mississippi riverboat pics

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Mississippi Riverboats royalty-free images

638 mississippi riverboats stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download., louisiana travel poster or sticker. vector illustration of vintage paddle wheel riverboat and scenic landscape.

Stylized vector illustration of blueprints of paddle steamer

The Horace Wilkinson Bridge over the flowing waters off the Mississippi River with boats on the water, lush green grass and clouds at Louisiana Memorial Plaza in Baton Rouge Louisiana USA

Paddle streamer, wheel passenger steamboat, riverboat or retro boat isolated on white background, engraving style black and white vector illustration

Natchez, MS - 26 October 2023: Paddle steamer river cruise boat American Queen departs under interstate bridge from Natchez Mississippi

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of European Victorian age, reading a book titled "Cajun Philosopher Playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a deck of a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo realistic photo.

Elegant white woman, aged 40, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of British Victorian age, having tea in luxury settings on a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo from a distance, reading a book by "PLAYTEAUX".

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of European Victorian age, reading a book titled "Quotes From Playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo realistic photo.

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of british victorian age, reading a book titled "quotes from playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo from a distance.

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of British Victorian age, reading a book titled "Quotes From Playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo realistic photo.

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of European Victorian age, reading a book titled "Cajun Philosopher Playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a deck of a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, ultra realistic photo.

Elegant white woman, aged 40, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of British Victorian age, having tea in luxury settings on a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo by a drone at 20 yards distance.

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of british victorian age, reading a book titled "quotes from playteaux" (sic), having tea in luxury settings on a mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo realistic photo.

Elegant white woman, aged 30, blond hair curled into a hairstyle of British Victorian age, having tea in luxury settings on a Mississippi riverboat circa 1850, photo from a distance, reading a book titled "Quotes From Playteaux".

Louisville, Kentucky - April 28, 2012: annual steamboat race during the annual Kentucky Derby festival

Riverboats on the Mississippi River receiving cargo and supplies at the Vicksburg landing. African Americans provide the hard labor of loading the boats. Ca. 1905.

red river boat paddle wheel in water with trees

paddlewheeler icon. Trendy paddlewheeler logo concept on white background from Transportation collection. Suitable for use on web apps, mobile apps and print media.

Biloxi, Mississippi, USA - May 30, 2021: The Betsy Ann riverboat passes between Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Deer Island in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Betsy Ann offers riverboat cruises in Biloxi.

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States - September 29, 2016: Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Docked steamboat in New Orleans

Mississippi Riverboat Moving Down the River

Birds' eye view of New-Orleans in 1880, with dense riverboat traffic on the Mississippi River.

Steamboat of the Mississippi Computer generated 3D illustration

Night view of an authentic,vintage,American riverboat with two chimneys resembling the steamboats used in 1800s in Mississippi river. A view of Mission Bay and pier,San Diego,southern California,USA.

St. Louis, Missouri, as seen from above the Mississippi River. 1850s bird's eye view shows the active waterfront with steamboats. St. Louis was the entry point to the Western frontier.

Elegant riverboat on a sightseeing cruse up the Mississippi River

Red Riverboat Paddle Wheel in a River with Trees

Steam riverboat on Mississippi River

Stylized vector illustration of paddle steamer sketches

Idealized view of cotton plantation on the Mississippi River, with African American workers. Evocative of Southern antebellum era of pre-Civil War prosperity and slavery. Color lithograph, 1884

Steamboat on Mississippi river, New Orleans.

Movement of water by riverboat paddle wheel

Postcard from the pelican state Louisiana. Vector illustration with southern river

Steamboat on Mississippi river near New Orleans

Wheeled Steamboat 3D illustration on white background

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 6, 2019 Tourists Natchez Steamboat Riverboat Flags Wharf Mississippi River New Orleans Louisiana. One of the last Sternwheel Steamboats

Bright cartoon retro steamboat with side paddle wheel. Old vintage ship vector illustration, cute and simple drawing.

APRIL 24, 2019, NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - Natchez Riverboat on Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana at sunset

Oil painting artistic image of riverboat on river. st. louis, missouri city in the background

Paddle Boat On The Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS, MISSISSIPPI, USA - MAY 26, 2015: The Natchez riverboat turning at the Crescent City Bridges on the Mississippi River at New Orleans with tourists on board on one of its daily tours.

paddleboat paddlewheel boat icon in solid black flat shape glyph icon, isolated on white background

Movement of water by riverboat paddle wheel, New Orleans

New Orleans, LA / USA - December 19, 2019: The City of New Orleans, the sister ship of the Steamboat Natchez, offers brunch and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River.

Travel postcard from Louisiana, the pelican state. Vector illustration with a steamboat and Mississippi river

New Orleans, LA, USA June 9, 2017 The steamship Natchez is moored on the Mississippi River bank in New Orleans

Bright cartoon retro steamboat with side paddle wheel. Old vintage ship vector illustration.

