I think anywhere along the Mississippi River north of Alton, Ill. is a good boating vacation.

Where did you stay?
What did you do?
And myself personally, I'd like to know if you found any nice bars?

The area near Lake city Minnesota is a fun place to go for a vacation. You can travel about 20 miles in either direction from Lake city before you hit a lock. That particular pool includes Lake Pepin (birthplace of waterskiing), Wabasha (and the bar Slipperies featured in Grumpy old men), and Red Wing. Lots of stuff to do and places to stop on the water. The marina in Lake city is incredible.