# Travel >> Transportation >> Cruises

Mississippi River Cruises in Illinois

The Mississippi River is the largest river and tributary system in North America. At 2,320 miles, the river runs from Lake Itasca in Minnesota and empties into the Gulf of Mexico in New Orleans, Louisiana. The river has been used for travel for hundreds of years and has been a popular tourist attraction for nearly as long. Cruises that travel the length of the Mississippi River go through 10 states. There are also some shorter one- to two-day cruises that explore only certain sections of the river, including the river around Illinois.

Peoria to Starved Rock
- This Mississippi River cruise trip can either be taken as a two-day, one-night, or three-day, two-night cruise. Guests ride upon the Spirit of Peoria, a 160 feet long paddle boat that was built in 1988. The boat boasts four decks and can carry up to 487 passengers.
  
  The trip takes you from Peoria, Illinois through the Illinois River Valley to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. Visitors to Starved Rock State Park can explore canyons formed by glacial drift. Guests will also spend one night at Starved Rock Lodge. The price of admission includes meals, lodging, guided tours and taxes and gratuity.
  
  The Spirit of Peoria
  100 Water St.
  Peoria, IL 61602
  309-637-8000
  spiritofpeoria.com
Celebration River Cruises
- Celebration River Cruises offer Mississippi River cruises onboard the Celebration Belle, which can hold up to 800 passengers. The company offers a number of cruises from a half day to a full day to two day. One of the all-day cruises leaves from Dubuque, Iowa and tours the Mississippi River near Moline, Illinois. There are also lunch and dinner cruises that include a buffet. The dinner cruise also has live music and dancing space.
  
  The Southbound Cruise leaves from a variety of locations, including Moline, Hamburg and Alton, Illinois. The day cruise includes guided narration of the area, breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music. The five-hour Southbound Cruise includes guided narration of the area, snacks, a lunch buffet and live entertainment.
  
  Celebration River Cruises
  2501 River Drive
  Moline, IL 61265
  800-297-0034
  celebrationbelle.com
Themed Cruises
- Guests can choose from 10 themed cruises onboard the Spirit of Peoria. These cruises generally are a couple of hours long and cruise along the Mississippi River near Peoria, Illinois. Cruise themes run from dinner theater to live music to sightseeing tours. The PianoStravaganza allows guests onboard the boat to listen to a music competition between old-time piano players. There are also special cruises for Mother's and Father's Day.
  
  The Murder Mystery cruise features the cast of the local Champaign-Urbana Theater Company, and guests can try to figure out the mystery with the cast. Other cruises include moonlight, fall foliage and lunch cruises.
  
  The Spirit of Peoria
  100 Water St.
  Peoria, IL 61602
  309-637-8000
  spiritofpeoria.com