riverboat cruise minneapolis

A Guide to Boat Tours and River Cruises around Minneapolis and St. Paul

• Updated August 2, 2021

One of the coolest parts about the Twin Cities is their plentiful access to water.

That’s why exploring the Twin Cities via boat is one of our “must try” activities, no matter if you’re a long time resident or just visiting for the weekend.

But since narrowing down the many options is no easy task, we thought we’d lend a local’s hand with this detailed guide to boat and river cruise around Minneapolis and St. Paul.

• The Who, What, Where of Boat & River Cruises 
• What are the most popular boat tours and river cruises in Minneapolis & St. Paul? 
• Where do cruises go? 

Padelford Riverboats

Paradise charter & minneapolis queen, al & alma’s, st croix boat and packet, magnolia blossom cruises, the who, what, where of boat & river cruises  .

As the residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Twin Cities locals know a good riverboat cruise when we see one.  

• A great location?   Check ✓  
• Easy-to-use reservations system? Check ✓
• Dining and drinks onboard?   Check ✓ and Check ✓

Whether it’s exploring the architectural wonders spanning the Mighty Mississippi or sipping cocktails as the sun goes down, there are plenty of options for boat tours and river cruises in Minneapolis and St. Paul that meet all the requirements on our must-try list.    

What are the most popular boat tours and river cruises in Minneapolis & St. Paul?  

Before you decide on a vendor and dates for your Minneapolis-St. Paul boat tour, it’s best to decide what type of cruise you’d like to take.   Different boats offer different tour types; some are focused on the scenery, others are more focused on the food and entertainment onboard.   Here are some of the more popular boat tour and river cruise options:  

• Sunset Dinner Cruise – Sunset dinner cruises are by far some of the most popular and first to book up reservations.   Most of the boat operators in the Twin Cities offer some form of a sunset cruise, departing the dock 1-2 hours before dark for dinner and drinks while the sun goes down.   These tours are great for long summer nights when the best place to be is on the water.
• Sightseeing Cruise – End-of-the-day boat tours might not be the best option for families or visitors trying to fit in other items on the Twin Cities travel itinerary.   If that’s the case, you may want to consider a general sightseeing cruise.   The daytime trips for Twin Cities boat and river tours often fall in this category, with options to see bridges, well-known landmarks and do some wildlife watching.  
• Brunch Cruise – It’s hard to go wrong with a Minneapolis brunch in general. But then make that brunch on a boat, and you’re pretty much set for a terrific outing. Brunch cruises typically depart at 10 AM, have a great menu, and are a casual way to relax and enjoy the water and the weekend.
• Fall Color Cruises – From late September to mid-October, the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul light up with some of the best fall colors in the Upper Midwest.   We love to recommend it to out-of-town guests or friends; get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures and enjoy the mid-day or afternoon fall color cruise.  
• Holiday Cruises – Mother’s Day?   4 th of July?   Labor Day?   If there’s a summer holiday you love to celebrate, there’s a pretty good chance you can commemorate the day with a boat cruise on the Mississippi River.   All the major tour operators in the Twin Cities offer cruises for these events—just make sure to snag reservations well in advance.  
• Private Party – If you’re checking out options for an upcoming private party venue, summertime boat cruises are a great option to explore. Getting a group together for a birthday, anniversary, class reunion, or corporate event is easy and more affordable than you might think.  

Where do cruises go?  

Not only are there options for the type of boat cruise, but there are also options for departure.   Choosing the tour location changes what you can expect to see and the type of boat you’ll end up taking.   Here are the 4 top departure locations for boat tours and river cruises in the Twin Cities:  

• Mississippi River in Downtown Minneapolis – Departing from Bohemian Flats Park near downtown Minneapolis, taking a Mississippi River cruise from this location means excellent views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and the University of Minnesota campus.    
• Mississippi River in Downtown St. Paul – For terrific views of the St. Paul skyline and the best chance to see wildlife in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, depart from downtown St. Paul.   You’ll also have an opportunity to board some historic riverboats at the docks on Harriet Island.  
• Lake Minnetonka – Looking for the best drinks and food?   Want to take a cruise on a newer, luxury yacht? Best to head west for a boat tour on Lake Minnetonka.   We love these tours for ogling at the giant houses while we sip on sundowners.
• St. Croix River in Stillwater – One trip over the I-94 bridge from Minnesota to Wisconsin, and it’s pretty clear that the St. Croix River is a top Twin Cities boating destination.   Several river tours depart the docks near Stillwater during the summer, with both traditional paddleboat options and upscale dinner cruises. This is our top spot for fall colors as well.  

