riverboat cruises prairie du chien

Celebration River Cruises

Mississippi Explorer Cruises

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200 N Water St

Lawler Park

Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

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Mississippi Explorer is a uniquely-designed riverboat able to navigate the wild and scenic backwaters of the Mississippi River's wildlife refuge. Cruises specialize in exploring backwater sloughs, eagle nests, aquatic vegatation, and beaver lodges with trained, onboard naturalists. …

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We had a very enjoyable trip! We learned a lot, relaxed and saw the amazing wildlife along the beautiful Mississippi River!

Very comfortable seating

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Advanced public reservations are taken online. Bookings open four weeks in advance of cruise date.

La Crosse Queen Cruises

Paddlewheel cruises on the mississippi river.

Now taking reservations for private charters or groups of 30 or more on any public cruise for our 2024 season! Please call for more information. All other public cruise reservations open for booking four weeks prior to each cruise date. New to 2024 season: Captain’s Sunday Brunch Cruise departing at 10:30 a.m. and lasting until 1:00 p.m. Two-and-a-half hours will allow us to “lock thru” Lock & Dam No. 7, conditions permitting!

Individual public reservations will become available in Spring of 2021—Group reservations are now available for 2021.

Most Popular

Saturday Dinner Cruise

Feast on a delicious chicken and prime rib dinner while relaxing on this Mississippi River tour!

Clock 6:00 p.m.
Users All ages
Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi!

Clock Wednesday's and Friday's at 5:30 p.m. & Saturday's and Sunday's at 3:30 p.m.
Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Pizza Cruise

Enjoy an afternoon on the Mighty Mississippi River while eating free pizza on this fun boat tour!

Clock 10:30 a.m.

Captain’s Sunday Brunch

Enjoy a delicious brunch while learning about the Mississippi River on this narrated river tour!

Clock 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Sightseeing Cruise

Learn all about the historical and present day Mississippi River on this sightseeing cruise!

See the historical sites and local wildlife of the beautiful Upper Mississippi River!

Step back in time when you come aboard our replica paddlewheel river boat!

Choose from our tasty brunch, lunch, pizza, and dinner buffet-style cruises!

Beer, wine, and liquor offered on every cruise.

About La Crosse Queen Cruises

Cruise back in time and explore the Upper Mississippi with us! 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.

The La Crosse Queen has a split sternwheel, and each half is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors, which turn the paddles. The split paddlewheel gives the Queen greater maneuverability and dependability. 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.

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

The #1 Outdoor Activity in La Crosse on TripAdvisor

We took this boat cruise on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The boat was full, but there was plenty of room. Drinks are very reasonable and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. One big plus was the bathrooms were clean and spacious, something I didn't think I would find on a paddle boat! I would recommend the La Crosse Queen.

We took this cruise with a group and it was a lot of fun! We saw eagles, blue herons, foxes, osprey, along the banks of the Mississippi. We were able to go through the locks, which was lucky since if there is a barge in the area they do not allow this. We are talking about going again in the fall when the leaves are changing and birds are migrating.

We took the Friday night Pizza cruise and enjoyed fantastic views of the Mississippi River. Several people from our group had never been on a river cruise and were amazed. Free Pizza and beer along with cruise for $18.95 is hard to beat! Some questioned the cheap price, but soon found out it was good.

This was an excellent tour. The guide who did the narrative was friendly, fun and knowledgeable about the town and river. We saw bald eagles, a swing bridge, fancy homes, etc. We sat on the top deck which is covered and has open air sides so you get out of the sun and a nice breeze.

Always wanted to take a cruise on the Mississippi and we booked the early afternoon cruise on a weekday. Boarding went smoothly - they take your picture for sale later as a souvenir. Boat was clean and comfy and captain and staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They do have a snack bar and bathrooms on board. Relaxing and enjoyable!

We went on the La Crosse Queen on a beautiful day. Cruising on the river was so cool. The breeze, scenery was awesome. Best place to view everything is on the top deck. The crew were so polite and fun to talk with. If you have questions they answered them. Hats off to the La Crosse Queen.

Wonderful time on a 2-hour Sunday Brunch cruise. The buffet was small but the price was still good. Met wonderful folks inside and outside during the trip. Got to go through a Lock and Dam. The wait staff were very accommodating. Definitely worth every penny for this adventure.

We celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on the La Crosse Queen. The dinner exceeded our expectations. The turkey and roast beef were both tender and moist. For being a buffet the food was delicious. The staff was attentive and live music was a surprise. We were fortunate to have wonderful weather and really enjoyed ourselves!

Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

800 passenger non-gaming riverboat offering a variety of cruises from ports of Moline, IL, Dubuque, IA, Prairie du Chien, WI

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Celebration Belle Fall Color Cruise

Wed - Fri, October 2-4, 2024

Deadline Aug 23

Praire du Chien to Dubuque

Hurry! This trip sells out fast every year!

Day 1 : We head down the WI side of the Mississippi River stopping at Grandad Bluff in La Crosse, pizza lunch in De Soto at the Great River Roadhouse, then on to Prairie du Chien touring the Fort Crawfard and Depot Museums. If time, you can stroll to Eagles Landing Winery after we check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Dinner this evening is at Backwoods Bar and Grill for a wonderful, private buffet with the option in the evening to be dropped off at the Casino Queen Marquette to enjoy gaming on a boat!

