My mom grew up along the Mississippi in Illinois, left at 18 but last year went back and bought a townhome as a 2nd property - many of her friends and her siblings are still there. It can be lovely. Or not. But then, not all parts of European rivers are lovely either. I would imagine it's more culture (music for sure) and less really old architecture? But of course there is quite a bit of history along the Mississippi. Looking at a Viking itinerary, meh. If you've never been to the US? Doing the full transit, St Paul to New Orleans wouldn't be a terrible introduction to the country. Or a nice change of pace if you've explored other places in other ways. Honestly - much like a european river cruise.....(which are also more expensive than other modes of tourism - but the per diem is still cheaper than a US river cruise ;-)

To me, the coastal cruises on small boats have always looked much more appealing than the river cruises......I have explored less of the Pacific Northwest than I have other regions of the US - a coastal cruise there might be really fun for me. But a day trip on a boat might also give me the feel and some of the experience for a lot less money in the middle of a land-based trip.