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Riverboat Rankings: Coolest Casinos on the Mississippi Still Open Today

Riverboat Rankings: Coolest Casinos on the Mississippi Still Open Today

If you grew up on the Mississippi, you probably know one thing about riverboats: they’re actually casinos.

These water-adjacent institutions are commonly found along the Mississippi and throughout the Gulf Coast—and they’ve got an interesting history.

Throughout the 1700s and into the 1800s, paddlewheel riverboats cruised up and down the Mississippi, enabling trade throughout the South and Midwest. Capable of transporting copious amounts of cargo and able to navigate low water levels, they were renowned for being robust and reliable.

But as railroads started to replace riverboats in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the steamboat fell out of favor—for traders and merchants, at least. With no cargo to haul and no rivers to run, many steamboats were docked.

Slowly but surely, they became hubs for revelry.

What began with live music and dancing quickly turned into more heady entertainment territory, like card and table games. By the late 1800s, riverboats received official legislative approval as gambling hubs—which were still illegal on land.

From Chicago down to New Orleans, riverboat casinos became a hot commodity. They even oozed into other territories, such as Lake Michigan and the Potomac.

But these new riverboats never actually sailed across the US’s largest rivers, nor were they meant to. Instead, the riverboat casino became a type of ‘legal fiction’ in which the laws that banned land casinos were circumnavigated by setting them up on boats that never actually left the dock.

Riverboats today

Fast forward a century and the riverboat casino is still going strong. I grew up in Missouri with the Casino Queen, a well-known riverboat franchise.

While this massive vessel didn’t actually cruise the Mississippi River and stayed docked year-round, it was a fully legal casino that everyone knew about.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many of the riverboats along the Gulf Coast—and even further inland. Today, the riverboat is one of the most beloved types of ‘legal fiction’ in the US. It’s a legacy that takes me back to my childhood and hearing commercials for the Casino Queen on the radio.

In honor of the disappearing riverboat casino, I’m taking a fine-tooth comb to the rest of the riverboats on the Mississippi. I’m also counting casinos that are now located on land—so long as they were riverboats once upon a time.

Whether or not you like to gamble, they’re worth a visit.

Best riverboat casinos in the US—north to south

The Casino Queen

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Marquette, Iowa

Play table games, card games, slots, and place a bet on your favorite sports team. This small casino offers a full suite of gaming options that any gambler would want. You can even stay at the on-land hotel and dine on-site. Though this isn’t the Casino Queen I grew up hearing advertised, it’s the same brand.

Rhythm City Casinos

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Davenport, Iowa

Though Rhythm City is located on the water, this grand casino is located on firm ground today. That means visitors can take advantage of offers that are usually available only from large casinos, including concerts, multiple dining options, and gaming contests.

Grand Victoria Casino

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Elgin, Illinois

With an award-winning bistro on board, this riverboat casino represents one of the more stately ways to game on the water. The Grand Victoria Casino specializes in slots with over one thousand options, along with unique gaming promotions. I’d probably enjoy some blackjack, then have a cocktail enjoying the breeze and the view.

Treasure Chest Casino

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Kenner, Louisiana

Gorgeous, larger-than-life, and still floating near the Mississippi, the Treasure Chest Casino is a hit for travelers whether or not they want to play a game of poker. Best of all, this is one of the more accessible options for travelers. Located on Lake Pontchartrain, you can get to the Treasure Chest from New Orleans in around thirty minutes.

Amelia Belle

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Amelia, Louisiana

If you want to be selective about which riverboat casinos you board, this should be your pick. The Amelia Belle is regarded as the epitome of riverboat gaming, and rightly so.

Not only is the riverboat preserved to showcase the grandest era of Mississippi steamboats, but it’s also owned by Boyd Gaming, which runs other successful casinos. That translates to a slightly more elevated experience. Located around 80 miles outside of New Orleans, you can easily reach the Amelia Belle by car.

Sam’s Town

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Shreveport, Louisiana

You’ve got the best of both worlds at Sam’s Town. As you can see from the image, Sam’s Town lets you game on a classic riverboat, then head into a classic hotel-casino. That makes this a top choice for more experienced gamers who want access to a larger casino with added table games, card games, contests, and betting opportunities.

Top 5 US Cities for Solo Travel in 2025—No Car Rentals Needed

Solo travel in the US looks a lot different if you don’t have a car with you.

For the vast majority of travelers, that means sticking to cities. And not just any big city, but one that also has a functional public transportation system.