Riverboat on Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee

Looking at a red paddlewheel and back at the farthest downstream bridge on the Mississippi River. Copy space in upper part of frame.

A view of Downtown New Orleans buildings, businesses, hotels, and other skyscrapers from a riverboat on the Mississippi River.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - CIRCA 1972: American postal dedicated to tourism year of the Americas, 1972

create a clipart scene of a traditional new orleans jazz band playing music on a riverboat cruise, with a backdrop of iconic landmarks like the st. louis cathedral and mississippi river.

Modern Mississippi cruise boat and traditional riverboat docked by the bluff under the hill in Natchez Mississippi

New Orleans, LA, USA June 9, 2017 The Steamboat Natchez is moored along the Mississippi River edge in New Orleans, Louisiana

A sunny day at the Mississippi River right outside Baton Rouge! Very amazing sky and water with a few barges in sight.

NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA - APRIL 23, 2022: The riverboat City of New Orleans and the bulk carrier Viyada Naree on the Mississippi River with the Crescent City Connection bridge in the Background

Riverboat on Mississippi River docked on Boom Island at dusk with Plymouth Avenue bridge in background in Minneapolis Minnesota

New Orleans, LA, USA - December 18th 2023: Sternwheeler on the Mississippi river.

Baton Rouge, LA - 27 October 2023: Viking Mississippi river cruise boat docked alongside the riverboat casino in Baton Rouge Louisiana

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, USA - OCT. 30, 2016: The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. The Belle offers a variety of cruises on the Ohio River.

DUBUQUE, IOWA, USA, December 23, 2023--Landscape photo old riverboat sitting in Dove harbor near Mississippi River on foggy day.

Natchez, MS - 26 October 2023: Viking Mississippi cruise boat and traditional American Queen riverboat docked under the hill

St Louis, MO - 21 October 2023: Gateway Arch Riverboat on cruise on Mississippi River in Saint Louis, Missouri

Black Eyed Susans cluster around wooden fence pole on the Memphis Tennessee Riverfront. Railroad bridge can be seen in background along with Riverboat.

Birds' eye view of New-Orleans in 1851,with dense riverboat traffic on the Mississippi River.

Cute cartoon retro riverboat drawing. Classic American passenger ferry ship vector illustration.

St Louis, MO - 21 October 2023: Low water levels in Mississippi river with casino riverboats docked by riverbank

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Ten States. One River.

Historic photos: sights along the mississippi river.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

It’s hard to visit America’s greatest river without wanting to take a few photos—and the same was true a century ago. Here’s a collection of historic photos from along the Mississippi that show what the river looked like in days past. While a lot has changed on the route since these photos were taken, the river is as impressive today as it was in the steamboat era. If you’ve traveled the route before, you may even recognize some of these spots.

Steamboats in New Orleans, 1890

Eagle Point Bridge, Dubuque, Iowa, 1960s.

Jackson Street, St. Paul, Minn., 1905

Riverboat near Vicksburg, Miss., 1936

Lake Itasca – Mississippi River headwaters, 1936

New Orleans levee, 1903

Family at Dyess Colony, Arkansas, 1935

Memphis sunset, 1900

New Orleans panorama, 1910

Eads Bridge, St Louis, late 1960s

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It’s Twilight Time

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Sightseeing Cruise

1 1/2 hour • leclaire.

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The riverboat twilight.

Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.

Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative, and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.

The Riverboat Twilight is family-owned and operated business, with a focus providing entertaining and quality cruises. The 140-passenger vessel has ample indoor, and outdoor seating on all three decks, and wrap-around windows give way to amazing views.

Our 2024 season offers 1-day, 2-day, and sightseeing cruises departing from LeClaire & Dubuque, Iowa.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries.

Absolutely perfect in all ways!

My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.

The service by all involved was first class all the way!

We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future…….

3 F's; Food, Food, and Fun

Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.

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Downtown LeClaire Near Dock

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If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do so, however, at this time the Riverboat Twilight does not ask for proof of vaccination. Mask wearing is the choice of the individual. The Twilight offers ample indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks and plenty of fresh air.

We will continue to maintain our increased sanitization efforts of the TWILIGHT and our boarding facilities, and we continue to provide hand sanitizer aboard the boat and employ a strong air purifier that uses UVC lighting that has been proven to destroy viruses and other bacteria.

For the safety of our passengers and crew and to maintain proper cleanliness, we have implemented the following guidelines for parents of children under the age of 14. While onboard the vessel and when making use of our food and beverages services, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. With your cooperation and understanding, we will be able to continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated. We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future.

