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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

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St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats Tours

St. charles il paddlewheel riverboats.

It’s hard to deny the beauty of the Fox River from any point along the shore whether you’re biking the trail, fishing on Boy Scout Island or looking out from the historic tower at Pottawatomie Park. But nothing can quite compare to experiencing the Fox River during a paddlewheel riverboat cruise on the waterway itself.

Step aboard the Fox River Queen or St. Charles Belle II to experience for yourself the history, the natural beauty and the local pride via a paddlewheel riverboat in your own community.

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Public cruises, special events and private charters are available every spring through fall season, attracting all ages and interests.

Click Here To Purchase Tickets:

Paddle Wheel River Boats St Charles Park District 8 North Avenue St Charles, IL  60174 630-584-2334 www.stcriverboats.com

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Chicagofun.com 518 S. Route 31 Suite 125 McHenry, IL 60050

St Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

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2 North Ave

Saint Charles, IL 60174

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Celebrating 70 years of cruising the Fox River! Our classic replica paddlewheel riverboats have been a St. Charles summer tradition since 1945. Proudly operated by the Anderson family throughout their entire lifetime, the modern "St. Charles Belle II" and "Fox River Queen" churn the same historic waters that helped Saint Charles, Illinois to become the charming city that it is today. Our boats are open to the public from May until mid October. We provide guided historical tours of the scenic Fox River valley departing from Pottawatomie park on weekends at 2,3, and 4 PM, and weekdays at 3:30 (June 1-August 31). A great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn a little more about our history-rich area! We also specialize in providing group charter cruises. Our boats can accommodate groups of 30-100 people with ample seating for your guests both indoors and outdoors. We receive many bookings from a wide variety of groups including weddings, rehearsal dinners, school and church groups, business parties, and many more! We aim to provide an unforgettable experience for your guests. Feeling hungry? Ask about getting your private cruise catered by our professional crew! We provide a highly popular southern pan-fried chicken dinner complete with cole slaw, baked beans, rolls, and more! We hope to welcome you aboard and share the family tradition of our boats with you! …

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Overall rating

A very pleasant boat ride on the Fox river. Keep in mind that the boat is not air conditioned or heated. Dress accordingly.

View of the paddle wheel from the lower deck.

Nice little boat ride for the low price. Pretty scenery along shoreline. Friendly crew! The narration is a recording. A little hard to hear it.

I was disappointed in our tour of the Fox River and St. Charles. The cruise was organized and easy to get tickets. The crew was friendly and helpful. The boat is in good condition. Best seats are up top. Lower level seats are not very good for viewing & enjoying the ride. The cruise only went up about half the river. We didn't come any where near either dam. The trip had a nice recorded message giving history of the area. Unfortunately, the cruise was very short and not really worth the price of admission.

Boxed water - never seen this before

Went on several cruises over the summer and had a great time. Can't wait for the summer to do it again!

Nice 50 minute scenic ride. However crew did not reinforce 6 feet distance guideline with patrons, especially with those not wearing masks. It is important to do so during the pandemic.

These boats are just great for group charters. Sure, there may be fancier boats and prettier rivers elsewhere, but once our group boarded, this didn't matter. The boat was immaculately clean and you could roam around. Smooth jazz played on the speakers but they sometimes have a keyboard musician. During our leisurely 1-1/2 hour cruise along the Fox River, we enjoyed a buffet-style fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. The food was professionally catered, fresh, and portions were generous.

I attended a corporate event on one of their boats. We provided our own catering and drink service so that is an option if you want to rent out the whole boat. The staff was friendly and courteous and it was a nice jaunt up and down the river. I'd say a one-hour cruise is plenty as we did the two-hour option and it was just repeated the same route up and down the river twice in between dams - but it was still lovely scenery.