That already narrows down the list for travelers who want to stay in the United States for their next big solo adventure.

While cities like Naples, Sedona, and Boise are highly ranked by solo travelers, they don’t make it particularly easy for visitors to get around.

Aside from ease of transportation, topics like safety and entertainment are also high on the priority list for solo travelers. A city should be accessible via public transportation without leading tourists into dangerous zones.

Simultaneously, they should be ‘close to the action’ in terms of popular sites and activities.

So, which US cities come out ahead for solo travelers who won’t be driving into town? Based on metrics like walkability, safety, and entertainment, these hubs come out ahead.

Best US cities for solo travelers

Washington DC: Perfect for fans of museums and landmarks

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From the outside looking in, Washington DC is a little sterile. Its hyper-clean streets lead from museum to landmark and back again, offering a prim look at America’s capital city.

That being said, there’s almost an endless range of activities to dig into—and many are free to the public. With dozens of free attractions and experiences, solo travelers can get more out of their trip without going over budget.

On top of that, it’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities for tourists, meaning you don’t need to worry about security. While its public transportation isn’t the most diverse, it’s still easy to use for newcomers.

Recommendations:

Chicago: Ideal for art and architecture lovers

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Chicago doesn’t get enough love—likely because it’s located smack int eh middle of the Midwest. Though it’s on par with New York City and Los Angeles in terms of financial and economic power, it’s not overly expensive, letting solo travelers explore the city without emptying their pockets.

And it’s an interesting city to explore. From its architecture to its lakeside parks, there’s a cool surprise around every corner. There’s also an artsy underground in Chicago that can be felt in modern and historical spots alike, from its speak-easy jazz clubs to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, the food. The food!

Recommendations:

Boston: A win for history buffs

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Charm, history, and walkability converge in Boston to make it one of the top choices for solo travelers—year after year.

First and foremost, the city’s historic streets are easy to navigate, while its public transportation system is one of the most connected and navigable in the US.

But the true star here is history. Even the Boston Public Library offers a peak into the city’s ties to the Old World. Similar to DC, you can find world-class museums—and tons of monuments, landmarks, and more.

But don’t forget about the seafood. Like Chicago, this city stands out for its top-notch eateries.

Recommendations:

Seattle: Ideal for nature-lovers

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Want a slice of nature with your big-city adventure? You don’t need a car to get a taste of the Pacific Northwest when you visit Seattle.

In fact, it’s got a highly unique and sought-after balance that blends technology, history, architecture, and nature into one very cool package.

Unsurprisingly, Seattle has a highly functional public transportation system, along with a handful of walkable neighborhoods. There are even ferries ready to squire you off on day trips to coastal cities and national parks. For the truly adventurous solo traveler, Seattle has it all.

Recommendations:

New York City: Best for people-watchers

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Want to watch the world drift by and possibly be swept up into its current? New York City is one of the best places to disappear.

If you aren’t sure whether you want culture, history, architecture, nature, or entertainment, you’ll have a little bit of everything. Yes—even nature. Central Park is almost 850 acres, my friends.

While New York City has a fast pace and is very crowded, you can go at your own speed—just make sure to stand to the side of the sidewalk to let others pass. And don’t be worried about traveling solo. Nobody in New York City will notice you, for better or for worse.

Recommendations:

Travel Advice: Don’t Sweat the Small Scams

There’s a time and a place for everything—including a little travel scam.

I know that dealing with scams can be brutal; I say that as someone who has lost thousands to a well-played Airbnb scam back in 2018.

Scams can be pricey and terrifying. They can dissuade us from leaving the safety of home, and I don’t want to be obtuse about that.

Scams are overwhelmingly negative and you should watch out for them.

But what if I told you that there are times when you’ll be scammed as an American, and it’s not the end of the world? Would you keep reading this article? (Please?)

If you’ve read my take on tipping, then you know that I like to dig into the culture behind common practices.

From the outside looking in, scamming is easy to clump into the criminal category—but when you’re being scammed out of $2 that could mean a lot more to someone else, it doesn’t seem so criminal to me.

Want to know my weirdest take on travel advice? It’s worth knowing whether or not you should be up in arms about a scam, especially when it’s for $5, $10, or $50. From overpaying for artwork to being overcharged for basic goods, you should know the harmless scams from the more dangerous ones.

Here’s the down-low.