Day 2 : Celebration Belle departs in Prairie du Chien, taking an all-day cruise down the river to Dubuque that includes hot lunch buffet and a prime rib dinner with live entertainment. Gift shop and open bar with refreshments available all day on your own. The coach takes us back to our hotel with the option to have more gaming fun at the Casino Queen for the evening.

Day 3 : Before heading home on the MN side of the river we’ll stop at Pikes Peak State Park to enjoy the lovely overlook views and stop at the Effigy Mounds National Monument. We’ll head to an orchard before our lunch in Wabasha at a golf course with amazing autumn views before departing for home.

$720 Double/$910 Single Includes : Motorcoach, all-day cruise with lunch, dinner, and entertainment. All trip meals, 2 nights same hotel, tours and stops along the way, gratuities, and driver tip.

Departs: (Colby) (Cadott) (Eau Claire)

On The Go Bus takes the health, safety, and well-being of all travelers very seriously. If you are ill, please do not board the motorcoach. You are welcome to send someone in your place. If there is a waitlist, we may be able to fill your seat with adequate notice. Hand sanitizer will be available as you enter and depart the coach. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please feel welcome to wear one and enjoy the fun trip ahead!

BOOKING IS EASY! Call 715-619-6064 or [email protected]

Once your reservation is verified, please make check payable to: On The Go Bus

Mail to: On The Go Bus, PO Box 2, Elmwood, WI 54740

Payment is requested within 7 days to confirm your reservation.

Make it a fun day!

Janet and Craig Adams

Owners and Trip Hosts

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(563) 880-8970

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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.

Lucy Patricia Yeomans, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, June 13, 2024

On August 31, 1957, Lucy was united in marriage with Richard Floyd Yeomans. They had one daughter, Jane Yeomans-Wonderling. Lucy and Rich began dating their sophomore year in high school. When Rich returned from the Navy and Lucy graduated from UW-LaCrosse they were married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and cherished 66 years together. They enjoyed spending time on the river with their friends, family and their poodle, Thumper. Lucy and Rich took many trips throughout Wisconsin, flying their private plane to Door County and visiting airshows. Once retired, they traveled to Europe visiting France, England, Italy and Germany. Lucy was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and she loved their trip to Norway. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her daughter Jane and two grandsons, Dillon and Kirk. As a family they made many fond memories traveling to Disney World, Hawaii and Keystone, Colorado. Lucy’s passion was music; she played the french horn and clarinet in the school band. She began piano lessons at the age of four and started playing the church pump organ when she was six years old. Lucy played the organ and piano at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for over 75 years.

Surviving Lucy is her beloved husband, Richard Yeomans of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; daughter, Jane (Tom) Yeomans-Wonderling of Fennimore, Wisconsin and her two grandsons, Dillon Yeomans Petrowitz and Kirk Yeomans Petrowitz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Helen Wahl and her siblings, Priscilla Schmidt and Larry Wahl.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with services.

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LeClaire, IA

Dubuque, ia, muscatine, ia, prairie du chien, wi, boarding location for cruises departing from moline, il.

2501 River Drive Moline, IL 61265

From Illinois

Take I-74 West
Take the 7th Ave Riverfront Exit
Turn right at the bottom of the exit at the light onto 7th Ave
Get into the left hand lane
Follow the curve left
This is now 23rd Street
Go across the railroad tracks
Turn right at the lights onto 3rd Ave, which is River Drive

The Celebration Belle is ahead on the left

From The West: In Iowa

Take I-80 East to I-74 East
Cross the Mississippi River into Illinois
Take the River Drive exit
At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto River Drive

The Celebration Belle is ahead on the left

Boarding location for cruises departing from LeClaire, IA

199 N. Front Street LeClaire, IA 52753

From The East: In Illinois

Take I-80 west to the LeClaire, IA exit
At the light, turn left onto Route 67 toward LeClaire, IA
Turn right onto Wisconsin Street in LeClaire

The Celebration Belle is docked up river

Take I-80 east to the LeClaire, IA exit
At the light turn left on to Route 67 toward LeClaire, IA

Boarding location for cruises departing from Dubuque, IA

3 Street East & Bell Street Dubuque, IA 52001

From The North:

Take 151 north/US61 north / US 52 north to the White Street Ramp toward theIce Harbor/Port of Dubuque
Follow the signs to Port of Dubuque
Go to Bell Street and turn right
Go pass the Grand Harbour Hotel and their parking lot
Turn left into the next parking lot toward the brick river wall

The Celebration Belle will be docked on the other side of the river wall

From the Chicago, Illinois Area:

Take Highway 20 west to the Locust Street Exit
Take the Port of Dubuque Exit
Turn left into the next parking lot toward the river wall

From The Des Moines Iowa Area:

Take I-80 east to I-380 then north to US-151 north
Follow US-151 north/US61 north to the Port of Dubuque exit

Boarding location for cruises departing from Muscatine, IA

Pearl City Station 101 Harbor Drive Muscatine, IA 52761

From Davenport:

Go west on W Locust St towards N Harrison US-61 S
Take first left on N Harrison US 61 S
Turn right onto W River Dr US 67 S/US 61 W
Stay straight and follow US 61 S/140th St
Turn left onto IA-38 N/Park Ave. Continue to follow IA-38 N
IA-38 N becomes E 2nd St/US-61-BR/IA-92
Turn left onto Mulberry Ave/US-61-BR/IA-92
Turn right onto E Mississippi Dr/US-61-BR/IA-92
Take the 2nd left onto Iowa Ave
Take the 1st right onto Harbor Dr
101 HARBOR DR is on the right