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.

Brice’s Crossroads National Battlefield is located in Baldwyn. The Confederate cavalry was under the control General Nathan Bedford when the Union troops defeated them on this battlefield and force them to withdrawal to Tennessee. The visitor’s center offers information on two battlefield trails, five markers, two cemeteries, flag exhibits and various historical bookstores and galleries. Auto tours are available year round.

Over 200 resident artists call Old Town Bay St. Louis home. The streets of Old Town feature antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, gift shops and a variety of restaurants. Shops are open until 8 pm in the evenings and sponsor live entertainment on Saturdays. The St. Augustine Seminary and Grotto is also located in Bay St. Louis. The church and seminary were relocated from Greenville in 1920. This the oldest Roman Catholic Seminary in the United States used to train and ordain African-Americans for priesthood. Open year round and tours are available by appointment.

In Biloxi you find the impressive 65-foot cast iron Biloxi Lighthouse. The lighthouse has been used since 1848. The lighthouse is one of the most photographed sites in the Gulf. The lighthouse may require appointments for tours. The Cunningham House is the location where the Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest planned the Battle of Brices Crossroads victory. The house is located in Booneville.