We continue to monitor the franchise, local, state and federal safety guidelines to insure our guest and staff safety. For example, we anticipate a few changes in the near future which will include the following: a plastic shield / barrier at the front desk check,  revised breakfast offerings without a buffet setting, hand sanitizer located in the lobby and all floors at the elevator landings, continued use of hospital grade products to clean and sanitize the guest rooms, individual sanitizer wipes as an in-room amenity, removal of all products in the rooms that are reusable for example, pens, pads, laundry bags, and throw pillows, these items will be available upon request. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

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Mississippi in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 14, 2023

The state of Mississippi has rich culture, from blues music and the performing arts to American history and architecture, so the picture possibilities in the state covers many bases. The outdoor scene is just as diverse, from serene nature parks and scenic byways to the ocean waters in the coastal region.

From paddleboats on the mighty Mississippi River to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, there are so many visual treasures in the state. Since there are many aquatic images available in Mississippi, you may want to plan your photography outings around the sunsets, when you will find the most brilliant color and reflections on the water.

1. Mississippi River

2. biloxi lighthouse, 3. vicksburg battlefield, 4. moss point, 5. natchez trace cypress swamp, 6. mississippi backroads, 7. lake lamar bruce, 8. biloxi bay, 9. fort massachusetts, 10. greenville, 11. midway marina, 12. tishomingo state park, 13. mississippi state capitol, 14. union station, 15. pearl river, 16. gulf coast shoreline, 17. mississippi's gardens, 18. restaurants (mississippi mud cake), 19. tree branches (mississippi kite), 20. the pastures of rural mississippi.

The Mississippi River is the main attraction in the state, with so many vantage points from which to capture it in photos. Mississippi is the last stretch of the 2,320-mile river as it makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River snakes its way through the landscape, so you will find beautiful riverscape scenery and wildlife along every stretch of it.

The 1848 Biloxi Lighthouse is one of the most photographed locations on Mississippi's Gulf Coast. It has a grand presence, especially since it is located in the middle of a highway. The evening light on the lighthouse with the Gulf Coast in the background is one of the most beautiful images to capture in the state.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is an area with a protected battlefield and the gravesites of 18,000 Civil War soldiers. The Siege of Vicksburg was an important battle in American Civil War history, and the artifacts, like the cannons housed within the area, are not only historic but visually beautiful.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mississippi

The swampy areas of Moss Point are great locations to find local wildlife to photograph. Alligators are camouflaged in the green swamps of this southern Mississippi region. Moss Point is located close to the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which is another area that has plenty of wildlife to photograph.

Deep within the Natchez Trace forest trail in Mississippi are majestic cypress swamps with green, monochromatic scenery. A section of the 440-mile trail goes through Mississippi and connects to other sections throughout the United States.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Natchez

It is worth driving along the backroads in rural Mississippi just to see what unique images await. From historic barns and green fields to rusted out vehicles that seem to lend themselves artistically to the landscape, each direction is sure to turn up unexpected imagery.

The beautiful Lake Lamar Bruce near Saltillo is a pristine 300-acre lake that is popular with fisherman and photographers. The thick woods that border the lake frame the calm water. Catching the sunrise or sunset over the lake enables vibrant colors and clouds to be brilliantly reflected in the water.

The waters in Biloxi Bay are a nice place to capture seaside images like commercial shrimping boats that have docked for the day. Days with puffy clouds in the sky add to the maritime imagery. Sunset is also a nice time to photograph at Biloxi Bay.

Fort Massachusetts is a uniquely designed fort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on West Ship Island. The historic brick fort dates back to the mid 1800s and is now a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The view of the military fort against the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast is an appealing image with contrasting subjects.

The paddleboats that cruise down the Mississippi River are always an elegant sight to see if you catch them as they go by, but there is one in the state that you can photograph anytime. The black and white, double-decker paddleboat in Greenville, Mississippi serves as the local visitor center. The boat is on the water, and it is beautifully restored to reflect charming Southern elegance.

Midway Marina in Fulton, Mississippi is the stopping point for small boats and yachts. It has many docks and moorings that make for stunning photographs, especially at sunset, when the rich colors are cast onto the wooden planks and water.

The Tishomingo State Park is where many archaeological excavations have occurred, confirming the presence of Paleo Indians on the land as far back as 7000 BC. The park has tremendous natural beauty and historical imagery, including a pioneer cabin and footbridge tucked away among the hillsides of the park.

The state capitol along the skyline of Jackson, Mississippi is a beautiful photograph to capture, especially during the early evening hours when the rotunda is lit with a golden hue. Photograph the capitol building from different angles and get the statues and other historic items in the shots, like the cannon on one side of the complex.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jackson, MS

Historic train stations are always ripe with great shots for photos. Union Station in Meridian facilitated passenger rail transportation since the early 1900s. While the depot is now used for more modern transportation, there are many remnants of its historic significance, like old passenger train cars that you can find around the facility to photograph.

The Pearl River runs through Mississippi and Louisiana and has a diverse wildlife and ecosystem. This is a prime location for nature photographs, as it attracts many species of birds and other rare water animals. The beautiful landscape around this natural area is especially stunning during the sunset hours, when golden hues of color bring out the details of the landscape.

