The fourth longest river in the world, the Mississippi River begins as a small stream at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, before meandering through 10 states on its 3,902 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. For over a century, steamboats chugged the length of the river, hauling goods and tourists to 44 scenic ports. Although legislation in 2008 currently prevents these historic wooden boats from hosting overnight excursions, day cruises are a spectacular way to explore the river's northern reaches in Minnesota.
Enjoy a scenic cruise through historic downtown Minneapolis aboard the Minneapolis Queen paddle-wheeler. Relax on your narrated journey while exploring the largest lock on the Mississippi River and seeing the dramatic beauty of St. Anthony Falls.
A variety of cruises are available, including the popular Happy Hour Pizza and Lock cruise each Wednesday and Thursday evening. A Friday night dinner cruise serves up such delights as beef tenderloin served with Bordelaise sauce and chicken breast stuffed with Minnesota wild rice. The Paradise Lady, a luxury yacht, provides an elegant setting for the Sunday Brunch Cruise, which features Belgian Waffles, along with a variety of meats, eggs, pastries and breads. The boats may be chartered for private events for from 20 to 145 guests, and school field trips are welcome.
Paradise Charter Cruises
Boom Island Park
700 Sibley Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
888-559-8058
twincitiescruises.com
Departing from Harriet Island in St. Paul, Padelford Riverboats offers a wide array of specialty cruises each day from May through October. Experience beautiful wilderness areas, rich in riparian waterfowl, and travel back in time as you enjoy the historic scenery. In addition to sightseeing cruises, you may wish to enjoy some local cuisine on the beer and brats cruise, which offers complimentary hotdogs and brats, as well as two-for-one beer. A margarita cruise is offered weekly with free taco bar included in the passage. Romantic sunset dinner cruises depart several times weekly, featuring delicious entrees including pot roast with all the trimmings and baked manicotti.
Padelford also hosts the Big River Journey Science cruise for students in fourth through sixth grade, where children can see river invertebrates firsthand, learn about riparian wildlife and geology, and marvel at the scenic wonders along the way.
Padelford Packet Boat Co.
Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-227-1100
800-543-3908
riverrides.com
Spend the day enjoying Minneapolis by land and water. Begin the journey seeing the sights of the city on a narrated bus tour, including the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Browse the Minneapolis Farmer's Market where local fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and honey are among the items from which you can choose. Embark on a paddleboat and travel along the lazy river while your tour guide relates the history of the area. Travel through wilderness and urban areas to the origin of St. Paul, the Pig's Eye Cave, named after a one-eyed bootlegger who sold moonshine to local rivermen stopping at the artesian spring. This combination tour runs each Thursday from June through August.
Minneapolis Tours
888-307-4168
minneapolistours.net