Lovely ride. Boat has top deck and lower/inside with expansive Windows. They offered soft drinks and water for $1. Perfect day with a nice breeze! Got a little sunburn even. It's a quiet stretch of river with handful of buildings/homes, lots of nature. Captain gives a quick bit of history every 10 minutes or so, so you can chat with someone or just soak it all in. Bet it's stunning when autumn colors start. Parking was plentiful. We arrived early and took a spin through a native plant demonstration garden. It's a lovely, winding, shady path of native wild flowers and trees that are labeled with occasional fun facts about the plants. Could be a 10-25 minute walk depending how much you stop to read and really notice the diff qualities of the plants. Many I've never seen before.

One of the two paddle boats available.

View part way along river

I thought this would be the perfect thing to do today, get on the boat and cruise down the river. I have a little one and i was told they cannot stand on the seats to look out the window. I know safty is key but kids will not sit in a boat and stare at there feet for an hour. The upper deck filled up quick so it was a race to get it. I feel we waited to load and unload longer then the cruise was. The captin was great he was a good driver and always watched out and so was the staff! However if felt like soldiers marching looking to tell you to sit or move back away from the rail or windows. It was not fun. Something we always wanted to try and im just glad its over so we dont ever have to think about doing it again. Maybe to improve make the check in a lot quicker instead of scanning each person in threw an app and maybe alow half the amount of people so you can enjoy walking the deck or not sitting on your neighbor's lap. The music was good but it was not what i thought it was going to be like.

Well went with family yesterday and was not pleasantly surprised. Many, many bees were swarming the top deck along the benches! We had 5 kids and all of them were afraid. Secondly they sell drinks on board for only $1, BUT you cant get up to get one otherwise they give your seat away. I had the kids wanting to go with me to pick out drinks and employee told me if we leave the top deck someone else can go take our seats. I told children to go back and I would go myself, and the employee actually told someone else that there is MY seat available up top!! I told them that my family was saving my seat and they said you cant save seats for anyone. THUMBS DOWN! I will not go back here. It was boring, very monotone fact giver and young guy standing at stairwell was more worried about his phone or telling people my seat was open than to rather take the money for the drinks we purchased. Because there was no one doing that either.

This was the very beginning of cruise. See how everyone is smiling????

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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ST. CHARLES PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS (Saint Charles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Town St.Charles

"A place to grow opportunities"

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Paddlewheel Riverboats

St. charles paddlewheel riverboats history.

Chet Anderson was working at the Pottawatomie Park concession stand in the-mid 1940’s when the idea of buying a boat and offering rides to the park picnickers began to take shape in his mind. Before long, he made his dream a reality when he bought his very first boat, the Honeymoon Queen for $200 in 1945. After extensive repairs had been made, the boat started making trips up the Fox River from Pottawatomie Park, and a business was born that has endured for more than 70 years.

Over the years, several newer boats have replaced the original Honeymoon Queen. In the mid 1980’s, the boats that are currently in service were built: The St. Charles Belle II and Fox River Queen. These boats have spacious enclosed lower decks and open upper decks, which are ideal for watching the sunset and enjoying the beautiful river views.

Chet retired in the 1980’s after captaining his boats for almost 40 years. His son, Rich Anderson, and another captain have now taken over the helms of the iconic boats, which have been an integral part of the local landscape since 1945 and continue to be a beloved symbol of St. Charles.

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The History And Charm Of St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

Take in the beauty of the Fox Valley aboard an historic paddlewheel riverboat – an iconic attraction in St. Charles for more than 75 years. This recreational activity that has spanned generations began in 1945 when the late Chet Anderson bought his first paddlewheel riverboat to charter cruises up and down the Fox River.

Chet was working at the Pottawatomie Park concession stand in the-mid 1940’s when the idea of buying a boat and offering rides to the park picnickers began to take shape in his mind. Before long, he made his dream a reality when he bought his very first boat, the Honeymoon Queen, for $200 and started making trips up the Fox River from Pottawatomie Park.

For a young man who just wanted to provide some more fun for park visitors and share his love of the park and Fox River, little did he know he was leaving a legacy of recreation to be enjoyed by so many people 75+ years later.

