mississippi cruises la crosse wi

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La Crosse Queen Cruises

405 Veterans Memorial Dr, La Crosse , Wisconsin 54601 USA

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“Riverboat Tours”

The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century. Cruising out of LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion. The La Crosse Queen has a split sternwheel and each is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors which turn the paddles.  This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a "free wheeling" paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion. 

Reviewed by Rick R.

If you're visiting La Crosse during "boating season" I highly recommend taking a ride on an authentic paddle-wheel riverboat, the La Crosse Queen. They offer narrated tours on the Mississippi... Read more

Reviewed by Christine L.

A fun experience for spending time on the water! I definitely recommend getting here EARLY as it's first come first serve on seating (you'll want a seat upstairs, in the shade, and nearest the... Read more

Reviewed by John F.

Nice 1 1/2 hour cruse up and down the Mississippi River. This was a lunch cruse that started at 11:00. You could either do the cruse with food, or without. We shared the boat with about 25... Read more

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• Sun, Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

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• 405 Veterans Memorial Drive
• La Crosse, WI 54602
• Phone: (608) 784-2893

A modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th century. Cruising out of La Crosse, WI, the boat is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the United States. In keeping with early traditions, the boat was built with split sternwheels that are the only means of propulsion, and each is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors which turn the paddles. U.S. Coast Guard inspected for safety and is licensed to carry up to 149 passengers.

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Big Boat River Cruises

Photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company

Big Boat River Cruises Along The Great River Road

The American Duchess 

The newest and first all-suite paddlewheel boat in the United State, the American Duchess is an excellent choice for cruising the Mississippi River. This luxurious riverboat is the first of its kind to offer solely suite rooms, including their new lofted suite option featuring a split-level room. On a multi-day voyage on the Upper Mississippi River, you’ll make numerous stops at various river towns along the Wisconsin Great River Road, giving you plenty of areas to explore Wisconsin history, culture, and nature. The American Duchess will stop in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 17th from noon-5; Friday, July 23rd from 8-5; Friday, July 30th from 8-5; and Wednesday, August 4th from 8-1. 

The American Countess

The American Countess, like the American Duchess, also ventures north on the Mississippi only during the late summer months and into fall. The American Countess will dock in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Friday, August 27th from noon-5; Tuesday, August 31st from 8-1; Friday, October 8th from noon-5; and Monday, October 11th from noon-5. Taking its maiden voyage in 2020, the American Countess is a fairly new river cruiser with many modern touches and luxury staterooms. There are plenty of events and entertainment during every voyage, but one of the perks of voyaging the Upper Mississippi alongside the Wisconsin Great River Road is the beauty of the Driftless Region and the unique river town stops. 

The La Crosse Queen

If a multi-day voyage isn’t for you, river cruises can also be enjoyed as both day and night cruises. The La Crosse Queen riverboat in La Crosse, Wisconsin offers a variety of paddlewheel cruises from daytime sightseeing and Sunday brunch cruises to evening dinner cruises. If you can’t make a full vacation out of your river cruise, a couple of hours on the La Crosse Queen can still give you a similar experience and the opportunity to see the Wisconsin Great River Road and the surrounding river valley from a different perspective. Additionally, a river cruise on the La Crosse Queen is a less expensive alternative that can be enjoyed by all. 

The Celebration Belle

For an even longer daytime cruise, The Celebration Belle is a great option for a day-long riverboat cruise including two meals and live entertainment. Based out of Prairie Du Chien , the Celebration Belle travels all the way down to Dubuque, Iowa for eight hours of cruising the Mississippi. You can look forward to seeing the beautiful Palisades and traveling alongside the tower bluffs, as well as scenery and wildlife from both the Wisconsin and Iowa Great River Roads. 

Upper Mississippi Explorer

Be captivated by fascinating stories as you walk in the footsteps of the early pioneers of the Upper Mississippi. Discover towns and cities that are rich in history and culture, and savor their delicious cuisine, from mouthwatering stews to the famed Mississippi mud pie. Journey to the gateway of America’s Wild West as you call on St. Louis, and in Hannibal, delight in exploring the world which provided the inspiration for Mark Twain’s novels.

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Memphis, TN Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

2 Scenic Sailing: Mississippi River The rich and varied landscape along the Mississippi River is characterized by wide floodplains, rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches nestled between fertile farmland and bustling bankside cities. Indigenous peoples used the river for thousands of years before Europeans began exploring the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became an important trade route during the 19th century, with the rise of steamboats and river commerce. Today, the river is an important ecological region, with diverse wildlife and habitats, including wetlands and forests.

