About Mississippi Explorer Cruises
Wildlife Eco-Tours
Mississippi Explorer Cruises offers unique Wildlife Eco-Tours on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. Fully licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard, our riverboats are specially designed, which enable them to safely navigate the shallow Mississippi backwaters. These scenic backwaters are untouchable by other local vessels restricted to the main channel of the Mississippi River.About the Refuge
The 261-mile refuge, with 240,00 acres of wooded islands, marshes, and backwaters, is the longest river refuge in the continental United States and is home to nesting Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, Egrets, Muskrats, 119 species of fish, over 600 plants, and much more! To learn more about the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, please visit their website at www.fws.gov/midwest/uppermississippiriver.What's an Eco-Tour?
Our Eco-Tours are about connecting people with nature and conservation, specifically the ecosystem of the Upper Mississippi River and it's tributaries. Professionally guided by qualified experts and USCG licensed captains, our tours are educational as well as a great way to view the inner workings and tranquility of the longest river in North America.Specialty Cruises
In addition to our famous Wildlife Eco-Tours, we have Bird & Eagle Watching Tours, Lotus & Lily Tours, Scenic Fall Foliage Cruises, Music on the River Cruises, and our port-to-port Expedition Cruises.Additionally, Mississippi Explorer-La Crosse has added 4 exciting and informational cruises in a collaborative effort with Myrick Hixon EcoPark. These "Backwater Speaker Series" cruises will bring in expert speakers to discuss relevant river issues. Our Prairie du Chien Explorer also has a wide selection of interesting "Specialty Cruises".
For more information about these cruises, Group Tours, or Private Charters, please see the "Cruises & Rates" and "Tickets & Reservations" sections under "Our Ports".