Traveling from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty, each riverboat trip offers something completely different. Sometimes you might see an eagle or a turtle, other times an osprey or a family of foxes. This completely unique way to explore the city and the beautiful Fox River is affordable and memorable for all ages during both public and private events.

When Chet Anderson’s son, Rich Anderson, retired in 2019, the St. Charles Park District purchased the business and continues to carry on its legacy. The Park District is truly honored to carry on this unique experience, which has been a symbol of pride and tradition in the community. Park District staff keeps that sentiment top of mind by creating programming to honor the past but also give patrons new experiences when they set sail down the Fox River.

On the public cruises, the riverboats tell stories from the past. While taking in the scenery, guests will learn about the Pottawatomi tribe that roamed the banks of the shore prior to St. Charles settlement and historic landmarks including Pottawatomie Park, Boy Scout Island, Norris Woods Nature Preserve and Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve. More fun is had when you hear the tales of icehouses and underground railroads as well as community lore regarding Al Capone’s infamous “hideaway.”

Sunset Cruises, including those with BYOB options, allow guests to experience the exhilaration of the outdoors with a beautiful sunset backdrop, the abundant waterfowl, and the ever-changing natural skyline of the Fox River. These cruises also make a perfect date night to celebrate with your someone special or an anniversary.

These beautiful boats and their homegrown story are something that St. Charles can truly be proud of, and rest assured, the Andersons’ legacy and the generations of family memories these boats carry is in good hands with the dedicated staff of the St. Charles Park District at the helm. To purchase tickets, visit stcriverboats.com.

St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats

8 North Avenue St. Charles, IL 60174 630-584-2334

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Discover tasty treats and nature insights aboard river cruises

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Fox River, a delicious treat and learn about the local history and wildlife of the waterway with a pair of fantastic cruises hosted by the St. Charles Park District.

The park district’s nature ambassador Pam Otto, author of the weekly Good Natured column that appears in the Kane County Chronicle as well as on Kane County Connects, will be the featured speaker aboard the Riverboat Eco Float on Thursday Aug. 19. This family-friendly cruise, which runs from 6:15-7:15 p.m. ,offers a chance to learn about the cultural significance of the river as well as the vast numbers of wildlife that depend on it, from the flathead catfish and muskie swimming deep in the water to the minks and muskrats that forage along the shallow shores.

“We actually have a plentiful mink population living near the water and if we’re really lucky we might see one,” Otto said.

To make the cruise even sweeter, it includes hand-made root beer floats featuring fresh custard from cruise sponsor, Culver’s.

“It’s an unbeatable combination,” Otto said.

Eco Float participants will leave from Pottawatomie Park aboard one of the historic paddlewheel riverboats. The cruises are a gentle way to traverse the Fox River, giving those aboard a chance to relax and take in plenty of sights along the shoreline.

Otto said with each cruise there is something new to see, whether it is the beautiful views of rare natural areas or the glimpse of wildlife including small mammals and birds.

Otto will also lead the Monarchs & Margaritas cruise on Saturday Aug. 28. This cruise is for adults 21 and older, and includes a pre-cruise talk about monarch butterflies while enjoying chips, salsa and a margarita before boarding for an evening cruise. This event starts at 5 p.m.

The monarch butterfly is remarkable in that its annual cycle includes what is known as a super generation. These individuals that are specially adapted to undertake a fantastic journey to the mountains of Mexico where they then spend the winter.

With increased understanding of the monarchs and the appreciation for their beauty, as well as concern for their welfare, more people are adding native plants, such as milkweed, to their home gardens to provide needed habitat for monarchs. This species must lay its eggs on milkweed in order for its caterpillars to survive, Otto said.

In addition to these specialty cruises the park district offers several cruising options, from daytime to sunset cruises as well as private charter cruises available upon request.

Whether aboard a guided cruise or simply out for a ride on the Fox River, Otto said there is plenty to enjoy and a chance to appreciate the role of the river and the views from the paddlewheel riverboats.

For more details: stcriverboats.com

The Fox River

Discover the fox.

