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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

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231 Albin Stevens Dr

Ottawa, IL 61350

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I cannot rave enough about the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat! I went on the riverboat for my friend's 40th birthday this fall and it was the BEST experience ever! We did the unlimited mimosas and brunch from 10:30-12:30. The mimosas were fantastic and the food was delicious! They had so much to offer from donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownies, croissants, cheeses, bacon and sausage sandwiches, etc. We were over the moon with what they offered on the brunch cruise. The service was quick and friendly. The boat itself had dining options inside and outside. We sat on the upper deck and it was the perfect spot to take in all of the beautiful fall colors and views. We also saw so many bald eagles on our boat tour as well. If you haven't been on this riverboat tour, you're missing out. I cannot wait to go again!!

See all photos from Lisa M. for Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

We just went on the Sunday morning brunch cruise yesterday and absolutely loved it! All the staff on board were kind and welcoming and appeared to all truly love what they do. The buffet brunch was catered by the Lone Buffalo and it was huge and delicious - veggie quiche, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, and a variety of baked goods. Our party had a mimosa and tasty Tangled Roots beers as well. The riverboat, especially the bar and bathrooms, is beautifully remodeled. I think we were just a little early to catch the fall leaves, but we saw some bald eagles and other great scenery. I would definitely take this cruise again!

This was a beautiful evening on a cute little paddle boat. The staff was very friendly. We enjoyed the entertainment and the bar offerings were delicious and priced well. I will recommend this experience to friends and can't wait to visit again.

We spotted the riverboat from the road on the way to Starved Rock and booked the Sunday cruise. It was the perfect way to unwind after hiking. We had a wonderful evening ride down the River watching the sun set and hearing some local history. Light snacks provided and drinks are available for a good price. The crew couldn't have been nicer!! Highly recommend you come support this small local business!!

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• Attraction Spotlight: The Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

The Sainte Genevieve is a classic riverboat, but reimagined for the new, modern era. Rather than the traditional red and white paintjob, onlookers will notice her striking dark green accents. Not only can passengers admire the intricately handcrafted interior, but they can also enjoy the boat’s enclosed dining area, cocktail bar, and the open-air top deck. 

The story of the Sainte Genevieve begins in 2021, when founders Gentry & Lindsey Nordstrom and Jessica & Nathan Weiss formed the Ottawa Packet Company. While taking the riverboat from Cincinnati to Ottawa, fierce winds battered her against the rocks of the Mississippi River. She was taking on water. Luckily, she and her crew were aided by a local towboat crew, and brought to a quarry in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri.  

The original Sainte Genevieve, the patroness saint of Paris, had enemies who plotted to drown her in a lake, but their plans were foiled. Just like her namesake, the Sainte Genevieve riverboat triumphed over hardship. Her legendary origin story provides a fount of inspiration for her crew -and her passengers- to remain perseverant and resilient in the face of adversity.  

The Sainte Genevieve offers a variety of cruises for any perspective voyager. For those wanting to do some classic sightseeing, a tour with lighter narration up or down the river is available. Or for passengers who wish to have a meal as they venture along the river, the Sunset and Small Bites cruise is the perfect choice. Guests will be treated to a buffet, all supplied by local restaurants. And don’t worry- the bar will be fully stocked for this cruise! You can also take part of the Lock & Lunch tour, a one-way voyage to/from the Starved Rock Lodge. This trip includes lunch at the lodge, narration during the cruise, return transportation (if necessary). All this and more awaits any passengers! There are even historical sightseeing tours or trips with live music. Private events are also available. 

The Sainte Genevieve aims to offer the classic riverboat experience with a modern and charming twist.  Cruises can be booked via their website: stegenriverboat.com .

I took my first voyage aboard the Sainte Genevieve in 2023, narrated by Tom Aussem of Awesome Ottawa Tours. Learning about the area’s history while taking in the scenic views along the river is quite a unique experience. We spotted several eagles and other wildlife, gorgeous views of the natural world, near forgotten (yet quite important) historical sites, and a spectacular sunset on the river.  

