Family Road Trip from Minneapolis to New Orleans Along the Mississippi River

Day 1: Minneapolis to Saint Paul

Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hen House Eatery

Enjoy classic American breakfast with great options for the whole family in Minneapolis.
USD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Saint Paul

A short 15-minute drive to neighboring Saint Paul, suitable for a gentle start of the trip.
USD0, 0h15m

10:00am

Visit the Minnesota State Capitol

Tour the beautiful capitol building with impressive architecture and free guided tours available.
USD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bulldog Northeast

Enjoy casual dining with family-friendly pub food and a fun atmosphere in Saint Paul.
USD15 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

A perfect family attraction with animals, gardens, and a beautiful conservatory free for visitors.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in at The Saint Paul Hotel

Stay at a family-friendly, centrally located historic hotel with comfortable amenities.
USD200 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Meritage Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table Southern-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting perfect for families.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Saint Paul to La Crosse

Saint Paul, Minnesota to La Crosse, Wisconsin on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at French Meadow Bakery & Cafe

Organic café offering a variety of healthy and tasty breakfast options near downtown Saint Paul.
USD18 per person, 1h

8:45am

Drive to La Crosse

A scenic 2.5-hour drive tracking the Mississippi River southward to Wisconsin.
USD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Riverside Park

Enjoy river views, playgrounds, and walking trails perfect for kids and family activities.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern

Casual waterfront dining offering burgers, sandwiches, and local fish dishes.
USD20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Mount La Crosse Scenic Overlook

Drive or hike up for panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley; great photo opportunity.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Radisson La Crosse

Comfortable family hotel centrally located, offers indoor pool and kid-friendly amenities.
USD150 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Pearl Street Brewery

Enjoy casual dining with great craft beer options and a welcoming family environment.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: La Crosse to Dubuque

La Crosse, Wisconsin to Dubuque, Iowa on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at JavaVino

A cozy café offering breakfast and coffee with a family-friendly atmosphere in downtown La Crosse.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Dubuque

A 1-hour drive south along the Mississippi River to historic Dubuque, Iowa.
USD0, 1h

9:45am

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Explore interactive exhibits about river history, fish tanks, and fun educational experiences for kids.
USD14 per adult, USD10 per child, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Bridges Restaurant

A comfortable spot serving American classics with Mississippi River views in Dubuque.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Free and family-friendly attraction where kids can enjoy open spaces and beautiful gardens.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Julien Dubuque

Historic and family-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and great downtown access.
USD170 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Vinny Vanucchi's

Family-friendly Italian restaurant serving hearty meals and delicious desserts.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dubuque to St. Louis

Dubuque, Iowa to St. Louis, Missouri on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

A local diner serving American breakfast favorites, good for a quick and hearty meal before driving.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to St. Louis

A longer drive of around 5 hours, tracking the Mississippi River south towards St. Louis, MO.
USD0, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Famous for some of the best BBQ in St. Louis; great for families to share authentic food experiences.
USD20 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Gateway Arch National Park

Iconic monument with tram rides to the top offering spectacular views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
USD18 per adult, USD9 per child, 2h

5:30pm

Hotel Check-in at The Westin St. Louis

Comfortable, family-friendly hotel located near the riverfront and Gateway Arch.
USD200 per night, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Blueberry Hill

Casual, family-friendly restaurant known for its burgers and live music atmosphere.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: St. Louis to Cape Girardeau

St. Louis, Missouri to Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Popular brunch spot in St. Louis offering a variety of hearty dishes and excellent coffee.
USD18 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cape Girardeau

A scenic 2-hour drive along the river to historic Cape Girardeau with plenty to explore.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Explore Cape Girardeau Heritage Museum

Discover local history with kid-friendly exhibits and fun educational activities.
USD5 per adult, free for children under 12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Katy's Kitchen

Enjoy southern comfort food in a cozy family-friendly atmosphere.
USD18 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Cape Rock Park