This 202 mile-long river runs right through the heart of downtown St. Charles, Illinois and provides not only beautiful scenic views, but allows for a variety of water activities as well. Take a look at some of the best things to do on the water!

Paddlewheel Riverboat

Art Along the Fox

Hit the water.

Renting a kayak  is a fantastic way to get some exercise on the water and to view all the nature around from the middle of the Fox River. You can launch your kayak for free at Mt. St. Mary Park , as well as   Ferson Creek Park . 

Hop on your jet ski for an exhilarating ride on the water. Boy Scout Island features a concrete ramp for motorized boats and a sandy shoreline for paddle sports. Daily parking fees are required and passes can be purchased onsite. 

Take your boat out on the water and travel the Fox River! Boy Scout Island features a concrete ramp for motorized boats and a sandy shoreline for paddle sports. Daily parking fees are required and passes can be purchased onsite.

Pedal Boats

Grab a friend and rent a pedal boat by the hour at the River View Miniature Golf Course in Pottawatomie Park . Not only will you get in a great workout powering the pedal boat with your feet, but you'll also have a wonderful time cruising the water.

Water Access Points Around Town

Did you know that Bald Eagles are often seen along the Fox River? They are known to frequent the area, especially during the winter months.

Boy Scout Island

State Route 31 at River Drive

Boat Launch

Jet Ski Launch

Canoe Laun ch

Kayak Launch

Stand-Up Paddle Board Launch  (SUP)

Gorhom Memorial Canoe Launch

Municipal Complex

Stand Up Paddle Board Launch   (SUP)

Seasonal Dock

Pottwatomie Park

8 North Avenue

Canoe Launch

Stand Up Paddle Board Launch  (SUP)

Ferson Creek Park

State Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive

Kayak Lau nch

Stand-Up Paddle Board Launch   (SUP)

Seasonal Rental Boat Storage Racks

Mt. St. Mary Park

Prairie Street, east of Route 31

CAST A LINE

The Fox River is home to a wide variety of different fish that you can catch. Some of the more common fish found in this river are smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and walleye. There are plenty of public spots in St. Charles where you can cast a line and reel one in. State fishing licensing and regulations do apply in all park district waterways. Take a look below to find some great spots to fish, and how to secure your fishing license. 

Fishing on the Fox

Pottawatomie Park

Delnor Woods Park Pond

River Bend Community Park Pond

Riverside/Buie Park

Dunham Pond

East Side Sports Complex Pond

ENJOY THE RIDE

Paddlewheel riverboats.

Relax and enjoy the Fox River from the comfort of a Paddlewheel Riverboat . This is a great way to get a unique view of the area, experiencing it all from the middle of the river. Both adults and children will love the ride, and it make for a great way to celebrate any special occasion including birthdays, family reunions, and more. The two-level Riverboat can accommodate up to 90 passengers for sightseeing tours and up to 40 guests for a seated lunch or dinner event. 

ADMIRE THE ART

St. Charles, Illinois has public art situated all along the Fox River. Take a break from all the water activities to admire sculptures that help make this city so vibrant. 

Want to find more art around town? Click below to take our self-guided public arts tour on the Travel St. Charles app ! 

Looking for More Ways to Enjoy the Fox?

In partnership with the st. charles park district.

The Riverboat Cruise In Illinois You Never Knew Existed

Elizabeth Crozier

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.

More by this Author

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:

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St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats is located at 2 North Avenue in Saint Charles, and you can get more information on its website or Facebook page .

If you love cruises, you need to check out these 7 cruises right here in Illinois .

Have you ever been on this riverboat cruise? Share your experiences and photos with us!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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St. charles paddlewheel riverboats set sail this weekend, the boats, which take off at pottawatomie park, have been cruising the fox river for more than 70 years. weekend voyages are now available..

Erika Wurst , Patch Staff

ST. CHARLES—The St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats will make their 2021 debut along the Fox River this weekend, signaling that spring has sprung in Pottawatomie Park.

