Iowa offers a few tempting options for riverboat cruising. Experiencing the Mississippi River from a giant cruising vessel is a completely different experience from seeing it only from the shoreline. Go for a day cruise or spend a few days on the river. Either way, cruising the Mississippi on one of these beautiful boats is a unique way to experience Iowa's natural masterpiece.
The Celebration Belle is a 750-passenger paddlewheel boat made for cruising the beautiful Mississippi River.
It's the largest non-gaming riverboat currently cruising the Upper Mississippi. This giant boat offers two observation decks, two enclosed climate-controlled dining decks, a gift shop, five fully-stocked bars, two dance floors, a full galley, and is four decks tall.
It's officially spring sunset season, in Iowa.
The Celebration Belle has three boarding locations in Iowa. You can hop on in LeClaire, Muscatine, or Dubuque.
During the Captain's Narrated Lunch Cruise, passengers learn about the history of the Quad Cities area while enjoying a delicious meal.
The Dinner Cruise includes an amazing full meal, of course. After you dine, a fully stocked bar and live music from the Celebration River Cruises band awaits. Feel like dancing? Go for it.
Themed cruises, overnight packages, and group events are also options with Celebration River Cruises.
The Mississippi River is by far one of the best displays of nature Iowa has to offer. It's one of North America's richest environmental resources and is home to about 40% of the migratory waterfowl and nearly 20% of the nations' duck population on this continent.
The Twilight Riverboat is a Mississippi Cruiser that offers one or two-day river experiences between Dubuque and LeClaire. You can even go on a short 1.5 hour cruise.
The longer cruises include gourmet meals on board, historical narration, and the best up-close and personal view of the wildlife that makes the upper Mississippi River their home.
The upper Mississippi River is home to many bald eagles. They are plentiful here year round.
This magnificent river is home to more than 400 species of wildlife. From the upper decks of a river-cruising boat, you'll be able to see the marshlands, islands, and palisades of the upper Mississippi River in a way that you can't from the shore, or even a small plane.
The two-day tour leaves from LeClaire and includes an overnight stop at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort.
After spending the morning enjoying the city of Dubuque and the Mississippi River Museum, you'll enjoy lunch and dinner onboard the Twilight. The boat returns to LeClaire at approximately 7:00pm.
Taking a riverboat cruise is all about relaxation.
The crews of both of these gorgeous vessels are famously friendly and accommodating. Boarding one of these river cruises is the best way to see the Mississippi River and all of its wildlife.
Are you ready to go? Check out the Twilight Riverboat Mississippi Cruise website for a one or two-day cruise. The Celebration Belle website offers specifics about how to get tickets for a narrated lunch cruise, Captain's Dinner and Dance Cruise, or overnight cruise.
Are there other amazing Iowa river cruises we should know about? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.
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