A childhood encounter with Mark Twain’s Mississippi and a college move to the riverside town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, sparked what would become a lifelong obsession with America’s greatest waterway. Since 2007, I’ve dedicated myself to uncovering and sharing the hidden stories, vibrant communities, and extraordinary characters that make the Mississippi River Valley one of America’s most misunderstood treasures.

My work spans multiple formats—from the comprehensive Mississippi Valley Traveler guidebooks to the adventurous Frank Dodge mystery series, where my fictional writer-protagonist finds himself in river town predicaments that showcase the region’s unique character and characters. Beyond books, I’ve contributed to Smithsonian, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and served as Contributing Editor for Big River Magazine.

The river that first captivated me as a child watching Tom Sawyer’s cinematic adventures continues to surprise me daily. Those early days of hiking La Crosse’s bluffs, contemplating life beside flowing waters (what we did before social media—sit by rivers and think), and my first misguided upstream canoe journey laid the foundation for what would become more than a writing career—it’s a mission.

My agenda is transparent: I want you to visit the Mississippi River more often and stay longer when you’re there. The nineteenth-century novels barely scratch the surface of what this magnificent waterway offers today. Through my guidebooks, website, mystery novels, articles, speaking engagements, and podcast, I’m on a campaign to help you see what I see—a living, breathing corridor of American culture that deserves your attention.

Explore my website, reach out with questions, and most importantly, come experience the Mississippi for yourself. I’ll see you on the river!

Want to know more about my obsession with the Mississippi River? Listen to my interview with Jo Frances Penn on the Books and Travel Podcast.

I had the chance to describe the joys of traveling along the upper Mississippi River with Chris Christensen of the Amateur Traveler podcast.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of talking with Cheryl Fusco-Johnson of KRUU radio in Fairfield, Iowa (the station is completely powered by solar energy!). We spent a delightful hour talking about the Mississippi River and writing.

How’s the Mississippi River doing these days? Listen to the discussion Chuck Marohn and I had on the Strong Towns Podcast in 2013.

In 2016, I had a lovely chat with Katie Carter about the Mississippi River at KAXE Radio in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Minneapolis Star Tribune (November 25, 2018)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (March 28, 2010):

Chicago Tribune (January 4, 2011)

Community-supported writing

If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!