Everyone is familiar with the traditional ocean cruise. It's an amazing way to see the vast open waters, enjoy great food, relax, and maybe even catch a glimpse of wildlife. You may not know that you can get that same experience, on a smaller and more local scale, right here in Iowa. Riverboat cruises are a great way to see the Mississippi from a different vantage point.

You can cruise the Mississippi in a Victorian river boat and get a completely amazing perspective on this area of our beautiful state.

The Riverboat Twilight offers 2-day, 1-day, or 1.5-hour cruises. The 1-day cruise goes from Dubuque to Guttenberg and back. The 2-day cruise goes from LeClaire to Dubuque and back. The 1.5-hour Sightseeing cruise departs and returns to LeClaire.

The Sightseeing tour is a great way to get acquainted with the Mississippi River during a visit to the charming town of LeClaire.

The Captain narrates the tour while passengers take in the sights, sounds, wildlife, and small towns along the Mississippi River. The cruise takes you north and passes by the river towns of Pt Byron, Princeton, and Cordova. Enjoy a complimentary glass of lemonade or iced tea, learn about the history of this area, and see the abundant wildlife that calls this important waterway home. There isn't food service on this short cruise, but passengers can bring snacks or a small picnic on board.

The 1-day cruise is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day on the river.

Passengers board at 7:45am and are back by 5pm. From Dubuque, you'll travel north to see a beautiful stretch of the mighty Mississippi River. There's musical entertainment from LA Suess on banjo, historical narration by the Captain, incredible scenery, and you may even see eagles. Included in the fare is delicious food. The chef and crew serves guests a continental breakfast, two snacks, and a full lunch.

The 2-day cruise departs from LeClaire at 8am.

An expanded continental breakfast starts the trip off right, as the boat heads north toward Dubuque. The Captain will narrate some of the journey, pointing out wildlife, talking about the landscape, and offering the history of some river towns along the way.

Games, live entertainment, and incredible views make the journey unforgettable.

Two snacks, lunch, and dinner are served on board. You'll spend the night at the luxurious riverfront Grand Harbor Resort. This is a great time to explore the great city of Dubuque.

On day 2, breakfast is at Tony Roma's in the resort.

Use the complimentary shuttle to enjoy Dubuque throughout the morning. Included in the price of the cruise is admission to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Passengers come back to the boat and board at 11am for the return trip.

An incredible lunch and dinner is served during a relaxing afternoon. The boat arrives in LeClaire at 7pm.

All trips need to be scheduled in advance, of course.

The 2-day cruise departs on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday between May 31 and October 31. The 1-day cruise is available September 1-4 and November 3-5. You can go on the 1.5-hour cruise at 11am, 1pm, or 3:30pm on August 19, September 16, or October 21.

The boat itself is beautifully equipped.

In the dining room, there's a breathtaking view of the river out large windows from every table.

Everyone should experience the great Upper Mississippi River by boat at least once.

Sitting higher than a small boat, this cruise offers amazing views that you just can't get from the shoreline. The only way to really see the palisades, islands, and marshlands that make up this unique landscape is from the deck of a Mississippi cruise ship.

Would you go on a Mississippi River cruise? What's your favorite way to enjoy this mighty river?