I just rode a portion of the Mississippi from Winona to the Quad Cities. Most of what you heard about the roads is true. Wind is predominately from the West, but this is the Midwest, you can't count on anything. I've ridden and seen most of the river but that section is by far the most beautiful and picturesque section. The ride from Praire Du Chien to Savanna Il. takes you over cliffs reaching 1000 feet above the valley. It's stunning, there are also 7 catagoriezed climbs in the 80 mile stretch.
Here's a link to. my blog post
Last summer I rode from KC to St. Louis and most of that was on the Katy Trail which follows the river very closely.
The Katy is one of the most enjoyable trails I've ridden.
Don't forget the CO trail down the Cumberland River to Washington.
That is a nice little bit of history as well.
It's all
Marc