The Riverboat Cruise In Illinois You Never Knew Existed
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 24, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Cruises are not just for the ocean, and Illinois proves it. While you may be familiar with the Spirit of Peoria or one of many Mississippi River cruises, there is one tucked away in a far northwest suburb of Chicago you don’t want to miss.
You can fit this into a day trip and spend a lovely afternoon meandering the Fox River. Keep scrolling for all the details:
Founded in 1945, St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats offers a cruise along one of the state's most scenic rivers. You'll want to have your camera ready for the entirety of this trip.
Cruises depart from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles where there is also mini golf, a pool, boat rentals, and a native garden. You could make a full day of relaxing and playing at this gorgeous park.
The cost is $8.50 for adults while children under age 15 may board for just $7. Parking is free with your cruise, making this one of the most budget-friendly day trips in Illinois.
During the summer, cruise times are available each day but no reservations are made. Guests are expected to show up 15 minutes early for public cruises.
During the fall, spring, and winter, weekend cruises are available, but be sure to bundle up. No matter when you go, cruises typically start between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Occasionally, heavy rain fall causes river levels to rise, preventing cruises from taking place. Always check the company's website for any updates.
The riverboat journys take just under an hour and include commentary from the boat captain who points out interesting sites and gives tid bits of history about the area. Those who love to learn will be especially intrigued.
Take your gals, your whole family, or just that special someone on a cruising experience they won't soon forget. Wonder and natural beauty await on the Fox River.
