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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La Crosse River Cruises

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• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Village Visits
• Viking Mississippi

America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
• Visit the Quad Cities

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

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• 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.

THE BEST La Crosse Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in la crosse.

• Boat Rentals
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The La Crosse Queen

2. Rivertown Rentals

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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 2024-03-19 09:03

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.

Viking Mississippi ship makes first-ever call at La Crosse’s Riverside Park WI

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La Crosse WI - user reviews and comments

July 3 - 6, 2024 La Crosse, WI

National Act artist is JOSH ROSS at 10pm on July 3rd with Drake Milligan opening at 8pm!!

La crosse queen river cruises.

2023 SCHEDULE

JUNE 30th (Friday)

Sightseeing Cruises | 11:00 am & 1:30 pm

Dinner Cruise | 7:30 pm

JULY 1st (Saturday)

Complimentary pizza, free soda & tap beer cruise | 3:30 pm

Dinner Cruise | 6:00 pm

JULY 2nd (Sunday)

Brunch Cruise / Sightseeing Cruise (Upper Deck Seating Only) | 11:00 am

Sightseeing Cruise | 1:30 pm

JULY 3rd (Monday)

JULY 4th (Tuesday)

Special Dinner Cruise | 7:00 pm  

Book online at regular price. Present Riverfest button at ticket counter for $5.00 refund.

Please go to lacrossequeen.com to make reservations and for more information.

La Crosse Queen phone number: 608-784-8523.

• 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?

Information About American Q ueen Voyages

American q ueen voyages has made the difficult decision to shut down..

Despite great efforts by our team, crew and partners, American Queen Voyages (AQV) unfortunately has been unable to rebound from the effects of the pandemic. The overnight cruise industry was especially affected by changes in travel preferences and, as a result, AQV has become financially unsustainable.

We are therefore shutting down the business, and all future AQV cruises have been cancelled.

We are deeply proud of our crew and the outstanding travel experiences and service we have provided to our guests. As we reflect on the journey we have shared over the years, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our guests, partners and agents and for being part of our incredible local communities.

It has been an honor to bring joy to so many lives, and we are deeply touched by the relationships we have formed and the memorable experiences we have created.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this decision causes. Our goal is to ensure a smooth process for all AQV stakeholders.

or visit www.AQVrefunds.com

Why is American Queen Voyages shutting down?

Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable.

We thank you for your support and deeply regret any inconvenience this causes you.

I have an American Queen Voyages overnight cruise booked. Should I still expect to go?

All future AQV cruises have been cancelled. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Will I receive a refund? How long will that take?

You should expect to be fully refunded for your cruise deposits.

For information about the refund process, please CLICK HERE or visit www.AQVrefunds.com .

Where can I go for additional assistance?

Please call toll-free (888) 202-5784, or (747) 288-6437 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada.

Vendor, Supplier, Partner and Port Services FAQ

What does this mean for vendors, suppliers, partners and port services.

You have played an important role in enabling AQV to provide outstanding travel experiences and service to our guests.

As AQV is no longer operating, our goal is to facilitate an orderly wind-down of our relationship with you.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your support.

I have an outstanding invoice. How can I submit that?

Please CLICK HERE or call toll-free (888) 504-8055, or (747) 263-0163 for calls originating outside of the U.S. or Canada.

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La Crosse is now on Viking river cruise schedules

The Viking cruise line is now officially coming to La Crosse. 

Viking announced this week that it will begin Mississippi River cruises in 2022. 

The company plans to stop at river ports in seven states on the Mississippi, and La Crosse is their only scheduled Wisconsin site at this time. 

Past Viking passengers have been able to book cruises on the Mississippi since March 30th. 

The big ships will also make stops at Dubuque and Red Wing. 

The ‘Viking Mississippi’ ship will carry nearly 400 passengers, and make its first cruise in August of 2022.   

La Crosse city leaders have been working on plans to expand riverboat docking areas at Riverside Park, to provide more room for Viking and other cruise lines.

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.

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Public reservations can be booked online four weeks in advanced to cruise date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What our guests want to know.

• Chevron down When is the La Crosse Queen season?

We typically run early May through late October every year.

• Chevron down Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes, we sell them by cruise type and by age category. You may call with card payment or if in-season can purchase in person. We can mail them to you or the recipient if you call. They are good for one season. We do not sell them for specific dollar amounts, only for cruise types.

• Chevron down Do we need to make reservations?

Yes! We recommend making reservations for all cruises to guarantee a spot ahead of time. Reservations are especially important on any meal cruises so our staff can order food ahead of time. Limited tickets may be available the day of the cruise for walk-ins, but seats may not be guaranteed without a prior reservation. Please call ahead to inquire on availability.

• Chevron down Are there bathrooms on board?

Yes! We have two restrooms on the lower level by the bar area.

• Chevron down Are there food and beverages on board?

On every cruise we offer a full bar with beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase along with light concessions such as chips, candy, popcorn, etc.

• Chevron down What beverages are included with the meal cruises?

The Pizza Cruise includes unlimited tap beer, soda, and tap water. On the Dinner and Lunch cruises we offer coffee, iced tea, and tap water. On the Brunch cruise we offer coffee, iced tea, orange juice, and tap water. All listed above are complimentary with the meal while any other drinks are available for additional purchase.

• Chevron down Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Our lower level is handicap accessible for standard-size wheelchairs. We do ask you to let us know in advance if you need accommodations, so that we can prepare to make your experience the very best.

• Chevron down What is the dress code on dinner cruises?

We do not have any set dress code for our cruises, but we recommend better casual. Shoes and shirts are required.

• Chevron down Which side of the vessel is best to sit on?

You will have the chance to see the mighty Mississippi on both sides as we travel up towards Lock and Dam No. 7 and return our way back to Riverside Park.

• Chevron down How many passengers can you carry?

The La Crosse Queen is U.S. Coast Guard inspected for safety and is licensed to carry 149 passengers.

• Chevron down Do you operate in the rain?

Yes! Our cruises go out rain or shine. Our upper deck is ¾ canopied and open on the sides for viewing, while our lower deck is all enclosed and temperature controlled. The lower deck has windows all around the vessel to ensure you still enjoy the sights.

• Chevron down In what weather cases would our trip be cancelled?

We sail rain or shine! Our lower level is all enclosed and temperature controlled while our upper deck is ¾ canopy covered. We rarely cancel trips due to weather, and in the event we had to do so, ample notification to guests would be given. Our experienced captain will ensure a safe trip regardless of the weather.

• Chevron down Are animals allowed onboard?

Because our vessel serves food we are not able to allow any animals aboard except for service animals.

• Chevron down Which cruises do you “lock thru” Lock & Dam No. 7?

With two-and-a-half hours or more we have enough time to lock thru. The two cruises that are of that duration are the Saturday Dinner Cruise and the Captain’s Sunday Brunch! We will always attempt to “lock thru” on those two cruises however, it is weather, railroad, and boat traffic dependent.

• Chevron down Where do we park and check in the day of the cruise?

All guests are able to park in the parking lot labeled “River Cruise Parking” on the north end of Riverside Park. It is just past the public restrooms on the right-hand side. Guests may also find street parking in Riverside Park if there is availability. All guests should check in to receive physical boarding passes the day of the cruise with the giftshop staff.

• Chevron down Do you offer live music on the boat?

Yes, we offer live music on every Friday Dinner Cruise.

Mississippi River Cruises