3 Paducah, KY Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is one of Kentucky’s hidden gems. A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is famed for its preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings that line the main street. The city’s Downtown streets are a delight to explore on foot. The National Quilt Museum houses a superb collection of contemporary style quilts by artists from around the globe. Paducah is also famed for its “Wall to Wall” murals, colorful paintings by different artists that document the heritage and history of the city and the region.

4 Cape Girardeau, MO The largest city between St. Louis and Memphis, Cape Girardeau has a long and storied history. It was an important site during the Civil War and once housed a number of forts, including Fort D, which remains a well-preserved historic site to this day. Fondly referred to as “The Cape” by locals, this riverside destination is also popular with visitors who come to enjoy nature. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a stunning facility with verdant landscapes and picturesque trails to explore, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna.

5 St. Louis, MO During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.

6 Alton, IL Alton lies along The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route, where the Mississippi and the Illinois Rivers converge. The road to this historic town is considered one of America’s most picturesque drives, with its limestone river bluffs, flowering trees and whistling birds. Along the bluffs is a mural of the Piasa Bird, a dragon-like creature of Native American mythology, with the horns of a deer and a face like a man. First discovered during the 17th century, it had worn away due to the elements. It has since been restored and is today a celebrated landmark.

7 Hannibal, MO Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.

8 Burlington, IA The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul’s Church.

9 Quad Cities, IA Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America’s Breadbasket”—the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.

10 Dubuque, IA One of Iowa’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city’s growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.

11 La Crosse, WI La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or “Norwegian Valley.” Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open air museum.

12 La Crosse, WI Norwegian immigrants who settled in La Crosse during the late 19th and early 20th centuries have had a major influence on the city’s cuisine. Their traditional dishes, such as lefse, lutefisk and krumkake, are still enjoyed today, with many local restaurants offering Norwegian-inspired menu items. Norwegians also introduced dairy farming to the region, leading to the production of cheese, butter and other dairy products; Wisconsin is known for its cheese curds, bite-sized pieces of fresh cheddar that have a mild flavor and unique texture.

13 Red Wing, MN Red Wing is known for its Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers—many from New England—arrived in the mid-1800s. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed, bringing skills in tanning, shoemaking, pottery and more. The city boasts a diversity of legacies including Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the nation’s first commercial potter. Today, Red Wing enjoys a place in the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

14 St. Paul, MN Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, St. Paul welcomed its first settler in 1838. And little more than a decade later, the thriving settlement was named the capital of the Minnesota Territory. By 1858, some 1,000 steamboats frequented this “Last City of the East” on the frontier. Today, St. Paul is a modern metropolis and the capital of Minnesota. The city’s historic residential districts invite long strolls, particularly around Irvine Park near the Mississippi, where late 19th- and early 20th-century mansions grace tree-lined streets.

15 St. Paul, MN St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota and one of the state’s oldest cities. Situated on a series of bluffs overlooking a deep S-shaped bend in the Mississippi River, it forms the “Twin Cities” with neighboring Minneapolis. The city has long been an important commercial center, first for furs during the early 19th century, then later for livestock and meatpacking after the development of the railroad. St. Paul boasts several historic neighborhoods and is home to Summit Avenue, the longest preserved street of Victorian-era buildings in the US. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

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This Three-Day Mississippi River Cruise Adventure Starting In Wisconsin Is A Unique Family Getaway

By: Author Lena Linh

Posted on December 28, 2023

Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure on the water?

Let’s steer away from the usual and hop aboard a riverboat journey that’s brimming with charm, history, and good old family fun.

It’s time to uncover a hidden gem of the Midwest—a three-day Mississippi River cruise that’s nothing short of a unique family getaway !

Embarking on this leisurely voyage, you’ll find yourself aboard the Celebration Belle, a vessel that’s a throwback to another era with its classic paddlewheel design, yet with the comfort of modern amenities.

Crafted in 1986, this riverboat was born from the skilled hands of Patti Shipbuilding in Pensacola, and it’s ready to transport you through time and water.

Departing from the historic river town of Dubuque, the Celebration Belle sets a course for Prairie du Chien, about 60 miles upriver.

With every meal included, you won’t have to fret about where to grab a bite—you can sit back, relax, and savor the flavors while the Mississippi’s landscapes unfurl around you.

As the Celebration Belle chugs along the mighty Mississippi, you’re in for more than just a scenic jaunt—you’re on a floating feast!

It’s like your favorite family dinner, only with ever-changing waterfront views.

No squabbles over who picks the restaurant—here, the only debate is window seat or aisle.

And trust me, with the sights you’ll see, you’ll want to snag that window seat faster than a seagull on a French fry.

It’s a relaxing, belly-filling journey that will have the whole family beaming brighter than a lighthouse on a dark night.

All aboard for good eats and grand times!

Entertainment on board?