The 3 small scams you don’t need to sweat

Let me reiterate: I’m not advising that you walk around with your wallet sexily hanging out of your back pocket or let a stranger into your hotel room.

Instead, I’ll put forth three instances in which I’ve technically been scammed but actually slept better at night because of it.

Overpaying for basic goods.

If you’re traveling to a destination where the local currency is worth a lot less than a dollar, you might realize that you’ve been overcharged for something basic, whether a coffee or sunblock.

I’ve seen these types of price hikes in places like Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India. That being said, the price hike is usually equivalent to a few US dollars.

While you have every right to transparent pricing, it’s never a good look to get bent out of shape about a dollar. On principle, I understand wanting to defend yourself from scams. In reality, you might be arguing over two dollars.

Here’s my advice: Put your foot down if the price hike is high, but don’t make a scene or call the police. Haggle down to a more reasonable price, then call it a day and don’t give them anymore business.

Remember—I’m not here to encourage scams, but I want to point out that not all of them are worth fighting over.

Bartering at a market, especially for artwork.

Anytime you step into a street market or a bazaar, you’re bound to shop around for items with unclear prices.

In many places, those prices might not be listed for a reason. Sellers base their price on how much they think they can get from you. That makes it even more difficult to know when you’re being scammed and for how much.

A few years ago, my brother returned from Thailand with a painting he claimed was a steal for only a few hundred dollars. I had my doubts about the price, but he was thrilled and I’m sure the seller was, too.

Here’s my advice: Accept that you’ll be scammed at a bazaar or street market. Avoid losing too much money in these cases by setting a hard limit beforehand. If you tell a vendor that you only have $60 to spend, the price might mysteriously drop for you.

Giving money to beggars, then watching them continue on their begging journey.

Begging is common in tourist hotspots around the world—and it can be a difficult, heartbreaking thing to confront, even if we’re aware that some beggars are there by choice.

So, how do you know who really needs your help?

Unfortunately, you don’t. Again, that makes handing money to beggars a difficult choice. Are you supporting a larger and more organized criminal ring? Or are you helping someone sleep more comfortably for the night?

Here’s my advice: Never give a child a single red cent. Children are particularly vulnerable to begging schemes from larger criminal bodies and even family members, along with forgoing other opportunities like education to make money by begging.

That being said, a little trip to the grocery store lets you spend the same amount of money on that person while also letting them pick out what food they’d like. The money won’t go toward any criminal groups, too.

The Tour (Platform) Guide: Comparing TripAdvisor, Airbnb, GetYourGuide, & More

Ah, the great debate: which platform should you book your next tour with?

As travelers, we have more options than ever before, which has only muddied the waters, in my opinion. On top of that, it’s tough to gauge which tours are actually high-quality and which ones are ethical, too.

That last note is particularly important. I live in El Born, part of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella. The Old City is a must-see for tourists and is frequented by tours of all stripes, from haunted histories to wine tastings to historical explorations.

But when tour guides drag groups of more than ten through the city’s tiny neighborhoods, it makes the area unlivable. It also creates a more stressful experience for tourists. A lose-lose, in other words.

While going on tours is a top-notch way to get to know a city, from its culture to its history to its language, you need to be choosy about booking tours.

I’m taking a closer look at five of the most trusted platforms out there, focusing on which type of tours they excel in and what types of travelers would do best with each. As always, feel free to mix and match tours from various companies.

Best platforms for booking tours: shortcut

Best platforms for booking tours

For the sake of keeping this article applicable to as many people as possible, I’m sticking to global brands. But don’t limit yourself to this list! As we’ll see, partnering with local tour guides is an important part of the equation.

Additionally, don’t feel like you need to book with a single platform. I’ve used every platform listed here with great success.

Airbnb: Best for influencers

Influencers are stirring up the travel world. Regardless of how you feel about that fact, the proof is in the pudding—and the pudding is the number of tours that now focus on photo-worthy sites.

Not only that, but Airbnb guides have also begun to offer tours that are designed for groups to take mini-photo shoots.

If you’ve gone on a larger group tour recently, you might have noticed that some tourists are very invested in their photo shoots. No judgment here—but if you want to spend time nailing the lighting and getting your outfit just right, then stick to Airbnb and its influencer-centric tours.

You won’t hold up the group. In fact, you might even have extra eyes to help you put together the perfect shot.

TripAdvisor: Great for cultural excursions

Tripadvisor owns Viator, which means you’ll find similar types of tours offered on both platforms.

