While many may associate the beauty and tranquility of the Mississippi River with Southern states, North America's largest river system extends far north into Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the warmer months (most cruise lines operate between May and October) select ships are available for public cruises, groups and even private parties.
With a menu of cruise options ranging from a sightseeing cruise (about $17 per person) to a Friday dinner cruise ($45 each), Paradise Cruises may be the most flexible and diverse Mississippi River cruise company in Minnesota. The sightseeing is quite popular (as a result, advance reservations are strongly encouraged) and takes cruisers through downtown Minneapolis and St. Anthony Falls. A guide narrates the tour, which also includes food, snacks and a full-service cash bar. The other three options (Sunday brunch, Friday dinner and Happy Hour Pizza) all include complimentary meals.
Paradise Cruise
P.O. Box 563
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-474-8058
twincitiescruises.com
If your goal is to see Minneapolis from the Mississippi River, then the Minneapolis Bus & Mississippi River Tour is the ideal choice. The tour starts off on a bus, moving through downtown Minneapolis to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the region's Farmer's Market. Continue the exploration aboard a riverboat floating across the Mississippi and check out nature's gifts to the regions, including bird watching and plenty of local flowers and plants. Adults pay about $47, kids $32 and people over age 55 get a discounted rate of $40.
Minneapolis Bus & Mississippi River Tour
Mall of America
5000 Center Court
Bloomington, MN 55425
888-307-4168
minneapolistours.net
Padelford cruises are an adventurer's paradise. Departing from Harriet Island in nearby St. Paul, the 1.5-hour tour floats by bridges, caves, islands and forts on a classic-style riverboat. The cruise company offers tours throughout the summer and special "Fall Color Cruises" for September and October, as well as a myriad of specialty cruises that include "Margaritas on The Mississippi," "Lunch & Lock Cruise" and an Oktoberfest lunch cruise. The cost of the sightseeing cruise is $16 for adults, $8 for kids under 12 and $14 for people over age 65. Prices for specialty cruises can reach $45 for adults.
Padelford Packet Boat Co. Inc.
Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN 55107
800-543-3908
riverrides.com