Absolutely!

From toe-tapping tunes to captivating storytelling, there’s something to keep everyone in high spirits as the paddlewheel churns through the mighty Mississippi.

And let’s not forget the magic of the mighty Mississippi itself.

It’s like a floating block party where the guest of honor is the river.

There’s a banjo plucker that could give any string a run for its money and stories so rich, you’d think Mark Twain himself was whispering in your ear.

Between the belly laughs and the soft sway of the boat, you’ll find yourself bonding with your family and making friends with folks you’ve just met.

It’s like summer camp for all ages, except the campfire is a grand old river, and the s’mores are, well, still s’mores because who can pass up on those?

Arriving in Prairie du Chien, there’s no need to stress about logistics.

The boat company has it all figured out—they’ll whisk you off to a cozy hotel with a shuttle arranged for your convenience.

Once you’re nestled in that hotel, you’re not just a guest—you’re family.

And in Prairie du Chien, the pillows are fluffier than a marshmallow convention.

There’s no fuss here—it’s all about kicking back, maybe with a local treat in hand.

Tomorrow’s adventures can wait.

Tonight, we feast on hospitality!

Related: Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wisconsin

Related: Places to Visit in the Badger State

Related: Travel Guide for Wisconsin

Your second day is an immersion into Prairie du Chien’s rich tapestry of history.

The Fort Crawford Museum is a treasure trove, revealing tales of the fort that loyally stood watch over the city from 1816 to 1856.

As you wander through Fort Crawford Museum, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine—minus the futuristic gadgets and the risk of altering history with an ill-timed sneeze.

Here, the past doesn’t just whisper—it tells stories louder than my Aunt Ida at a family reunion.

Each exhibit is like a chapter of a page-turner, except here, the characters are real, and the battles don’t need any CGI enhancements.

It’s a place where kids can play soldier without turning the living room into a no-go zone, and parents can marvel without spending a fortune.

Cruising back downriver is where the magic happens.

This eight-hour journey offers a tranquil escape through breathtaking stretches of river country.

It’s a chance to let time slow down and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As you meander back down the river, think of it as nature’s lazy river ride—without the plastic tubes and the splash fights, unless you’re into that, which, by the way, is totally fine!

This is the kind of place where eagles soar overhead like they’re part of a top-notch airshow, just for you, and the trees along the banks wave as if they’re old friends cheering you on in the slowest race ever.

And the best part?

There’s no Wi-Fi, which means you’ll actually have to talk to your family—and you’ll want to because this scenic route is the ultimate conversation starter.

Travelers come from near and far, some journeying over 1,000 miles for this experience.

The Celebration Belle’s reputation even caught the attention of Swedish royalty—yes, the king and queen themselves have graced its decks!

This Wisconsin excursion, along with other Mississippi River adventures offered by the Celebration Belle, is more than just a trip—it’s a lasting memory for the whole family.

Discover the wonders of Wisconsin and dive into the adventures that await along the mighty Mississippi with just a click on their website .

Curious about where the Celebration Belle is?

This handy map will show you the spot.

Where : 2501 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265

So, aren’t you curious to see what all the fuss is about?

Why not join a tradition that’s been charming travelers for years?

What’s holding you back from setting sail on your next great family story?

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La Crosse WI (Wisconsin)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-07-05 02:47

Port La Crosse WI cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from La Crosse WI, Wisconsin. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

La Crosse WI is a Mississippi River cruise port and town in Wisconsin USA (La Crosse County) with total area approx 58 km2 (23 mi2) and population around 53,000. The town forms the core of La Crosse-Onalaska (WI-MN Metro Area) with combined population around 140,000. Along the river, cargoes are shipped to and from this region to St Louis (Missouri) and  St Paul (Minnesota)  via towboats moving drybulk cargo barges loaded with grain, coal and other low-value goods.

Mississippi River Bridge (aka Cass St Bridge) and Cameron Street Bridge link downtown with La Crescent (Minnesota). Both bridges and the highway I90 Bridge (to the northwest) connect the states Minnesota and Wisconsin.

La Crosse has over 30 art organizations. Pump House Regional Arts Center hosts visual arts exhibits year-round, in addition to its own folk, blues and jazz performers. The town has many bars and nightclubs. Riverside Park is on downtown's riverfront (close to Blue Bridges) and across the river from Pettibone Park. Riverside Park hosts popular public events like Riverfest, Oktoberfest, Rotary Lights, 4th of July firework shows. The steamboats Julia Belle Swain, La Crosse Queen and American Queen make stops along the river. The park also has numerous walking and running trails.