I’ve found TripAdvisor to be a little bit more geared toward cultural excursions. From walking tours to specialty museums to landmark visits, there’s a strong focus on ferrying tourists around the city’s most prominent institutions.

If you’re interested in diving deep into local culture and customs, then TripAdvisor probably has a highly niche tour available. That range is thanks to its longstanding commitment to offering tours.

That being said, make sure you keep a look out for group size—some tours offered on the platform are needlessly large.

Viator: Best for long tours and day trips

As a TripAdvisor subsidiary, the tours on Viator aren’t too different from the type of diverse cultural immersions its parent platform is known for. Still, Viator has some great longer-form tours, including day trips and out-of-city adventures.

In fact, some of its tours and experiences run for multiple days. For example, visitors in Barcelona can book a three-day skiing excursion that takes them to Andorra in the Pyrenees, or even a scuba certification on Costa Brava that runs for a single day.

GetYourGuide: Perfect for major attractions

It’s hard to beat the experience of GetYourGuide. Its tours have been reviewed by tens of thousands of happy visitors—and many have a near five-star rating despite having more than 20,000 reviews.

That’s a hearty stamp of approval if I’ve ever seen one.

GetYourGuide is great for digging a bit deeper into a city’s most popular attractions and historical buildings and monuments.

While you might not wander far off the beaten path, you probably won’t want to. It’s got a long list of tours that are pretty much universally approved by tourists.

Toursbylocals: Most ethical pick

The vast majority of tours in Barcelona aren’t hosted by locals, which is a shame. I’ve had the pleasure of going on one tour with my (local) neighbors, who have a motorcycle and a sidecar.

It was an off-the-cuff tour that took us to unexpected places and taught us a lot about how native Barcelonese see their city.

Here’s my point: While there’s no need to only go on tours from locals, the best platforms for booking tours should offer options give you a more insightful and authoritative look at the place.

Rather than being driven solely by research and limited experience, these guides are able to bake their own lived experience and insights into the equation—which creates a more memorable and meaningful tour experience, in my opinion.

They also know where all those actual hidden gems are located.

Where to Find the Best Lobster in Portland, Maine

I’ll never forget the first time I had lobster.

I was in my early twenties and living in Brooklyn. Being from Missouri, I hadn’t eaten too much exotic seafood—and those bright orange lobsters always seemed a little out of my league.

Then came Restaurant Week, a time for restaurants around New York City to offer tasting menus and fill their tables.

A friend’s family invited me to a swanky TriBeCa restaurant that served up lobster on their tasting menu. My friend’s mom joked that lobster was once considered a low-brow meal, especially for early settlers on the East Coast. I remember hearing the phrase ‘lobster is the rat of the sea’ for the first time.

I’ve since come to love those little orange rats, especially now that I live in a coastal city with an obsession with seafood. In Barcelona, lobster isn’t hard to find; it’s cooked in stews, prepared in the alla Catalana style, served alone and boiled, and much more.

Here’s an interesting little factoid for animal rights nerds: There’s a growing movement in Europe to ban live lobster boiling. Countries like Norway, Austria, and Switzerland have already banned it, declaring that lobsters must be stunned before being boiled.

But don’t let me derail us with a conversation on ethics.

We’re here to focus on savory, buttery lobster. More specifically, we’re here to talk about the best lobster in the US state that specializes in this dish: Maine.

If you’re heading to Portland with hopes of sinking your teeth into the country’s freshest and tastiest lobster, here’s where you need to go.

Best restaurants in Portland for lobster

Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s Lobster, TripAdvisor

With a great view at the end of the Portland Pier and a sterling reputation, I vote you start your lobster journey at Luke’s Lobster.

The restaurant is so experienced with lobster that it even offers a wild-caught lobster cookbook. If you’re a little unsure about going all-in on a steamed lobster, you can also start out with their highly rated lobster roll.

Alternatively, you can also order fresh lobster for delivery anywhere in the country—Luke’s delivers.

The Porthole

The Porthole, TripAdvisor

Want a casual favorite for locals? The Porthole is a prime spot to catch live music along with a fresh lobster dish.

Plus, with separate breakfast, lunch, and dessert menus, you get a little more variation with your seafood action—plus more traditional options like a two-egg breakfast.

But let’s focus on those lobster options. The Porthole is famous for its Twin Lobster Dinner, which includes meat from two massive lobsters that come served with sides like veggies, mashed potatoes, and a warm roll. Yum.