With special events like sunset cruises and pirate adventures, the boats offer something for everyone—children and adults alike. Cruises, lasting 45 minutes, are available every Saturday and Sunday through May 31. Come June 1, the boat rides will be open for Tuesday-Sunday voyages.

Boat riders can nosh on treats while they search for bald eagles along the Fox, or just sit back and listen to an audio script of historic sights and stories with highlighted spots along the river.

Find out what's happening in St. Charles with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Guests who come early can sang a seat on the top deck for even greater views when the paddlewheel riverboats set sail.

Affectionately named St. Charles Belle II and Fox River Queen, the boats weren’t always owned by the St. Charles Park District like they are today.

The business’ roots began to grow in 1945 when Chet Anderson, manning a concession stand at Pottawatomie Park, got an idea and brought it to life.

He wanted to buy a boat to take picnickers on trips along the river.

Not long after, Anderson purchased his first boat, The Honeymoon Queen, for $200 and prepared it to set sail along the Fox River. The Honeymoon Queen is no longer in service, but it has been replaced by the two current boats, purchased in the 1980s. These boats included both upper and lower decks.

After captaining the boats for more than 40 years, Chet Anderson retired in the 80s, passing down the business to his son Rich, and a second captain. In 2018 the St. Charles Park District purchased the business from Rich Anderson, and pledged to continue the legacy that began 70 years prior.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here or can be purchased inside the Pottawatomie Community Center. Private charters are available.

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More from St. Charles

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Advanced Reservations: The Tram Ride to the Top is SOLD OUT for advanced reservations through Saturday , April 20, 2024 . Pending availability, additional tickets may be available for same-day purchase beginning at 9am each day via our website, call center at 314-982-1410, and ticket center at the Gateway Arch. Same-day ticket availability is not guaranteed.

Visiting the Gateway Arch: Enter the monument through the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go through security. Tickets sell out early and often, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Pending availability, additional tickets may be available for same-day purchase beginning at 9am each day through our website, call center, and ticket center at the Gateway Arch. Same-day ticket availability is not guaranteed and sells out early and often.

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Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

Enjoy some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront on a riverboat cruise. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, a relaxing tour, or a floating party with live music and dancing, we have a cruise to suit your interests.

Please note: Access the St. Louis riverfront via Chouteau Ave.

St. louis riverfront cruise.

Catch some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis on a fascinating one-hour riverboat tour.

Daily cruises: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm (times vary day-to-day)

Pricing: Adult: $24, Child (3-15): $14, Senior (60+): $22, Infant (0-2): FREE, * Group pricing available

Tram & Cruise Combo : Save up to $2 by adding a Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch

Skyline Dinner Cruise

Make any night special on this scenic two-hour cruise.  Our flagship evening cruise features live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu, and captivating views of the St. Louis Skyline.

Specialty Cruises

All aboard for fun on one of our specialty cruises. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a lively party cruise, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer outings for guests of all ages. Reservations are required. See below for upcoming cruises.

Upcoming Specialty Cruises

Paddlewheel Café

The Paddlewheel Café – St. Louis’ only waterfront dining destination!  Order a made-to-order burger while you’re enjoying views of the Gateway Arch and traffic on the Mississippi River. Join us for happy hour and grab a specialty cocktail, draft beer, or soft drink from the Dockside Bar.

Café opens for 2024 season on April 19

Open Friday – Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm *Extended hours coming later in season

Private Charters & Events

For a unique and memorable birthday celebration, anniversary, reunion, business outing or company party, just add water. Let the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch be your host. We can customize your event with a variety of sit-down or buffet meals, bar options, and entertainment.

Group Reservations

Whether you’re looking for a short tour or an all-day outing, our team is eager to work with you to ensure the best possible experience for your guests. From tour groups and scout troops to corporate retreats, church groups and field trips to family reunions, we welcome groups of all ages, sizes, and interests.

Riverboat Address

50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63102

Access the St. Louis riverfront via Chouteau Ave.

Cash parking is available on the levee.

For more information,  click here .

Please note:  Levee parking is not operated by the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.