Mark Twain Riverboat
Hannibal, Missouri
No author captured the muddy and powerful waters of the Mississippi River as famously as Mark Twain. The author grew up watching steamboats go by Hannibal, Missouri, with a fascination that resurfaced in the adventures of Tom and Huck, two of his most famous characters.
This connection is one reason why the Mark Twain Riverboat has taken passengers from Hannibal’s riverfront down the river for more than 30 years. Built in 1964, the paddlewheeler offers one-hour sightseeing and two-hour dinner cruises.
Participants can learn about the river history, historic figures and views on the sightseeing cruise. Groups can also book an included lunch on these daytime cruises with advance notice.
The dinner cruise experience livens up the atmosphere with a buffet dinner, musicians, dancing and beverages. Diners can watch the scenic river flow by as they enjoy roast beef, baked chicken or other fare available only for large groups.
After dinner, the riverboat rocks with music ranging from standards to a modern jazz band.
Spirit of Peoria
Peoria, Illinois
Time seems to slow down when you’re cruising aboard the Spirit of Peoria, which offers longer cruises aboard a realistic replica of the 19th-century riverboats that once served as a common mode of transportation. The vessel departs from Peoria, Illinois, to travel up and down the Illinois River valley.
The vessel immerses guests in the past with details like a captain’s bell, brass tube telegraph and air-operated calliope. Also, unlike some modern riverboats with purely cosmetic wheels, the Spirit of Peoria’s paddlewheel is the boat’s only means of propulsion.
Guests on the two- or three-day route from Peoria to Starved Rock, Illinois, can watch the scenery for wildlife or take advantage of the ship’s entertainment offerings of banjos, ragtime piano songs, storytelling and a Mark Twain impersonator.
The trip package includes guided excursions to the Starved Rock State Park and overnights at the historic Starved Rock Lodge. For those short on time, themed cruises depart from Peoria regularly with focuses including blues music, fall foliage and moonlight cruising.
Taylor Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Taylor Falls, Minnesota
When glaciers ripped through the St. Croix River Valley thousands of years ago, they left behind gorgeous rock formation, and a river route so famous that the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours has operated as a family business there since 1906.
Located seven miles north of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, the company owns two authentic paddlewheelers: the Taylors Falls Queen and the Taylors Falls Princess. Both boats are enclosed on the lower level with an open upper deck.
Along the ride down the St. Croix River, guides point out unusual rock formations, including the huge stone cross for which the St. Croix River was named.
Passengers decide their preferred cruise combination, since the company offers a leaf-themed dinner cruise, picnic cruise, Mexican fiesta cruise and other specialty cruises. To class up the event, groups can book the Wine and Cheese Dinner Cruise or the Wine and Chocolate Dinner Cruise. Both involve pairing local wines with either fine chocolate or Eichten’s Cheese for a three-hour tour of the valley with live music and a buffet-style meal.
