Saint Paul is the capital and second-most populous city of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city lies mostly on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the area surrounding its point of confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Minneapolis, the state's largest city. Known as the "Twin Cities," the two form the core of Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Founded near historic Native American settlements as a trading and transportation center, the city rose to prominence when it was named the capital of the Minnesota Territory in 1849.

Red Wing is a city in Goodhue County, Minnesota, United States, on the Mississippi River. The National Trust for Historic Preservation placed Red Wing on its 2008 distinctive destinations list, which adds twelve communities annually nationwide. Red Wing was added for its "impressive architecture and enviable natural environment. The city is full of culture and is home to a number of popular music and art festivals including Rolling River Music Festival and Fall Festival of the Arts.

La Crosse is a city in Wisconsin, United States. Lying alongside the Mississippi River, La Crosse is the largest city on Wisconsin's western border. It was a town that was originally settled in by French fur traders who would travel up the Mississippi River, Hence the French name, which has remained since the late 17th century. Recognized as a regional technology and medical hub, La Crosse frequently acquires top rankings in health, well-being, quality of life, and education.

Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. One of the few large cities in Iowa with hills, it is a major tourist destination, attracted to the city's unique architecture and river location. It is located at the junctions of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, otherwise known as the Tri-State Area. It got its name from a Quebecois pioneer who settled there in the late 18th century, Julien Dubeque.

The Quad Cities is a region of four counties in northwest Illinois and Southeastern Iowa. The center cities of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area are Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois.

Burlington is the county seat of Des Moines County, Iowa, United States. It is the home of Snake Alley, once labelled the crookedest alley in the world.

Hannibal is the largest city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The community is best known as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain and as the setting of his book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." This is greatly celebrated in the city and there are many tributes to Twain including the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse erected during the Great Depression and a number of statues dotted throughout the area

St. Louis is a city and port in the U.S. state of Missouri. After the Louisiana Purchase, it became a major port on the Mississippi River. The economy of St. Louis relies on service, manufacturing, trade, transportation of goods, and tourism. The architecture of St. Louis exhibits a variety of commercial, residential, and monumental architecture. St. Louis is known for the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument constructed in the USA . The Arch pays homage to Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis' position as the gateway to the West. Architectural influences reflected in the area include French Colonial, German, early American, and modern architectural styles.