The Gulf Coast shoreline in Biloxi Beach conjures all the imagery needed to inspire an ocean getaway. While the beachfront is busy during the day with sun worshipers, evening is when photographers can catch the best shots over the water, with the beach chairs ready for another day of activity.

You are likely to smell the sweet magnolia fragrance of Mississippi before you arrive, as the state's official flower dominates the state. The beautiful and fragrant magnolia tree is the most common in the state, and it's the Mississippi state tree. The grand flowers bloom six to eight inches wide in May and June.

Just the sight of a traditional Mississippi Mud Cake will make you hungry for the decidence that makes this dessert popular in the state. Also called a Mississippi Mud Pie, the dessert has many variations but its base is a dark chocolate cake that has become a staple of the American South.

The Mississippi kite is a gray and black species of bird that is found in the southeastern United States. It is often spotted in the forests and prairies. The small raptor can be identified by its narrow wings, dark tail, dark eye patches, and pale head.

A drive through rural Mississippi will reveal some of the most stunning pastures and scenic agriculture in the country. The state has more than 34,000 farms, and agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry. Catch the view of the pastures at sunrise or sunset, when golden colors highlight the already picturesque landscapes.

More on Mississippi

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The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
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Photos show the Mississippi River is so low that it's grounding barges, disrupting the supply chain, and revealing a 19th-century shipwreck

• The Mississippi River is receding to historic lows amid drought across the Midwest.
• Barges are getting stuck on sandbars and forced to reduce their cargo, disrupting a critical shipping route.
• The low waters  also revealed human remains and a 19th-century shipwreck .

The waters of the Mississippi River have fallen to historic lows, driving a shipping and industry crisis in the heart of the US.

The Mississippi is a major channel for shipping and tourism, running from northern Minnesota down through the Midwest plains and emptying through Louisiana, with numerous tributaries stretching east and west. All that boat-based commerce relies on the river's deep waters, which can accommodate hefty vessels carrying cargo like soybeans, corn, fertilizer, and oil, or cruise-line passengers.

For the past month, though, the water has dwindled so low that ships are getting stuck in the mud and sandbars at the river bottom. The Coast Guard imposed new restrictions on how low ships and barges can sit in the water. The price of shipping goods along the river skyrocketed, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began emergency dredging to deepen the river at more than a dozen key choke points, where a backup of about 2,000 barges built up.

A NASA satellite image from October 7 shows the parched river, with barges queued up along its shorelines.

"This is the most severe we've ever seen in our industry in recent history," Mike Ellis, the CEO of American Commercial Barge Line, told CNBC on Wednesday.

"That's a significant impact to our supply chain," Ellis said, adding, "We can't get the goods there."

The water receded so much that it revealed human remains and a 200-year-old shipwreck along the river's new banks. In Missouri, people are walking across the dry, exposed riverbed to an island that's normally only accessible by boat.

On the Louisiana coast, the river is so low that ocean water from the Gulf of Mexico began pushing upstream. USACE is racing to build a 1,500-foot-wide underwater levee to prevent saltwater from creeping further up the river, where it could contaminate drinking water, CNN reported on Tuesday. Already, there's a drinking water advisory in effect for the coastal region of Plaquemines Parish.

Drought is drying the Mississippi River to record lows

Just a few months ago, the Mississippi River basin was flooding. This summer, historic rainfall caused flash flooding and overflowing rivers in Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri, parts of Illinois, and Jackson, Mississippi.

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Despite these extreme sporadic rainfall events, overall, the Midwest is in an abnormal drought. The Ohio River Valley and the Upper Mississippi aren't getting enough rain to feed the giant river.

Up and down the Mississippi, waters have dropped to levels approaching the record low set in 1988. In Memphis, Tennessee, the waters plunged below that record on Monday, according to data from the National Weather Service .

"There is no rain in sight, that is the bottom line," Lisa Parker, spokeswoman for the USACE Mississippi Valley Division, told the Journal. "The rivers are just bottoming out."

Scientists must conduct rigorous analysis to attribute any single event to climate change. However, this year's extreme conditions of both drought and floods is consistent with what scientists have been predicting and observing: Rising global temperatures are driving more weather variability in the central US, fueling both more severe droughts and one-off rainfall events.

That's because climate change, driven by all the greenhouse gasses that humans have released into the atmosphere, is changing the planet's water cycle. Rising temperatures are increasing water evaporation and changing the atmospheric and ocean currents that distribute moisture across the globe.

Droughts are unearthing relics and remains of the past

The severe drought along the river is so intense that it uncovered a centuries-old shipwreck. In early October, low water levels revealed the old sunken ship along the banks of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Archaeologists believe these remains are from a ferry that sunk in the late 19th or early 20th century, The Associated Press reported.

Though this is the first time the ship has been fully exposed, it's not a new discovery. Small parts of the vessel emerged from low waters in the 1990s.

