Cruising with American Queen Voyages is always a memorable experience. But during fall, the scenery is incredible in many ports of call, making your voyage especially special. With beautiful fall foliage in Mackinac Island, Michigan, Boston, Massachusetts, and Bar Harbor, Maine, among many other destinations, the views combined with exhilarating excursions are unmatched. With spectacular scenery from the Great Lakes to the mighty Mississippi River, the opportunities to get the authentic fall experience while sailing on our vessels are abundant.
Let our team at AQV help you plan your next fall voyage with our list of ten must-do fall excursions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our recommended included and premium excursions this fall.
- Meeting the Mist
On our premium excursion, Meeting the Mist, get up close to the magnificent Niagara Falls. Hop aboard the Hornblower catamaran for a ride to the base of the falls. Then, take a ride to the tippy top of the Skylon Tower, where 360-degree views of Niagara Falls greet you. Soak in the beauty of fall before heading down to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for a wine tasting. Enjoy this special shore excursion on a Great Lakes adventure.
- Sightseeing in Boston
Whether pre-cruise or post-cruise, enjoy sightseeing around one of the oldest cities in the United States. Explore Boston, Massachusetts, and many of its colonial landmarks as you visit iconic places, including Historic Downtown Boston, Quincy Market, and the USS Constitution Museum. On a Boston to Saint John or Halifax to Boston voyage, embark on your sightseeing tour surrounded by red, orange, and yellow fall leaves.
- Join a Clam Bake on Cabbage Island
In Boothbay Harbor, Maine, hop aboard the Bennie Alice and cruise to Cabbage Island. Enjoy picturesque views of the coastline surrounded by fall beauty along the way. Once you dock, meet the Moore family, and sit down for a delicious “Downeast meal”. Indulge in a clam bake complete with fish chowder, lobster, clams, corn on the cob, potatoes, and mouthwatering blueberry cake.
- Arts & Wonder: Shining Sights in Quebec City
Cruise from Detroit to Montreal and stop at Quebec City, Quebec, along the way. Join the Arts & Wonder tour, and head to the Albert Gilles Boutique et Mussee to admire outstanding works of art created from copper. Then travel to Montmorency Falls for a breathtaking view of the waterfall and Quebec City cliffs. Embark on our September sailing to see the sights with a hint of leafage.
- Oyster Farming on Potter Pond
Embrace nature and the beauty it beholds in fall with oyster farming in Newport, Rhode Island. Venture to Matunuck Oyster Farm at Potter Pond and dive into the growing, harvesting, and servicing process of New England oysters. Learn about aquaculture from experts at the Matunuck Oyster Bar, then see the shellfish in various stages of growth. Round out the experience with a signature New England meal.
- A Story of Cinema: The Field of Dreams Experience
America’s heartland only gets more beautiful during the autumn months. And now, you can journey through the Field of Dreams movie with our premium shore excursion. In Dubuque, Iowa, walk the bases on the famous baseball field from the 1989 Academy Award-winning film. Sit on the bleachers, then wander through the cornfield before experiencing other iconic locations from the film.
- Post-Cruise Twin Cities Tour
Explore the bustling capital of Minnesota in the midst of one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Stroll through Red Wing, indulge in tasty apple cider, and head to monumental destinations around the city. Take in the scenic bluffs and leafage as you visit Fort Snelling, St. Paul Cathedral, and Historic Summit Avenue, among other destinations. Enjoy the stunning Victorian architecture as your deluxe motorcoach drives through the city.
- Gateway Arch Discovery
Get up close and personal with the world’s tallest arch-the Gateway Arch. In St. Louis (Alton), Missouri, discover why the Gateway Arch is a monumental structure and how it pays homage to Thomas Jefferson. After, enjoy an exploration of another famous St. Louis location, the Old Courthouse. Known for notable cases, including Dred Scott’s case, the Old Courthouse is a stunning building with a ton of history.
- Red Mountain: A Vine-to-Wine Experience
Sip on wine country’s signature wines with our Red Mountain: A Vine-to-Wine Experience excursion. Head to Washington’s beautiful Red Mountain viticulture area and indulge in the region’s delectable flavors at two wineries. See the sprawling vineyards transformed into a scenic autumn atmosphere as you listen to the stories of the unique landscape. Discover the one-of-a-kind qualities that bring this region to life.
10. Art of the Dalles: From Maryhill Museum to the Vineyard
Step into the dreamy atmosphere of the Maryhill Museum in The Dalles, Oregon. Head up to the top of the bluff and look out at the Columbia River draped in fall foliage. Head into the museum to find an extensive collection of art created by indigenous people. Explore the spectacular museum, then head to the Jacob Williams Winery for tastings of local wines. Sip on the region’s signature wine surrounded by the leafage of the Columbia Gorge.
Book Your Fall Voyage Today!
From sipping on wine in wine country to getting up close with nature’s most spectacular creations, adventure is always around the corner while on an American Queen Voyages sailing. Our included and premium shore excursions are hand-crafted and tailored to travelers who are looking to deeply discover North America. With excursions geared towards exploring history, culture, art, and cuisine, enjoy immersing yourself in each destination in the most authentic way.
Sail to scenic regions, including but not limited to Canada & New England, and the Great Lakes. Each region is full of awe-inspiring destinations where the fall season is in full swing. Feel the crisp air as you journey through red, yellow, and orange leaves. Onboard, keep an eye out for these must-do fall excursions that not only immerse you in the region but get you outside in the middle of the season.
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