Take in river views and enjoy playgrounds and walking trails suitable for all ages.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Drury Inn & Suites Cape Girardeau

Family-friendly hotel offering free breakfast and an indoor pool.
USD145 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Little Beirut Restaurant & Hookah Lounge

Offers diverse Mediterranean family-friendly dining options with a welcoming vibe.
USD20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cape Girardeau to Memphis

Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy complimentary breakfast at the Drury Inn to fuel up for the day.
USD0, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Memphis

A roughly 3.5-hour drive along scenic portions of the Mississippi River to Memphis, TN.
USD0, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Central BBQ

Popular spot to experience Memphis-style barbecue that the whole family will enjoy.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Memphis Zoo

Families will love exploring the zoo with a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
USD16 per adult, USD12 per child, 3h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Peabody Memphis

Historic hotel famous for its resident ducks, perfect for family stays downtown.
USD220 per night, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

A fun, casual spot with delicious fried chicken beloved by locals and visitors alike.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Memphis to Vicksburg

Memphis, Tennessee to Vicksburg, Mississippi on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bluff City Coffee

Charming café offering coffee and breakfast sandwiches near downtown Memphis.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Vicksburg

Approximately a 3-hour drive downriver to Vicksburg, a city rich in Civil War history.
USD0, 3h

11:45am

Visit Vicksburg National Military Park

Explore the historic battlefield with monuments, a visitor center, and ranger-led tours.
USD0, 2h

1:45pm

Lunch at Walnut Hills Restaurant

A family-friendly spot offering down-home Southern cuisine in historic Vicksburg.
USD18 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Tour the Old Courthouse Museum

See local history exhibits in a beautiful historic courthouse building downtown.
USD0, 1h

4:30pm

Hotel Check-in at The Grapevine Bed & Breakfast

Cozy and welcoming accommodation that caters well to families, located near downtown Vicksburg.
USD140 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at Rusty's Riverfront Grill

Enjoy river views and a varied menu with kid-friendly options along the Mississippi River.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Vicksburg to Baton Rouge

Vicksburg, Mississippi to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy classic breakfast fare and good coffee in Vicksburg before departing.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Baton Rouge

A 2-hour scenic drive further south along the Mississippi River into Louisiana's capital.
USD0, 2h

10:15am

Visit Louisiana State Capitol

Tour the tallest state capitol building in the U.S. and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck.
USD0, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy freshly caught seafood with a family-friendly southern Louisiana atmosphere.
USD20 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Explore LSU Rural Life Museum

Free outdoor museum showcasing 19th-century Louisiana life with exhibits kids will enjoy.
USD0, 2h

3:30pm

Hotel Check-in at Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Comfortable family-friendly hotel located downtown with easy access to attractions.
USD180 per night, N/A

6:30pm

Dinner at The Chimes

Casual restaurant with broad Louisiana-style menu including kid-friendly options and local beers.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Baton Rouge to New Orleans

Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Louisiana on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Magpie Cafe

Popular spot in Baton Rouge for coffee and fresh, locally sourced breakfast fare.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to New Orleans

A 1.5-hour drive along the Mississippi River to vibrant New Orleans.
USD0, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in at Hotel Monteleone

Historic, family-friendly hotel located in the French Quarter, perfect base for exploring.
USD250 per night, N/A

11:00am

Visit Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Explore fascinating marine life and river creatures, fun and educational for all ages.
USD30 per adult, USD20 per child, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe du Monde

Famous for beignets and coffee; a must-try iconic New Orleans experience suitable for families.
USD10 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along the Mississippi Riverfront at Woldenberg Park

Relax in the park with playgrounds and open spaces overlooking the river, enjoying street performers.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Return to hotel to rest

Relax and freshen up after a full day of activities.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Deanie's Seafood

Enjoy authentic Cajun and seafood dishes in a family-friendly, lively atmosphere.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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