"At that time the vessel was completely full of mud and there was mud all around it so only the very tip tops of the sides were visible," Chip McGimsey, Louisiana's state archaeologist, told the AP. "They had to move a lot of dirt just to get some narrow windows in to see bits and pieces," McGimsey said.

McGimsey thinks the ship could be the Brookhill Ferry, which carried people and possibly horse-drawn wagons across the Mississippi, until it sunk in a storm in 1915, according to news stories from the State Times archives .

The river's receding waters also led to a more gruesome discovery. On Saturday, a Mississippi woman found human remains while searching for rocks with her family on the banks of the drought-stricken river. The remains included a lower jawbone, rib bones, and some unidentified bone pieces, Scotty Meredith, Coahoma County's chief medical examiner, told CNN .

"Because these water levels are so low that we knew it was only a short matter of time before human remains were found," Crystal Foster, the woman who found the remains, told WMC . 

They are the latest in a bevy of discoveries to surface from receding waters. Over the summer, multiple set of remains were found in Nevada's Lake Mead, which fell to historically low levels amid climate change-fueled drought. 

But it's not all bad news. Shrinking bodies of water could be a boon for experts tasked with solving missing persons cases, according to Jennifer Byrnes, a forensic anthropologist who consults with the Clark County coroner's office, which reviews deaths in Lake Mead.

"A big body of water disappearing is going to help us, from a forensic perspective," Byrnes told Insider.

Correction: October 21, 2022 — A photo caption in an earlier version of this story misstated the location of Vicksburg. The city is in Mississippi, not Louisiana.

Watch: Animated map of the Mississippi River will completely change your perspective on rivers

• Main content

9 national and state parks along the Mississippi River that showcase the natural and historic importance of the waterway

W hen you picture America's national parks and historic places, you might be thinking of the impressive Teton mountain range, the rock formations of Bryce Canyon or the geysers at Yellowstone.

But you can make your way through several sites of national importance just by following one of the nation's great rivers: the Mississippi .

Here, we've rounded up National Park Service sites and other federally protected places along the river. Visitors can hike, camp and fish in some, taking in the sweeping beauty of the river valley. Others offer a chance to get educated on the history of the Indigenous communities who lived near the river and, further south, a hard look at America's history of slavery.

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

Since Wisconsin doesn't have any national parks, we've included a list of state parks on the Mississippi, too.

What national parks, monuments and other spots are on the Mississippi River?

In Minnesota, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a 72-mile park full of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, bird-watching and learning about the river. According to its website, it's also home to the steepest descent of the river — more than 110 feet — through a narrow gorge.

Although it's not a National Park Service site, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is not to be missed. The refuge stretches more than 260 river miles from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, protecting more than 240,000 acres of river floodplain. During the right seasons, you can hunt, fish, hike, bird-watch and more.

Effigy Mounds National Monument , near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, is a sacred space for the Indigenous peoples who lived in the Mississippi River valley. More than 200 mounds are in the park, formed thousands of years ago by people of the Late Woodland period in the shapes of bears, birds and other animals. By taking the Fire Point loop on foot, visitors can see more than 25 mounds — including two effigy mounds, Little Bear and Great Bear — as well as expansive views of the river.

In St. Louis, Gateway Arch National Park is an iconic feature along the Mississippi River. The 630-foot stainless steel arch , which was completed in 1965, is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. You can ride a tram to the top, which provides wide-ranging views of the river and the city.

In Natchez, Mississippi, Natchez National Historical Park is a place of hard truths about America's history of slavery. The wealth and charm of the river city "was built on a horrific international system of human trafficking of people of African descent," Park Superintendent Kathleen Bond wrote in a column . In 2021, the park marked the acknowledgment of Forks of the Road , once one of the largest places where people were sold into slavery across the south.

More: The Mississippi River is central to America's story. Why doesn't it get more love?

More: 10 essential facts about the Mississippi River

Could Wisconsin get a national park on the Mississippi River?

Wisconsin is one of about two dozen states without a national park. There have been efforts to establish a national park in the Driftless region, but they've faltered.

This past year, a proposal to create a Driftless National Park and Preserve in southeastern Minnesota was pulled after residents raised concerns about private land being made public and too many visitors harming the landscape, the Rochester Post-Bulletin reported in June .

More: The Driftless Region's Kickapoo Valley is a hilly paradise in western Wisconsin

In a Facebook post announcing the idea was being rescinded, the author of the proposal wrote, "The core tenets of this idea of mine were efforts for the conservation of the Driftless ecosystem - an incredibly rich environment unlike anywhere else - and the preservation of this landscape for future generations."

Another proposal to create a national park on the river was announced this week from Wisconsin's neighbor to the south. In Alton, Illinois, about a half-hour drive north of St. Louis, AltonWorks — a company that aims to revitalize the city's downtown — proposed on Tuesday the creation of Great Rivers National Park, which would stretch 144 miles of riverfront.

Which state parks are on the Mississippi River in Wisconsin?

