One of the best ways to enjoy the river is from the water – aboard an excursion boat. Be it a luxury motor launch or a genuine steam-driven paddlewheeler, an on-board tour lets you experience the river as those ashore cannot. Cast-off aboard any of these tour possibilities:

Island Girl River Cruises
621 Park Plaza Dr , La Crosse , WI 54601
608/784-0556
www.greatriver.com/islandgirl
149-passenger luxury yacht with daily cocktail and dinner cruises. Sightseeing, lunch, weekend moonlight and Sunday breakfast cruises also available. Open late May to early October. Departs from the dock next to Skipper Liner Marine.

Julia Belle Swain
227 Main St , La Crosse , WI 54601
800/815-1005, 608/784-4882
www.juliabelle.com
Daily excursions aboard one of only five authentic steam-powered boats still on the river. Sunday morning brunch and evening dinner cruises, as well as overnight trips. Live music, great food and themed party cruises. Open June through October. Call for reservations.

La Crosse Queen Cruises
405 Veterans Memorial Dr , La Crosse , WI 54602
608/784-8523
www.greatriver.com/laxqueen/paddle.htm
149-passenger authentic split sternwheel paddlewheeler offering daily sightseeing tours. Dinner and brunch cruises on weekends. Lunch, pizza and three-hour cruises also available. Open June through October. Departs from Riverside Park .

Steamboat Inn River Charters
US Hwy 10 Bridge, Prescott , WI 54021
800/262-8232, 715/262-5858
www.steamboatinn.com
Cruises on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers . Open June 15 to October 1. Departs from the dock at the Steamboat Inn Restaurant.