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La Crosse WI - user reviews and comments

La Crosse, Wisconsin River Cruises

• Start Date Select Month July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 OR, More specific start
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Village Visits
• American Serenade
• Viking Mississippi

America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
• Visit the Quad Cities

America’s Heartland

• Discover history of the Mississippi
• Explore Dubuque, Iowa
• Experience Mississippi river towns
• Admire local artisan work

Grand Heartland Cruise

• Visit mansions and art galleries
• See the Gateway Arch and St. Louis
• Visit Natchez’s antebellum homes
• Experience Memphis' musical legacy

Top La Crosse Travel Destinations

• Mississippi River

Top Experiences in La Crosse

• La Crosse River Cruises (3)
• La Crosse Cruises (3)
• La Crosse Cultural (3)

La Crosse Trips by Activity

• La Crosse village visits (3)

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2024 RiverBoat Shore Stops In La Crosse, WI

Jun 23, 2024 to Oct 6, 2024

Mississippi River Levee, Riverside Park 100 State St La Crosse WI, 54601

Event Website

608-782-2366

[email protected]

Boats dock at the Mississippi River Levee in Riverside Park. Schedule subject to change according to unpredictable river conditions. Please call ahead to assure the schedule, 800-658-9424.

Viking Mississippi Cruise Ship: Aug 13th arrives 130pm, Aug 14th departs 300pm, Aug 19th 9am-5pm, Aug 29th 930am-5pm, September 2nd 8am-5pm, September 12th 930am-5pm, September 16th 8am-5pm, October 15th arrives 130pm, October 16th departs 300pm, October 21st 8am-500pm

American Serenade Cruise Ship: July 11th 8am-11pm, July 25th 8am-11pm, August 8th 8am-11pm, August 8th 8am-11pm, August 11th 8am-11pm, September 19th 8am-11pm

American Melody Cruise Ship: June 23rd 8am-11pm, August 4th 8am-11pm, September 5th 8am-11pm

American Symphony Cruise Ship: September 22nd 8am-11pm, October 6th 8am-11pm

Mississippi River in La Crosse reaches moderate flood levels

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - La Crosse, Vernon, and Houston Counties are under warnings due to flooding along the Mississippi River.

Impacted areas around La Crosse include Riverside Park and Goose Island Campground. Campground owners say about 60 percent of the campsite is uncampable and they’ve had to deny multiple reservations.

National Weather Service Forecaster Mike Kurz says the recent weather has been a huge factor in the flooding.

“We’ve had a very active severe weather pattern and heavy rain pattern over the last couple months. All that accumulation of heavy rain in the river basins across the area have been gradually draining into the Mississippi River basin,” says Kurz.

The National Weather Service says the rivers will crest at nearly 15 feet.

“That will be kind of heading right into the 4th of July holiday. It’s continuing to increase right now it’s about 14.7 feet, so it’s slowly increasing. Because of all the water in the system right now, it’s expected to be a prolonged crest. It’ll take a long time for the water to gradually recede as we get out of the crest period later this week,” says Kurz.

National Weather Service forecasters add that these water levels are unusual this time of year.

“For La Crosse, this is the latest in the calendar year that we’ve had river levels this high approaching 14.9 feet. The most recent would have been 1993 in the end of June, where it crested just above 14 feet,” says Kurz.

The National Weather Service says they do not expect water levels to rise much higher than 15 feet, which means the area record of 17.9 feet will stay.

Advanced public reservations are taken online. Bookings open four weeks in advance of cruise date.

Pizza Cruise

Discover the Mississippi River while enjoying free pizza and unlimited tap beer and soda!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Users Ages: All ages
• Clock Start time: Wednesday's and Friday's at 5:30 p.m. & Saturday's and Sunday's at 3:30 p.m.
• Info Booking: Public reservations can be booked online four weeks in advance

Enjoy Free Pizza, Tap Beer and Soda as You Cruise on The Mississippi

Get together with friends, family or business associates for camaraderie and fun on this 90 minute scenic Mississippi River cruise. Enjoy complimentary pizza with unlimited tap beer and soda while you cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. This cruise is available to individuals, groups, and private parties, running early May through October. Advanced reservations are necessary. This cruise is NOT narrated. Beer, wine, and liquor are available for purchase. Please call to book if this cruise is full.

• Complimentary pizza
• Unlimited tap beer and soda

Related Cruises

• Clock Varies
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Three-Hour Lunch Cruise

Spend the afternoon cruising along the Mississippi River and enjoying a buffet-style lunch!

• Clock 7:30 p.m.
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Friday Dinner Cruise

Have a delicious buffet-style dinner while enjoying live music on this evening tour of the Mississippi River!

• Most Popular
• Clock 6:00 p.m.
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Saturday Dinner Cruise

Feast on a delicious chicken and prime rib dinner while relaxing on this Mississippi River tour!