Merrick State Park is located on the backwaters of the Mississippi about 15 minutes away from Winona, Minnesota. There are three miles of hiking trails and ample opportunities for fishing and boating. In the springtime, river flooding can cause almost a quarter of the park to be underwater, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources .

Just about 30 minutes upriver from La Crosse, Perrot State Park boasts bluff views hundreds of feet over the confluence of the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers. The park contains 12.5 miles of hiking trails, including steep climbs up to the top of Brady's Bluff. At the Nature Center, you can learn about the long history of Indigenous people who have inhabited the land for millennia.

More: These 7 parks offer some of the best views of the Mississippi River in Wisconsin

Wyalusing State Park, where the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers meet near Prairie du Chien, is a prime place for blufftop camping. The park was established in 1917 , making it one of the oldest state parks in Wisconsin. An added bonus: you can hop the river to Iowa and see Effigy Mounds National Monument in the same trip.

A bout 30 minutes downriver of Wyalusing State Park is Nelson Dewey State Park , named for Wisconsin's first governor. It's home to Dewey Heights Prairie, a small remnant of the many acres of prairie that existed across the state hundreds of years ago. Three groups of Indigenous burial mounds have been found in the park, the oldest of which could be more than 2,000 years old.

Have questions about the Mississippi River? Email Madeline Heim at [email protected]. Heim is a  Report for America  corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin.

Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at  jsonline.com/RFA  or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 9 national and state parks along the Mississippi River that showcase the natural and historic importance of the waterway

How Mississippi man's release from Nashville jail ended in Lauren Johansen's death. ‘Someone in our office made a mistake’

Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of domestic abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

A Mississippi father is blaming Nashville’s justice system for his daughter’s death earlier this month, days after her ex-boyfriend was released from a Middle Tennessee jail.

Bricen John Rivers, 23, of Saucier, Mississippi, is charged with murder in connection with the death of Lauren Johansen, 22, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, according to the Harrison County, Mississippi, Sheriff's Office.

Johansen's body was found in the trunk of a car in Gulfport, Mississippi, on July 3. Police arrested Rivers around 11 p.m. that same day after a nine-hour manhunt involving about 55 officers from eight different agencies.

Johansen's father, Robert Johansen, believes his daughter’s death could have been prevented if not for several legal missteps in Nashville.

A little more than a week before his Mississippi arrest, Rivers was released on bond from a Nashville jail, where he had been held since December awaiting trail on four charges, including two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, related to what police described as a bloody attack on Lauren Johansen while the two were vacationing in Music City.

Records show that several instructions outlined in a court order detailing the conditions of Rivers’ release were not followed, which Robert Johansen says allowed Rivers to leave Nashville, travel to Mississippi and kill his daughter.

Davidson County Chief Deputy Criminal Court Clerk Julius Sloss acknowledged this week that his office made a mistake when it came to sharing information with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office on how Rivers should be released.

Rivers' bonding company said it, too, didn't know the full conditions of his release because the clerk did not provide them. The clerk, however, said it is the full responsibility of the bonding company to know the conditions and understand what's being signed beforehand.

Because of the communication breakdowns, Rivers was released from jail on his own instead of in the custody of a bonding agent, as ordered, on June 24 and the release occurred later than the court ordered. When he was picked up by a bonding agent that same day, Rivers was taken to the wrong GPS monitoring company — one that was created just seven days earlier — and that monitoring company was unaware that Rivers was not supposed to travel outside of Davidson County until several days later, when it says it received the court order with bond conditions for the first time.

By then, Rivers had left Tennessee for Mississippi.

He returned to Nashville on June 29 because of an issue with his ankle monitor — after allegedly violating his bond conditions for days — but he didn't stay long.

By July 2, the day he was supposed to show up in a Davidson County courtroom, the battery on Rivers' ankle monitor had started to die, last tracking him in Biloxi, Mississippi. The tracking company and bond agents tried to contact him, but no one could get in touch.

Why Rivers was charged in Nashville

Lauren Johansen and Rivers came to Nashville on Dec. 7. They visited the Frist Art Museum on Broadway and Topgolf near the Cumberland River before returning to their Airbnb and heading out to a local bar to watch a football game, according to an arrest affidavit from the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Johansen told police that while at the bar, Rivers accused her of having sex with the bartender, and the couple left.

The affidavit said Rivers slapped and punched Johansen, took her phone so she could not call for help, drove away from the area and refused to stop, despite her pleas. When he eventually did stop the car, police say he began attacking Johansen.

More: 169 a day: Reports of domestic violence in Tennessee reach tens of thousands each year

More: 'A license to abuse': How COVID created, amplified domestic violence across US, Tennessee

She told police she had a gun in her bag on the back seat, but Rivers held her down, preventing her from getting to the gun, according to the affidavit.

She recalled that they were in a parking lot for about an hour, and she kicked and screamed and blew the car's horn every time she saw a vehicle pass them, the affidavit said.

