Dean Klinkenberg, the Mississippi Valley Traveler, is on a mission to explore the rich history, diverse cultures, and varied ecosystems of the Mississippi River Valley, from the Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. In 10 years, he has driven over 120,000 miles along the Great River Road, hiked to the tops of bluffs, paddled on the Mississippi River in kayaks and canoes, and floated in luxury as a guest lecturer on the American Queen. His work goes deep into the history of the people and places of the Mississippi Valley.Klinkenberg is the author of the Frank Dodge mystery series (Rock Island Lines and Double-Dealing in Dubuque), stories that are set in places along the Mississippi River. He also writes the Mississippi Valley Traveler guides, which includes Small Town Pleasures: 27 Small Mississippi River Towns for Day Trips and Long Weekends, published in 2017.