis is always welcoming to our guests – as dewdrops of   watercraft greet them from the shorelines. Founded in 1837, Alton has preserved its small-town aesthetic, but mated it with the modern industry and art that birthed its contemporary ambiance. Cafés overlook limestone bluffs draped in greenery as breezes and birds alike whistle through the trees. Enjoy both the indoor and outdoor treasures that showcase the enchantment that this river town has to offer.  With afternoon transfer to the American Countess. We board the Riverboat! (B, D)

Pictured: Alton & departing on American Countess

Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but the father of American literature would beg to differ. The town, with style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain. People, entities and livelihoods of   Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi,” and the town’s preservation efforts allow our quests to step right onto the page where Twain left off. Today, the river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been then, and, still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this exuberant port marks the start of adventure for all who visit. 

Learn more about the region in which you are traveling with a number of enrichment programs we offer. See for yourself the highlights of each port that we visit on one of our guided Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions, or elect to take part in one of our expertly designed premium experiences. And our onboard historians – we like to call them Riverlorians – provide interesting lectures on the history and culture that surrounds you as you roll down the river. (B, L, D)

Pictured: Hannibal and a Riverlorian telling about life on the river

Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers. 

Entertainment on the American Countess is one-of-a-kind. Make plans to spend your evenings with nightly river cruise entertainment. Live entertainers will bring down the house in The Theater. Catch world-class entertainment, relive a historical moment or hear a famous river tale originally told by Mark Twain. And be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes to the The Library to enjoy a late-night live set by our talented musicians. (B, L, D)

Pictured: Room Service, Hospitality, Entertainment, Surf & Turf aboard

At the height of its economy during the late 19th century, Clinton was regarded as the lumber capital of the nation. Today, agriculture plays a big part in Clinton’s economy, which is visible in beautiful rolling fields filled in late summer with luscious, fresh harvest crops. Explore the history of this fascinating river town, and discover a lifestyle that will stand out from today’s norm. 

The rhythm of the river is slow as a southern drawl that invites us all to take a deep breath and enjoy the simple moments. Take in the sunrise with a cup of coffee as you sit on one of the many social verandas, or have a drink in the Grand Lobby as meet new traveling companions. Or Perks – a self-serve snacking area – invites you grab a freshly baked cookie and curl up with a good book. (B, L, D)

Pictured: Grand Lobby with 80' wide view & Clinton's Sawmill Museum

Explore Dubuque, the roots from which Iowa sprouted. It’s brimming with opportunity for river travelers to experience an All-America City. Check off your outdoor bucket list in the perfect nature getaway for any adventure, and explore historic districts peppered with preserved history. From the architectural delight of Tiffany-designed windows in St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to the exhibits of the Dubuque Museum of Art, this city captures artistry. Victorian meets bohemian in this ever-growing Mississippi River gem that’s sure to leave dazzling memories.

Inspired by America’s heartland and our Southern heritage, our menus showcase the varied cultural and culinary influences of our nation. Savor each succulent bite, swirl and sip amidst the rich ambiance of the Grand Dining Room. If you are looking for a more casual atmosphere, the River Grill is for you. Meals there feature favorite main dishes, such as roast prime rib alongside irresistible sides – roasted new potatoes, classic mac-and-cheese and fresh salads. (B, L, D)

Pictured: after Dubuque's Fenelon Place Elevator, elevate a glass of wine with Duck Confit & Minnesota Lingonberries

This river town has a long-standing romance with the steamboat era, and as our paddlewheeler kisses its port, guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park. Car buffs won't want to miss the Dahl Auto Museum. Within its depths, La Crosse harbors a vibrant community; the cultural exchange among it and its six sister cities showcases a deep appreciation for enrichment through diversity. Influences from far-off destinations such as Bantry, Ireland, and Bavaria, Germany, woven into the history and charm of this scenic port, will certainly stir a traveler’s soul. (B, L, D)

Pictured: Dahl Auto Museum & the riverboat staff's gracious service

Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. In addition to the Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land before today, or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past. (B, L, D)

Pictured: Red Wing downtown & giant boot at Red Wing Shoe outlet & museum

Arrival 8:00 a.m. Thank you for joining us and escaping the ordinary! We hope that you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future. Don't worry about your bags, we'll take care of those, so just hop aboard our private motor coach which will return you to Springfield, Decatur, Champaign or Bloomington with wonderful memories of Steamboatin’ Down the River! (B)