riverboat cruise la crosse wi

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La Crosse Queen Cruises

405 Veterans Memorial Dr, La Crosse , Wisconsin 54601 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• More in La Crosse

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“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 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

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 Jennifer S.

It was a nice sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River. Hour & 1/2 with drinks for purchase on board. $18.75 per tix for adults. Only 150 seats, buy tix the day b4 or very early the day of,... 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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• Unknown Pets Allowed
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La Crosse River Cruises

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• River Cruises
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America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
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America’s Heartland

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

Top La Crosse Travel Destinations

• Mississippi River

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• 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.

Yelp Reviews

• Buffalo City
• Centerville
• Diamond Bluff
• Dickeyville
• Fountain City
• Maiden Rock
• Prairie du Chien
• Trempealeau
• Attractions
• Pet Friendly
• Agritourism
• Birds and Other Wildlife

Boating and Boat Tours

• Historic Downtowns
• Locks & Dams
• Scenic Overlooks
• Wine Tasting
• Local Stories
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To truly experience the Wisconsin Great River Road, you need to get out on the river. A number of boat launches, boat tours and other on-the-water experiences are available in many of the river towns.

River Cruises

Boating & paddling, boating maps - north to south, houseboat rentals, la crossse queen.

The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the Mississippi River in the early 1900s. 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.

More than 25,000 acres of open water awaits you on Lake Pepin. This natural lake was formed by a natural sandbar created where the Chippewa River spills into the Mississippi. The result is one of the best places on earth for sailing and boating. Waterskiing was invented on this big body of water. Numerous marinas and boat launches can be found along its shores.

Lake Onalaska

At 7,700 acres, Lake Onalaska offers boaters lots of room to explore. The lake is famous not only as a boating and paddling destination – it’s also known as the “Sunfish Capital of the World.” Backwater areas and quiet sloughs are perfect for canoeing and kayaking.

Lake Winneshiek

This wild and undeveloped stretch near Lynxville and Ferryville offers thousands of acres of open water just waiting to be explored with a canoe or kayak. At the northern and southern ends of the pool, the river splits into numerous channels. Boat launches are located along the eastern shore, allowing easy access to this pristine section of the Mississippi River. Numerous stumps and islands make this a challenging stretch for motorboats

Prescott Pool 3, River Miles 814-804

Diamond bluff pools 3&4, river miles 803-791, bay city pool 4, river miles 790-780, stockholm pool 4, river miles 781-771, pepin pool 4, river miles 771-761, nelson & alma pool 4&5, river miles 762-751, buffalo city & cochrane pool 5, river miles 750-739, fountain city pools 5a & 6, river miles 738-727, trempealeau national wildlife refuge pool 6, river miles 727-717, trempealeau pools 6&7, river miles 716-706, onalaska & la crosse pools 7&8, river miles 706-696, la crosse & stoddard pool 8, river miles 695-684, genoa pools 8 & 9, river miles 683-673, victory & de soto pool 9, river miles 673-661, ferryville & lynxville pool 9, river miles 660-649, north of prairie du chien pools 9 & 10, river miles 650-640, prairie du chien pool 10, river miles 639-629, wyalusing, bagley, glen haven pool 10, river miles 628-618, glen haven, cassville pools 10 & 11, river miles 617-606, cassville pool 11, river miles 605-596, potosi pool 11, river miles 596-585, dickeyville, kieler pools 11 & 12, river miles 585-579, cassville car ferry.

The charming river town of Cassville is home to one of the few operating car ferries on the Upper Mississippi River. The first ferry operating out of Cassville dates back to 1833, making the Cassville ferry the oldest operating ferry service in Wisconsin. Kids will love the trip across the Mississippi River to Turkey River in Iowa.

The ferry runs seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During May, September and October, it runs from Friday to Sunday only.

Fun in the Sun Houseboats

Enjoy a houseboat vacation on the Mississippi River with Fun ’N the Sun houseboats! As the captain of your own houseboat, you’ll enjoy the freedom of exploring the Mississippi River at your own pace.