A journey on the Ste. Genevieve allows you to see the local landscape in a whole new way. Not only are you sightseeing from the river itself, but the boat’s atmosphere and the crew’s hospitality make it a trip to remember. I know I certainly won’t forget my time aboard the Sainte Genevieve any time soon. 

Author: Donna Reynolds

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Now Offering Tours

Paddlewheel tour boat gives sunset cruises and dinner events along ottawa’s illinois river.

Experience the fall colors along the Illinois River from the comfort of the newly launched Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa. Starved Rock Country has long been a popular destination for autumnal sightseeing and recreational boating in north central Illinois, offering beautiful sandstone cliff faces lined with towering trees and calm, wide waters. Now, thanks to this authentic sternwheeler, a fall river sighting-seeing trip is more hospitable and accessible than ever before.

Spearheaded by Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, and Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, this passion project has begun to entertain locals and visitors alike after a summer of meticulous renovation. The Sainte Genevieve, a genuine sternwheeler capable of hosting up to 149 passengers, has taken its maiden sightseeing cruises up and down the Illinois to great initial acclaim.

The Sainte Genevieve’s inaugural tour schedule includes two distinct types of trip, both highlighting the Starved Rock Country river valley’s beautiful autumnal views and the riverboat’s panoramic bay windows and upper deck. The standard sight-seeing cruise, which runs about 90 minutes, will feature light narration and plenty of ambiance on two distinct and uniquely picturesque routes (guests can choose to book an up-river or down-river trip at checkout).

The up-river route will head east out of Ottawa, past the south bluff, where you can see beautiful riverfront homes and travel toward Heritage Harbor. On this trek, you’ll likely spot some wildlife on several of the river’s islands, before reaching your turnaround point ahead of the Marseilles Lock & Dam. The down-river route will head west out of Ottawa under the historic railroad bridge, travel up toward Buffalo Rock, where you can see the breathtaking rock faces that line the river.

The other staple voyage on offer is a sunset cruise featuring an appetizer buffet. Also running about 90 minutes, this excursion will give guests a chance to enjoy the Sainte Genevieve’s sprawling on-board cocktail buffet – featuring hearty appetizer options and curated bites from local restaurants, along with an unmatched view of the Starved Rock Country sunset. Seating for these events is on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to mingle on both the upper and lower decks to enjoy the views.

The Sainte Genevieve’s cabin is complete with heaters, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the outside temperature. The owners of Sainte Genevieve hope to run the riverboat cruises through the middle of December, so Chris Kringle Market guests can enjoy a convenient winter excursion along the river.

Upcoming events include partnerships with local restaurants, offering themed dining nights, dessert cruises, murder mystery events, brunch cruises and special Halloween activities. The riverboat also will play host to special private events and functions. Bookings for weddings and private sightseeing tours already have begun to roll in.

The Sainte Genevieve tours currently operate Wednesday through Sunday in October, and are taking reservations on the website at www.stegenriverboat.com . The 2022 fares for evening cruises are $20 for children (3-12) and $30 for adults. Weekend sightseeing cruises cost $27 for children (3-12) and $37, respectively. Prices will vary for buffet cruises and special events.

For more information on the Sainte Genevieve, visit www.stegenriverboat.com

For updated details on fall colors, be sure to follow Starved Rock Country on Facebook and Instagram .

River Cruises

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note, effective January 1, 2023, promotional punch cards are no longer valid for future punches or additional stays at no charge.

Trolley Tours & Boat Rides

Choose a River Cruise, Land & Water Cruise with lunch or a “Visit a Canyon with a Boat Ride.” Attendees meet outside of the Great Hall and board a Starved Rock Trolley to travel to the Eagle I for a leisurely cruise on the Illinois River. Reservations are required. Book online, call (815) 220-7386 or stop by our Front Desk. *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Lock and Lunch

Aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat as it passes through the starved rock lock.

Experience something new and fun aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation included. Passangers can choose between two Itinerates.

