Dubuque River Rides
Home of: Spirit of Dubuque, Miss Dubuque & Ice Harbor Galley The Spirit of Dubuque is the area's only authentic paddle-wheeler on the Mississippi River.
- The SPIRIT is a replica of a century-old Mississippi River steamboat with decorative smokestacks, a scalloped canopy over its open-air deck, Victorian red and gold decor throughout the enclosed dining salon. The gangway and dining area are handicapped accessible for standard wheelchairs.
- The SPIRIT of Dubuque has been showcasing the vast history and beauty of the Dubuque area for over 20 years with a variety of cruises to fit into everyone's schedule. Cruising May through October, the SPIRIT of Dubuque has sightseeing, lunch & dinner cruises that would delight the entire family!
The finest in family entertainment on the Mississippi, the SPIRIT'S Cruise Schedule offers:
- Sightseeing cruises are daily, with a narration given by the SPIRIT'S Captain.
- Luncheon cruises, with a live entertainer.
- Evening cruises featuring our famous Prime Rib & Chicken dinner, with a live entertainer.
Visitors from all over the world find a fascination with the workings of the Lock and Dam system in Dubuque. On Saturday evenings, river traffic permitting, the SPIRIT offers a dinner cruise through Lock and Dam # 11, where you can experience the raising and lowering of the water, as the Captain maneuvers through to the northern expansion of the Mississippi.
A typical cruise takes you both north and south of the Ice Harbor, possibly viewing:
- River barges
- the swing span Chicago Central Pacific Railroad Bridge (built in 1868)
- the Dubuque Star Brewing Company
- the Shot Tower
- Dove Harbor
- Lock & Dam #11
- Eagle Point Park
- Julien Dubuque's Monument
Wildlife to be seen might be turtles, seagulls, great blue herons, and America's National bird, Bald Eagles!
Along with the general cruises that are available, the SPIRIT'S calendar is full of special events that would be a perfect escape for all ages, from school field trips to fall colors that the seniors enjoy. A unique river excursion to "die for" would be our Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise. Imagine cruising the Mississippi River on a paddle wheeler, dining in a Victorian styled salon on a Prime Rib and Chicken dinner, and witnessing a "murder". Or enjoy one of the SPIRIT'S Fall Foliage Cruises in October. Come aboard for either the 2 hour or the 4 hour lunch cruise and view the panoramic splendor of Fall along the Mississippi River. It's a relaxing way to explore the wonders of the season on a timely river ride!
The SPIRIT is also the celebration place for many proposals and wedding ceremonies. The Mississippi, with it's beautiful scenic river bluffs, is a romantic setting for honeymooners and weddings! The SPIRIT has a magistrate who will perform a wedding ceremony or vow renewal on board!
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