Historic Saint Louis, MO, steamboat cruises can offer the trip of a lifetime.
Options for Saint Louis, Mo, Steamboat Cruises
Taking one of these historic ships up the Mississippi River is a beautiful way to get a glimpse of the Gateway Arch, as well as the countryside that surrounds the city. You also have a lot of steamboat options, so it's likely you will find the perfect cruise for you and your family. If you don't have a lot of time, you can take a one- hour cruise right near the city. If your schedule is more flexible, you can make a weekend, or even a week, of it.
Some popular cruise options include:
Gateway Arch Riverboats
Gateway Arch has two steamboats, "Becky Thatcher" and "Tom Sawyer." Both are replicas of 19th century vessels. You can choose from several different cruises, which include:
- Sightseeing cruises
- Dinner cruises
- Brunch cruises
- Blues cruises
- New Year's Eve cruise
Most sailings take place between March and November. You can also schedule a group cruise for a special event. To find out more call 877-982-1410 or visit Gateway's website. Note that all of these cruises last less than half a day, with some being only an hour.
The Spirit of Peoria
If you'd like to take an overnight cruise, this ship is a good choice for you. You can enjoy a three-day trip from Peoria, Illinois, to Saint Louis. You'll visit two dams, see wildlife of the Mississippi River and have a chance to enjoy entertainment from a master storyteller. On the second day of the trip, you'll pay a visit to Pare Marquette Lodge in the largest park in the state of Illinois. This cruise includes three meals a day and nightly entertainment. You can also take a motor coach back to Peoria after disembarking in Saint Louis. Cruises operate from the end of May through the end of September. Use the company's website to make reservations or request additional information.
Mark Twain Mississippi River Tour
Another way to see Saint Louis is by taking this cruise that traces the journey Huck Finn may have taken along the Mississippi. The sail starts in Minneapolis and ends near the Gateway Arch. Along the way you'll see:
- Winona, Minnesota, which was a popular refueling stop
- Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, with its beautiful historic homes
- Hannibal, Missouri, Mark Twain's hometown
- Galena, Illinois, where Ulysses S. Grant made his home
You'll travel on the Delta Queen and experience a different variety of live music every night. Be sure to attend one or more of the educational talks on the history and music of the region.
Keep in mind this cruise is only offered during the summer months. Find out more by calling 1-800-314-8602. The tour code for this cruise is NTMT. Register early as it tends to fill up quickly.
Booking Tips
If you plan to take a Saint Louis, Mo, steamboat cruise that doesn't begin in your home city, then you will need transportation and accommodations ready for you at both the beginning and end of your journey. In addition, since you're cruising on a river, remember it's not as easy to travel in a complete circle, as it is on an ocean liner. It can be a good thing, though, since you may find you see a lot more from the steamboat's deck than you would if traveling any other way.