Scales

Scales, TripAdvisor

Looking for a more upscale take on lobster? Scales is a fine dining establishment that lets you shop around for the freshest seafood in the city.

There’s a long list of options for diners, including appetizers, a raw bar, and specialized dishes like steamed Maine lobster.

That would be my top choice for a date night. Not only does the restaurant offer a slightly elevated take on its seafood dishes, including its lobster dish, but the ambiance is also top-tier.

J’s Oysters

J’s Oysters, TripAdvisor

The specialty at J’s Oysters is… oysters.

But you can find one of Portland’s sneakiest and tastiest lobster dishes inside: lobster stew. Similar to lobster bisque, this hearty and creamy dish is one of the top choices on the Portland Pier.

There are other specials, too, like the lobster claw cocktail (pictured above). If you’re on the hunt for other types of seafood, you’ll have plenty to munch on here, from oysters to clams to mussels. But if you want pure, lobster fare, you can also order a seafood cocktail of lobster meat.

3 Popular Destinations Where the US Dollar Won’t Get You Far

I don’t know anyone who ranks their bucket list destinations based on currency conversions, but it’s not a bad thing to think about.

Despite the fact that the US dollar is the world’s reserve currency, it’s far from the highest-value currency out there.

And if you’re heading to a country where local currency is worth a lot more than the dollar, you’re going to be paying extra for the basics.

I’d hate to discourage you from heading to any of these countries—but I’d like to empower you to get the most out of your trip by laying out some financial expectations, and help you avoid any unwelcome surprises. (That will drain your bank account.)

Want a little shortcut on which countries you’ll need to save up to visit? These are the most popular tourist destinations where the US dollar won’t get you too far.

Before you visit, save up.

Want a closer look at countries where the US dollar will get you farther? Start here. Want a crash course in how currency values work? Head here instead.

Countries where the dollar is worth less than the local currency

What makes a country’s currency strong? Factors like low inflation, strong export demands, natural resources, and political stability help maintain a currency’s value.

All exchange rates listed below are taken from Google Finance as of January 16. And remember, I’m only listing out popular destinations for Americans, which means countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan aren’t featured here even though they have high-value currencies.

The UK

London (Getty)

1 British Pound = $1.22

The GBP is one of the oldest currencies in the world that’s still in use—and it’s also one of the most stable currencies. Behind all that financial power is London, one of the world’s longstanding financial and economic hubs.

If you’ve been to the UK before, you’re probably aware that costs can add up quickly—even outside major cities like London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Given how popular the UK is for American tourists, this is a great time to remind you to budget intentionally for your trip.

Get a head start on your trip:

Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman (Getty)

1 Cayman Islands dollar = $1.20

Surprise, surprise. The KYD (that’s a Cayman dollar) is the strongest Caribbean currency. If you’re a finance buff, you probably already know why: the Caymans is an overseas British territory that acts as one of the world’s most popular tax havens.

With so much trading and a strong financial sector, the KYD is bolstered by hedge funds, investment firms, and more.

For budget travelers intent on visiting the Caribbean, I’d advise you to stick to more affordable shores. But if you’re interested in forex and tropical beaches, I can’t imagine a better place to improve your financial portfolio.

Get a head start on your trip:

Switzerland

Zurich (Getty)

1 Swiss Franc = $1.10

Was anyone else surprised to learn that the GBP is worth more than the CHF?

Given Switzerland’s well-known standing as a safe haven for financial projects of all stripes, I figured it would stand above the UK’s currency.

That being said, the Swiss Franc is more so about safety for many investors, while the UK has a more varied and less risk-averse market.

I think that translates directly to the tourist experience. In London, I was able to find affordable, budget options that suited my needs. During my time in Switzerland, by contrast, there weren’t nearly as many budget options.

Though the GBP is technically worth more, it was way harder to stay within budget when spending CHF.

Get a head start on your trip:

What about other currencies that are worth more than the dollar?

Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Gibraltar

According to Google Finance, the British Pound is the world’s fifth-most valuable currency. In reality, the Kuwaiti Dinar, Bahraini Dinar, Omani Rial, and Jordanian Dinar are the most valuable currencies on the globe, respectively.

The Gibraltar Pound is ranked just after the British Pound thanks to its longstanding role as a British overseas territory (like the Caymans).

As mentioned above, I omitted these destinations because they aren’t popular for American tourists, but it’s still worth pointing out that they’re worth more than any other currency on this list.