Great River Houseboats

Enjoy spectacular bluffs, secluded sand beaches and boating on the largest pool on the Upper Mississippi River which includes beautiful Lake Pepin. Quaint river towns offer a variety of services and food.

Phone 800 331-1467

It’s Twilight Time

2-Day Cruise

Our signature cruise.

1-Day Cruise

North into the valleys.

Sightseeing Cruise

1 1/2 hour • leclaire.

2024 Cruise Schedule

The riverboat twilight.

Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.

Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative, and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.

The Riverboat Twilight is family-owned and operated business, with a focus providing entertaining and quality cruises. The 140-passenger vessel has ample indoor, and outdoor seating on all three decks, and wrap-around windows give way to amazing views.

Our 2024 season offers 1-day, 2-day, and sightseeing cruises departing from LeClaire & Dubuque, Iowa.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries.

Absolutely perfect in all ways!

My Friend and I went on the Riverboat Twilight and it was the most perfect/awesome adventure! From reserving our trip to our final walk to our car after the two day cruise, all was perfect! Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. The food is suburb and generous! Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! The scenery and info along the way from the captain was wonderful! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.

The service by all involved was first class all the way!

We were very impressed by the personal service we received by the staff and everyone involved. The trip was very nice from a sightseeing perspective, interesting from a historical perspective and very relaxing overall. Plus the food was plentiful and excellent. We highly recommend this cruise to everyone!

Wonderful relaxing two days....

Extremely enjoyable trip. The cruise itself was delightful as you slowly moved up and down the river enjoying the wildlife and listening to the Captain explain the view and history. Unless you are a very big eater you have to be selective as they feed you FIVE times a day. Not only is the food plentiful but it is also very good. The Grand Resort in Dubuque was a nice stay as we had a view of the river. There was adequate time to explore some of the sights In Dubuque. I think we will do this trip again in the future…….

3 F's; Food, Food, and Fun

Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. No detail is overlooked.

Riverboat Twilight 360° Tours

Pilot house.

Deck 3 Stern

Downtown LeClaire Near Dock

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If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to do so, however, at this time the Riverboat Twilight does not ask for proof of vaccination. Mask wearing is the choice of the individual. The Twilight offers ample indoor and outdoor seating on all three decks and plenty of fresh air.

We will continue to maintain our increased sanitization efforts of the TWILIGHT and our boarding facilities, and we continue to provide hand sanitizer aboard the boat and employ a strong air purifier that uses UVC lighting that has been proven to destroy viruses and other bacteria.

For the safety of our passengers and crew and to maintain proper cleanliness, we have implemented the following guidelines for parents of children under the age of 14. While onboard the vessel and when making use of our food and beverages services, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. With your cooperation and understanding, we will be able to continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As an owner, of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Le Claire, IA and the President of Great Lakes Management Group which manages the hotel’s day to day operations, I wanted to say thank you. The business relationship with the Riverboat Twilight and her passengers is valued and much appreciated. We all know businesses from every industry has been operating in a different environment the last 8 weeks and will encounter new changes in the future.

We continue to monitor the franchise, local, state and federal safety guidelines to insure our guest and staff safety. For example, we anticipate a few changes in the near future which will include the following: a plastic shield / barrier at the front desk check,  revised breakfast offerings without a buffet setting, hand sanitizer located in the lobby and all floors at the elevator landings, continued use of hospital grade products to clean and sanitize the guest rooms, individual sanitizer wipes as an in-room amenity, removal of all products in the rooms that are reusable for example, pens, pads, laundry bags, and throw pillows, these items will be available upon request. We hope to see you soon. Stay safe and healthy!

  Respectfully, Neil Densmore | President glmg | hotels

The La Crosse Queen

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The La Crosse Queen - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• Canada and USA Rivers Cruise Ports

La Crosse WI (Wisconsin)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-05-19 06:49

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

• Last Updated On
• December 28, 2023

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

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?

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!