• May-October
• Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Departs at 9AM in Ottawa & 11AM at Starved Rock Lodge
• $77 adults, $67 children (10 and under)
• *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Sunset Cruise

Cruise down the beautiful illinois river aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat.

Enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Illinois River aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat. You will board the trolley at the Lodge and head over to beautiful Ottawa, IL for your cruise. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge. Reservations required.

• June-August: Thursdays, departs at 5PM, Except 7/4 departs at 4:30PM, $50 adults, $40 children
• September (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 4PM, $75 adults, $65 children
• October (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 3:30PM, $75 adults, $65 children
• Call 815-220-7386 to book September-October

Land & Water Cruises

Illinois river cruise with lunch.

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock’s history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible.  Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• Runs June – September
• Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
• Departs at 11am (ends at 3pm)
• $60 adults, $55 Children (10 and under)
• Call 815-220-7386 to book July 17th & September

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride

Illinois river & ottawa canyon hike.

Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Canyon chosen may vary, depending on weather, river and trail conditions. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June – September
• Saturdays and Sundays
• 11AM to 1:30PM
• October – Sundays 11AM to 1:30PM
• $55 adult, $50 Children 10 and under
• Call 815-220-7386 to book September

Waterfowl Cruises

One-hour boat ride on the illinois river.

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour long boat ride on The Eagle I. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June-September
• Saturdays & Sundays
• Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• October – Sundays Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• $37 per person

Autumn on the River Cruises

Illinois river boat ride.

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, “The Eagle I” where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Reservations are required. Capacity is limted.

• Runs in October
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• $60 adults, $55 children 10 and under

Keep In Touch

Get exclusive deals by email, #starvedrocklodge.

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat arrives in Ottawa

Ottawa packet co. brings authentic paddlewheel tour boat to src riverfront.

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

Starved Rock Country has long been a popular destination for recreational boating in north central Illinois, with its beautiful sandstone cliff faces and calm, wide waters drawing countless leisure boaters and the occasional river cruise stopover. Now, thanks to the newly established Ottawa Packet Company, exploring the Illinois River will be easier than ever before.

The Sainte Genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheeler, soon will offer daily tours of the scenic waterway. Spearheaded by Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, and Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, this passion project finally is coming to fruition as the vessel arrives home at its new port in downtown Ottawa on Saturday, March 12.

So why did they choose Ottawa for the exciting new tour boat venture?

“We saw an opportunity – Ottawa is this historic riverfront town – but the river isn’t very accessible,” Nordstrom said. “Unless you own a boat or know someone who owns one, you don’t get to spend much time out on the water. Outside of rentals at Heritage Harbor, there’s not many ways to enjoy the river. This is a way to make it more accessible and provide some great, much needed, event space.”

Nordstrom sees this as a large tourism draw for the city, bringing in overnight stays and day-trippers alike with high-quality, evening sight-seeing excursions, one of the many one- to two-and-a-half-hour tours they plan on hosting aboard The Ste. Genevieve riverboat. Most trips will take place in the stretch of water between Starved Rock and Marseilles, with hopes of expanding to include longer duration trips that will show guests how the lock system works. Dinner cruises, featuring small plates from favorite local restaurants, and regularly scheduled live events also are expected to be cornerstones of their activity calendar.

The Ottawa Packet Company has been working in conjunction with the city of Ottawa to have their home port be located right along the downtown riverfront, near the site of the former River Rescue building, adding a beautiful new addition to the city’s vintage skyline.

The journey to owning a riverboat began in late September 2021, when Weiss reached out to Nordstrom about the possibility of partnering together and purchasing the Julia Belle Swain, a legendary steamboat located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The pair even had a personal connection to the vessel, as Weiss’ father, Tom, with the help of Nordstrom’s father, John, handcrafted and installed a custom, ornamental mahogany bar and millwork for the Julia Belle Swain back in 1985.

While the Julia Belle Swain deal ultimately didn’t materialize, Nordstrom and Weiss now had the riverboat bug and were doubly committed to tracking down the perfect vessel for Ottawa.

