11 of the Best River Cruises in the US

Once you’ve eaten gumbo and explored New Orleans’ cemeteries, rest your legs on a historic river cruise along the Mississippi River—the second largest in the US. As well as showcasing the swamps and scenery, this tour hones in on local history at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and tells the story of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.

See the Windy City from the water while navigating Chicago’s riverfront architecture. This architecture cruise lets you admire top Chicago landmarks, such as the Wrigley Building and the Willis Tower, covering all three branches of the Chicago River. If you’d prefer to see the city lit up, the after-dark option comes with a gourmet dinner.

A wildlife hub home to wild salmon, river otters, and moose, the 1,080-mile (1,735-kilometer) Snake River stretches from Yellowstone National Park to the Oregon border. A scenic float on a 13-mile (21-kilometer) section of the river near Jackson Hole offers wildlife sightings and takes you through Grand Teton National Park.

One of the most famous US riverboat cruise itineraries, a boat ride to the emblematic Statue of Liberty often tops the list. On this express cruise to the popular landmark, you’ll get close-up photos from a range of perspectives and see New York Harbor and Manhattan’s postcard-perfect skyline from afar—all in just 50 minutes.

Winding through the sleek skyscrapers and nature-rich mangroves of South Florida, the Intercoastal Waterway Fort Lauderdale is a watery wonderland of inland canals that runs for 300 miles (483 kilometers). Create your own sightseeing itinerary on a hop-on hop-off water taxi, where you can enjoy a full day of exploring Fort Lauderdale’s most famous attractions as you weave through the Venice of America.

Some of Washington DC’s most iconic monuments line the Potomac River—the East and West Potomac Parks harbor the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. This history-rich American river cruise includes a ride down this attraction-packed body of water and an on-land bus tour for a full introduction to the nation’s capital.

As the biggest navigable river in Hawaii, the Wailua River delivers when it comes to scenery. An open-air river cruise down this scenic stretch reveals jungles, valleys, and waterfalls, as well as Fern Grotto, a lava-carved cave adorned with lush green ferns. For an extra dose of adventure, you can also navigate the river by kayak, wooden canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

Starting in British Columbia in Canada and spanning the entirety of Alaska, the Yukon River is as wild and wonderful as the state itself. This activity-packed 5-day Yukon River adventure immerses you in the remote wilderness of the region and covers natural highlights such as Miles Canyon on a journey down the river by canoe.

As the major water source for both California and Nevada, the Colorado River boasts a wealth of on-the-water activities. Enjoy it with this relaxing raft ride down the Fisher’s Tower section from Moab. Admire the natural scenery and spot filming locations for movies such as The Lone Ranger and famous Western films featuring John Wayne.

As well as revealing the gilded glam of the Thousand Islands region—near where the St. Lawrence Seaway connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes—this glass-bottom St. Lawrence River cruise lets you admire underwater marine life without getting wet. Plus, you’ll have free time to explore Rock Island, home to a historical lighthouse.