Rivers held his forearm against Johansen's throat until she saw black and got dizzy as she continued to scream for help, the affidavit said.

Nashville Police Officer James Harbin approached the vehicle and saw and heard Johansen kicking and screaming for help, Harbin testified at hearing in March, a court order shows. When the officer opened the door, the two were covered in blood, Rivers was on top of Johansen and Rivers appeared to be intoxicated, the order said.

Rivers had no injuries.

Johansen had a cut on her forehead, her face was severely beaten and one of her eyes was swollen shut, according to photos of her included as an exhibit in the Nashville case against Rivers and viewed by The Tennessean.

She was hospitalized for two days.

Rivers was arrested, charged and indicted by a Davidson County grand jury in April on two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated stalking and witness coercion.

How did Rivers get out of Nashville?

Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn reduced Rivers' bond from $250,000 to $150,000 on April 3 after a bond hearing on March 13, Davidson County trial court administrator Bart Pickett said. The Tennessee Constitution does not allow for bond to be revoked in anything other than capital cases.

District attorney spokesperson Steve Hayslip said his office adamantly opposed a reduced bond for Rivers.

The bond reduction order set out several conditions for Rivers, including that he wear a GPS ankle monitor, live in Davidson County, not have any contact with Lauren Johansen and not possess any kind of weapon. He had an address lined up to stay at in Nashville, records show.

Elite Bonding was approved by the court to post his bond on June 4.

Elite Bonding owner Bill Tomlinson said he decided against handling the case because he was not sure how Rivers was going to live in Davidson County without having family here. On June 5, On Time Bail Bonding and Brooke’s Bonding were approved to post Rivers’ bond and were asked to come to court to sign an order that specifies bond conditions and lays out who pays.

More: 'Path of ... bad behavior': A look at child domestic violence cases in Tennessee

More: Know the signs: How to be more aware of when a relationship can turn deadly

The order is two pages long. The first page includes the conditions of Rivers' release. It says he must be fitted with electronic monitoring by a company called Tracking Solutions, cannot leave Davidson County and must be released from jail to a representative of his bonding company between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The second page says the "defendant is responsible for all costs associated with electronic monitoring installation," but does not specify any of the other conditions of Rivers' bond.

Brooke Harlan, owner of Brooke's Bail Bonding, said her court liaison — an employee of hers who makes many of the company's court appearances — was only shown the second page of the order and was not told about the first page.

In response, Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry said, "It's just not our responsibility to make somebody read something."

Sloss, the chief deputy clerk, added, "It’s not like they’re not used to seeing these things all the time."

Release gone wrong: ‘Someone in our office made a mistake’

Harlan said that one of her bonding agents posted Rivers' bond at the State Warrant and Bond Office in the downtown jail at 1:30 p.m. on June 24. The bonding agent was not told the conditions of Rivers' release when the bond was posted, which Harlan said is standard practice.

Rivers was released from the Maximum Correctional Center on Harding Place at 4:05 p.m. on June 24, five minutes after his court order required, according to Davidson County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jon Adams. Also in violation of the order, Rivers was released on his own rather than to a representative of the bonding company, Adams said.

Sloss said Rivers was let out that way because his office failed to communicate the conditions of Rivers’ release with the Sheriff’s Office.

“Someone in our office made a mistake,” Sloss said. “When the release was sent to the sheriff, it did not contain the conditions that were outlined in the order, especially the portion talking about the person needing to have a GPS tracking device. At the very least, a copy of the order should have been attached to the release.”

The Sheriff’s Office was sent “a second form with more information, but we did not receive that at the time of his release,” Adams said.

Harlan said she did not want to point fingers but that "there are a lot of clerical errors in the system.

"There’s flaws in the system that need to be reformed, for sure," she said.

Sloss said the clerk's office is working to implement a stopgap measure that will ask employees to confirm they have communicated with the Sheriff's Office any conditions of the defendant's release from jail.

"At the end of the day, I hope it doesn’t get lost in all the finger pointing that mistakes were made and a life was lost," Gentry, the clerk, said. "And that’s what we’re struggling with on this side of the criminal justice system."

The issues with Rivers’ GPS monitoring

Even though he was released to the street, Rivers called Brooke’s Bail Bonding at 4:36 p.m., Harlan said.

An agent from Brooke’s Bail Bonding picked up Rivers in the Harding Place area. Based on Harlan's telling, because her company had still not seen the first page of the order from June 5, which included the conditions of Rivers' bond, the company did not know which monitoring company he was supposed to visit.

So the bonding agent took Rivers to a newly formed company called Freedom Monitoring Services, records show.

Freedom Monitoring Services was created on June 17, one week before Rivers was released, the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website shows. The company was created by Nakeda Wilhoite, whom Harlan said is also an employee of Brooke's Bail Bonding.

Through a person who answered a phone number associated with her, Wilhoite deferred all comments regarding the case to her attorney, who has not shared a comment with The Tennessean.

