St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

Departure Times

Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty. Along the way, listen to an audio script of historic sights and stories with highlighted spots along the river. Each cruise is unique for viewing wildlife. Sometimes you might see an eagle or a turtle, other times an osprey or a family of foxes.

Both boats have open-air upper decks for unobstructed sightseeing and the lower decks have windows that can be closed in cool or rainy weather.

Public Cruises (45-minutes)

RAIN OR SHINE

Tuesday-Friday Saturday & Sunday Holidays
Not Available 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm Memorial Day: 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm
1:30pm 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm No Holiday
1:30pm 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm Independence Day: 11am • 12:15pm • 1:30pm • 2:45pm • 4pm • 5:15pm
1:30pm 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm No Holiday
Not Available 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm Labor Day: 12:30pm • 1:45pm • 3pm

Cruising Tips: click here

Dress for the weather. The Riverboats are not heated or air-conditioned. Sunscreen and other sun protection may be needed on the top deck. Remember to bring your binoculars from home as you may spot a bald eagle!

Water, kettle corn and cotton candy are available for purchase on board during public sightseeing cruises. A larger concession menu is available in Pottawatomie Park at the River View Miniature Golf Refreshment Stand.

Yes, there are two flushable restrooms located on the lower level of the Riverboats.

The Riverboats are not heated or air-conditioned. Staff advises guests to dress for the weather.

The lower level of the Riverboats are wheelchair accessibleby a ramp that is 29 inches wide, however the restrooms are not. In the event of high waters, the Riverboats may lose this accessibility, as stairs would be used to board the Riverboats. Please call the Manager of Cruise Operations at 630-513-4308 to address any concerns.

There is ample parking in the parking lot adjacent to the Riverboat docks. For a map of Pottawatomie Park: click here

St. Charles Park District

Paddlewheel Riverboats

“st. charles belle” and “fox river queen”.

Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park aboard a paddlewheel riverboat ! Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty! For more information call 630-584-2334.

Public Boat Launches

Must provide your own boat. For more details, call 630-584-1885.

For closure notices: click here

For Motor Boats & Jet Skiers

Boy Scout Island – Daily parking passes are required Memorial Day to Labor Day and can be purchased onsite. Seasonal parking passes available. Vehicles with trailers are not allowed to park at Ferson Creek Park, on private property or along Rt. 31.

For Kayaks & Canoes

Mt. St. Mary Park   – Free

Ferson Creek Park – Free

Kayak & Pedal Boat Rentals

River View Miniature Golf Course – For rental info: click here

st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

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St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

8 North Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174

Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats. Daily afternoon sightseeing trips or private charter cruises May 1-October 15.

Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty. Both boats have open-air upper decks for unobstructed sightseeing and the lower decks have windows that can be closed in cool or rainy weather. Public tours are reasonably prices from May to October. Enjoy recurring events, such as Kids Cruises, Sunset Cruises, and many more Private charters available, too. For more details and to purchase tickets: stcriverboats.com

  • Boat Tours & Cruises
  • Family friendly

How to find us?

What's happening nearby....

st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

Kane County Fair 2024

Kane County Fairgrounds  •  Jul 17 – Jul 21

The Kane County Fair is hosted at the Kane County Fairgrounds and features carnival rides, demolition derbies, professional bull riding, music and more.

st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

St. Charles •  Jun 05 – Aug 30

STC Live! promotes musical performances happening on Wednesdays and Fridays at various St. Charles restaurants and businesses.

st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

2024 St. Charles Fairy Walk

Downtown St. Charles •  Jun 08 – Nov 01

The 2024 Fairy Walk is a self-guided tour featuring fairy doors and houses at businesses all around St. Charles. The fairy walk will be live until…

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IMAGES

  1. Daily Paddlewheel Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise Tickets in Saint Charles

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  2. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

    st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

  3. ST. CHARLES PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS (Saint Charles)

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  4. Riverboat Cruise on Fox River

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  5. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats (Saint Charles)

    st. charles paddlewheel riverboat tours

  6. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats (Saint Charles)

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COMMENTS

  1. Virtual Tours

    Virtual Tours | St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats. A Facility of the St. Charles Park District. 8 North Avenue • St. Charles, IL 60174. 630-584-2334 630-513-3331. Contact Us. Daily Cruises. Departure Times. Ticket Information. Group Outings.

  2. Departure Times

    Departure Times. Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty. Along the way, listen to an audio script of historic sights and stories with highlighted spots along the river. Each cruise is unique for viewing wildlife.

  3. Boating

    Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park aboard a paddlewheel riverboat! Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty! For more information call 630-584-2334.

  4. St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats

    St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats. Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats. Daily afternoon sightseeing trips or private charter cruises May 1-October 15.

  5. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

    The St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboat tour is a lazy trip up the Fox River - beautiful scenery the entire way. The captain gave great information about the surrounding area, which gave me ideas of other places to visit!

  6. St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboat Rides

    Roll Down the River and Back in Time on St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats. Step aboard the Fox River Queen or St. Charles Belle II on the Fox River.

  7. Chicago's Best Boat Tours: St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

    Get on the water with St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats. Cruise the scenic Fox River from beautiful Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles, Illinois. You’ll see the forest preserves, golf...

  8. Paddlewheel Riverboats, St. Charles Park District

    Paddlewheel Riverboats, St. Charles Park District, Saint Charles, Illinois. 2,392 likes · 36 talking about this · 3,659 were here. Cruise the Fox River on an iconic paddlewheel riverboat! Offering...