These seven National Parks are Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Vicksburg National Military Park, Natchez National Historic Park, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, and Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve.

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area protect and interpret the Mississippi river. This national park includes the river itself. This recreation area is important for the cultural, scientific and economic resources.

Also called MNRRA for short, it was established in 1988 as a partnership park because of the dozen partners who owned the land. The park has many attractions, trails and programs that visitors enjoy.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument has three prehistoric sites to preserve. It forms the cluster heart of some protected areas. It has a number of state owned wildlife. This is a point of transition from eastern hardwood forests to central prairies.

The monument has a visitor center that houses museum exhibits highlighting archaeological and natural specimens. There is also an auditorium and book sale outlet. It is interesting to note that the park has no roads despite of eleven miles of hiking trails. Even if there are great natural features in this park, they have no lodging or camping facilities. Visitors would have to lodge or camp in the nearby parks.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park was established to commemorate historical events of the debate over slaves, the first civil government, and the Louisiana Purchase.

The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the Vicksburg campaign that preceded a historical battle, giving USA control over the Mississippi river. The park has preserved the site of this battle.

The Natchez National Historical Park consists of three distinct parts: Fort Rosalie, William Johnson House and Melrose. The fort is closed to the public.

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park was created in 1994 to commemorate the origins and evolution of jazz. It has a complete office, visitor center and concert venue. This park was designed to educate and entertain, promoting the history and progress of jazz.

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was made to promote the natural and cultural resources. It consists of six physically separated sites and one park headquarters.

Aside from the national parks that visitors frequent, the Mississippi River is also famous for water skiing. The sport was actually invented here, first tried in Lake Pepin, a wide region located between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

When deciding on a Mississippi cruise, you have a series of different alternatives. Besides the obvious ones, such as length and itinerary, you should also spare a thought to whether you want a historical or themed trip, and on if you prefer spending time in towns and cities, or in the unspoilt countryside.

If you like history, you will enjoy a trip on a traditional paddleboat, which usually comes with live entertainment that has a 200 year old tradition. Paddleboats usually travel on fixed schedules and dock at the region’s most famous cities, such as New Orleans or St. Louis, so that the passengers may indulge in some sightseeing.

The three steamboats offering historical Mississippi River cruises are the American Queen, the Delta Queen, and the Mississippi Queen.

A themed cruise on the other hand is more oriented towards a specific subject, for example Big Band, Jazz, Civil War, and Cajun. Riverboat cruises offer very different experiences to passengers.

You can participate in bluegrass celebrations. You can experience the region’s Native American culture. Battle sites from the Civil War abound on Mississippi cruises.

Even the themed cruises, though, often have a link to the area’s varied past. Often there will be a guide accompanying you and telling you about the local heritage.

Also, don’t forget to take the season of your trip into account. Some seasons are better suited for families or couples; others are more appealing to groups of friends, or to those inclining to solitary pursuits.

A Mississippi cruise during the autumn is perfect to discover the changes in nature at a more intimate pace, such as the impressive variety in leaf coloring. You will enjoy the foods of the season, which will include roasted game, apple cider and pumpkin pie. Usually there are onboard talks or that will help you understand and identify the plants and animals surrounding you.