This company runs daily "rain or shine" riverboat cruises from the Stillwater docks. They offer lunch and dinner cruises and private chartered cruises on paddle-wheel riverboats that can hold up to 675 guests. The lunch cruises start out at 11:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and a brunch is offered at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, as of March 2010. The two-hour dinner cruises leave at 6:15 p.m. during the week and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. A jazz band provides live music for the popular Sunday cruises, which leave at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Prices range from $17.65 and up for lunch to $28.95 for the Saturday night feast and Dixieland band (all prices are lower for children 12 and under). Beverages are extra. The season begins in May and runs until mid- to late October; the boat leaves with a minimum of 20 guests.
St. Croix Boat & Packet Co.
525 South Main St.
Stillwater MN 55082
651-430-1234
stillwaterriverboats.com/index.html
This charter company docks the Lady Chateau at the Stillwater Yacht Club and offers three-hour day or night cruises up and down the St. Croix. The yacht, which can accommodate up to 70 guests, is luxuriously appointed with teak interiors, leather furniture and works of art. An enclosed main salon holds a bar and buffet area, while the top deck provides bench seats in the sun or shade and an open space for mingling and dancing.
Sea Note Cruises
Stillwater Yacht Club
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-2770
seanotecruises.com
Authentic Venetian gondolas ply the waters of the St. Croix. These oared boats are 36 feet in length and quite stable and comfortable, and can hold up to six passengers, who are invited to bring food and beverages. Reservations include the service of a skilled gondolier. The company, which sails from May through October, offers walk-up rides when the boats are unreserved. Although reservations are non-refundable, cancellations due to weather or waves can be rescheduled. "Full Moon" night rides are also available.
Gondola Romantica
425 East Nelson St.
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-439-1783
gondolaromantica.com
