Paradise Charter Cruises owns a fleet of four modern yachts, plus the replica paddleboat Mississippi Queen. Three of the yachts cruise exclusively on Lake Minnetonka, while the largest yacht and the paddleboat both run on the Mississippi River. Regularly scheduled public cruises on the river include a midday sightseeing trip that visits the lock at St. Anthony Falls, the Happy Hour Pizza and Lock cruise, a Friday night dinner trip and a Sunday brunch cruise. On Lake Minnetonka, cruisers can choose from among a midday sightseeing trip, a Happy Hour Pizza and Cocktail cruise or a Sunday brunch trip.
Padelford's fleet of riverboats includes two replica paddleboats: the sternwheeler Jonathan Padelford and the sidewheeler Anson Northrup. There is also a party barge, the Betsey Northrup, which can be pushed along by a tug or attached to the Anson Northrup for a combination boat that holds 660 passengers. Padelford Riverboats operates sightseeing trips daily during the summer and on weekends in May, September and October. Special meal cruises include sunset dinners and lunch cruises, with special brunches served on Mother's Day and Father's Day. Also on the schedule are margarita cruises and Okterberfest trips on Saturdays during the fall. The riverboats are also available for private charters, which may be arranged to such themes as pirates, Las Vegas casino, North Woods or 50s flashback.
Al and Alma's offers both public and charter cruises on Lake Minnetonka using its fleet of six custom yachts. Visitors get an extensive view of the lake's 114-mile shoreline on these trips. Public cruises include the Saturday BBQ Picnic Lunch, a Sunday brunch and a Fajitas and Margaritas cruise in the early evening. Dinner cruises are also offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Advance reservations and prepayment are required, but there is no minimum number of guests in each party. Private charters can be arranged for groups ranging from 20 to 149 guests with catering provided for appetizers, lunch, dinner and desserts.