When Rivers arrived at Freedom Monitoring Services on the evening of June 24, the monitoring company did not have the court order with Rivers' bond conditions because a court employee had sent them to Tracking Solutions. So after he was fitted with an ankle monitor, Rivers told Freedom Monitoring Services he would be leaving Tennessee for Vancleave, Mississippi, the report states.

Everything that went wrong became apparent on June 28.

That day, Tracking Solutions sent a report to an assistant district attorney saying that Rivers had not yet come to the office. The district attorney's office then told the court Rivers was in violation of his bond conditions, and Rivers was ordered to show in court on July 2, according to a news release from trial administrator Pickett.

Freedom Monitoring Services received the court order with bond conditions for the first time that day, the company's report states.

And Robert Johansen was contacted by voicemail and notified of Rivers release for the first time.

Freedom Monitoring contacted Rivers and told him to return to Nashville because of an issue with his monitor, the report said, noting that he arrived on June 29.

"A new monitor was placed, and tracking resumed back to normal," the report from the monitoring company said.

Then Rivers left town again.

The first page of the bond order says the bonding company is "to surrender the defendant to the custody of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office upon notification by the monitoring company of any violations of the Court Order."

Rivers told Freedom Monitoring Services around midnight on July 2, the same day of his court hearing in Nashville, that he wouldn't make it, the company's report reads.

At about 10 a.m. on July 2, the battery on Rivers' ankle monitor started to die. Harlan said several people were trying to contact him but were unable to reach him. They contacted his mother, but she said she had not seen him, according to Freedom Monitoring Services' report.

On July 3, Freedom Monitoring Services' report says that Rivers was last tracked on Beach Boulevard in Biloxi at an unspecified date and time. He did not answer any subsequent calls from Freedom Monitoring Services, the report said.

Blackburn issued a warrant for Rivers' arrest on July 2. She ordered him held without bail because he violated bond conditions.

But it was too late for Lauren Johansen.

A failed system

The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to keep people like Lauren Johansen safe.

Named for Debbie Sisco and her daughter Marie Varsos, the legislation took effect on July 1 and requires some suspects accused of domestic abuse to wear GPS monitors as bail conditions before trial. Though monitoring is required, it does not appear that there are currently any standards or qualifications for GPS monitoring companies to work with the courts.

Sisco and Varsos were killed in Nashville by Varsos' estranged husband in 2021. Before her death, Varsos reported her husband to police after he choked and held her at gunpoint. When he was released on bond after his arrest, he stalked her at her mother's home before fatally shooting both women.

The law bearing the women's names was meant to give domestic violence victims a measure of hope.

But Robert Johansen believes the system failed in his daughter's case.

"We put our trust in the law enforcement system in Nashville, and they assured me that he was not going to be able to get out on bond, and if there's any way there's going to be a bond hearing, or he was going to make bond, they would let us know,” he said.

Although he received the voicemail notifying him of Rivers' release on June 28, Robert Johansen didn't have a chance to listen to it right away, he said, noting that the news came as a shock on July 1.

"I called Lauren immediately and she was still alive when I called her and told her ... she already heard," he said. "She was told he was getting an ankle monitor, and it turned into a real mess."

Lauren was terrified when he talked to her about Rivers being released, Robert Johansen said. He and his family don't know what happened to Lauren Johansen or how she ended up in the trunk of a car on July 3.

Last they knew, she was in her home with her sister and a friend on July 1.

"There's no way to reconcile it," Robert Johansen said of his daughter's death.

Because Rivers' ankle monitor was apparently dead at the time, Robert Johansen said authorities were only able to find Rivers and his daughter by using On Star tracking on her phone. By the time they found the location, Lauren Johansen was dead.

A cause of death has not been released. Mississippi officials told The Tennessean that autopsy records, especially those connected to homicide cases, aren't considered public record in their state.

Remembering Lauren Johansen

Lauren Johansen wanted to become a nurse practitioner so she could take care of people. She also hoped to one day develop an animal rescue, her father said.

"My daughter was a genius. ... She was so smart and was so wonderful," Robert Johansen said. "And she had a heart of gold."

And there are so many memories.

When Lauren was 2 years old, Robert Johansen said, he took her fishing off the family's dock. The physician got a call from a hospital emergency room asking him to come in, threatening to ruin their day, he said. After speaking to medical personnel on the phone for about 10 minutes, Robert Johansen said he turned around and saw a smile light up his daughter's face.

"She said, 'Never mind, Daddy. I got my own fish,'" he recalled.

Lauren Johansen, he said, was an animal lover, rescuing animals throughout her life.

She took her dog, Bentley Jo, and cat, Marley, with her everywhere, and she even had a rescue horse she named Cocoa, her father said.

Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at  [email protected]  or follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter,  @EvanMe a lins

Craig Shoup is a breaking news reporter for The Tennessean . Reach him by email at [email protected] and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.