“That boat was more than we could bite off, but we knew that this was a good idea and that we wanted to keep exploring it,” Nordstrom said. “Nathan stayed on the hunt, he was connected with Kevin Stier, who operates the Riverboat Twilight out of Le Claire, Iowa. Kevin called him up one day and said he’d found us the perfect starter boat.”

That perfect sternwheeler was The Mark Twain, a 149-passenger excursion vessel docked in Cincinnati, Ohio, and already Coast Guard-certified and fully operational. Nordstrom and Weiss jumped on the opportunity, and drove out east for a tour and sea trial.

“Right away, we knew that if we’re going to do this, it has to be this boat and it has to be right now,” Nordstrom said.

By early December, they closed on The Mark Twain, and began preparations for the planned two-week trek down the Ohio, and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. However, the voyage to the new home port was not without its challenges.

About a week into the trip, Weiss, along with the crew on board, encountered a bad windstorm, and the boat was blown into an outcropping of rocks near the shoreline. The vessel’s hull was breached, and quickly began taking on water. Luckily, they were able to get towed to a nearby quarry in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

“That was our saving grace; they were very hospitable to us and really helped us out at a difficult time,” Nordstrom said. “Starting out, I knew the boat was going to name itself on the trip. We knew we wanted to change the name from The Mark Twain to set it apart from similar boats with the same name.”

After the boat safely landed in Ste. Genevieve, Weiss’ wife, Jessica, proposed Ste. Genevieve as a possible name for the vessel. So they began researching the history of Ste. Genevieve’s namesake, the patroness saint of Paris in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and discovered some parallels.

“At one point during her story, Ste. Genevieve’s enemies conspire to drown her in a lake, and they’re unsuccessful,” Nordstrom said. “After reading that, we knew the boat had named itself.”

The boat spent about a month in St. Louis getting repairs to the hull on a dry dock. While they had the vessel out of the water, they went ahead and made several more modifications and repairs that will keep the paddlewheels turning for decades to come. The newly minted Ste. Genevieve resumed her journey to Ottawa on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Setting the boat apart from the herd, the twin paddlewheels on The Ste. Genevieve aren’t just for show – they’re the boat’s sole source of propulsion. This creates a leisurely throwback experience, best enjoyed from the vessel’s open-air, top deck.

The Ottawa Packet Co. hopes to kick off its season in late May and, weather dependent, host tours through late November or early December. During the off-season, the boat will be docked at Heritage Harbor, serving as additional event space in the winter months.

For more information on The Sainte Genevieve and The Ottawa Packet Co., email [email protected] .

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer catering.

Our Dinner cruises feature small plates catered from a selection of our favorite local restaurants. Catering is also available for private events.

Do you host private events?

We can accommodate all sorts of event types, including weddings, corporate meetings, class reunions, graduation/birthday parties, bridal showers, etc. For inquires, please fill out this form and we will follow up with you.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

We take passenger safety very seriously, and therefore we don’t take chances with inclement weather. In high winds or precipitation the cruise will have to be postponed. We do our best to communicate these changes with as much notice as possible, and cancellations due to inclement weather can be exchanged for a different cruise.

Are kids allowed?

Riverboating is fun for all ages! Discounted rates for ages 3-12, 2 and under ride free.

Is the boat handicap/wheelchair accessible?

The restrooms are not wheelchair accessible, and the top deck can only be reached by stairs, however our staff will do whatever we can to accommodate anyone who wants to ride. Please reach out prior to your cruise if you have specific needs that we can prepare for.

Still have questions? We’re here to help.

Follow us on instagram and tag us in your cruise photos @stegenriverboat.

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• Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

Sunset & Small Bites Featuring Steve Sharp

As the sun sets, you'll head west out of Ottawa under the railroad bridge and travel to Buffalo Rock. The breathtaking rock faces that edge the river will offer the perfect backdrop as you wind down your day. Guests will enjoy our cocktail buffet featuring heavy appetizers

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