The Top Twin Cities Boat and River Cruise Companies  

Ready to book your cruise?   Try out one of these Twin Cities boat and river cruise companies for the best tours and destinations:  

More than 5 million visitors have taken a riverboat cruise with Padleford Riverboats in downtown St. Paul.   They offer the largest selection of tour options (sightseeing, dining, themed cruises, school trips, and private events) and have some of the best deals on tickets and dining.   On Mondays, Padleford hosts a $10 cruise with 2-for-1 beers after 6 PM – an excellent happy hour option for co-workers and friends.

• Location – Downtown St. Paul: 205 Dr. Justus Ohage Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107
• Website: Padleford Riverboats

As the largest tour operator in the Twin Cities (five vessels in two locations), Paradise Charters has more than 30 years of experience taking trips on the Mississippi River and Lake Minnetonka. They have an extensive portfolio of tour choices, including a full calendar of tours running seven days a week during the summer. Expect to shell out a bit more for tickets on Paradise cruises, with most tickets running $35-40 per person.  

• Location – Downtown Minneapolis: 2150 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55454
• Location – Port of Excelsior/Lake Minnetonka: 2 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331
• Website: Paradise Charter Cruises  

Consistently voted on “Best of the Twin Cities” lists, Al and Alma’s boat charters on Lake Minnetonka have been offering tours on the lake since 1973.   Their fleet includes the largest motorized yacht on Lake Minnetonka, the 83-foot “Bella Vista,” and some of Minnesota’s most expensive public yachts.   Al and Alma’s cruises also feature food prepped from their Cooks Bay supper club—expect better menu options than you’ll find on any other Twin Cities boat cruises.  

• Location – Lake Minnetonka: Lake Minnetonka (multiple locations for departure)
• Website: Al & Alma’s

Located on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway near Stillwater, St. Croix Boat and Packet (aka Stillwater River Boats) is home to one of the largest river tour boats in the Twin Cities Metro.  St. Croix operates six boats, seven days per week, with cruises from 11:30 AM to 8 PM.  Their largest boat holds more than 650 guests, with multiple floors of bars and dining and a terrific roof deck for river viewing.

• Location: 525 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082
• Website: St. Croix Boat and Packet Co.

Looking for an unforgettable party venue for a group of 60-100 friends, family, or co-workers?   The Magnolia Blossom Cruise company offers private charter cruises on their historic riverboat.   The tour boat docks on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul, allowing trips customized to view downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul scenery.   The Magnolia is one of the few boats that will navigate the lock and dam at Ford Parkway, something your guests won’t soon forget.   Note, Magnolia does not offer public boat cruises; the tours are by charter contract only.

• Location – Mississippi River near St. Paul: 2500 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
• Website: Magnolia Blossom Cruises

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Daily Sightseeing Cruises

Narrated, 90 minute public excursions depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul. Sights along the way include: the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, Pike Island, and the timeless splendor of the mighty Mississippi River.

All Sightseeing Cruises offer a fully stocked bar and limited snacks available for purchase onboard (please no outside food or beverage).

Ride as often as you like with a Family Season Pass!

Adults $21.00 Children (3-17) $10.50

Boarding begins 30 minutes before the cruise. This price includes the 5% port fee.

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Padelford Riverboats 205 DR Justus Ohage Blvd. Harriet Island St. Paul, MN 55107

LOCAL: 651-227-1100

The Riverboat Cruise In Minneapolis You Never Knew Existed

Courtney Blake

More by this Author

Although Minneapolis sits upon the Mississippi River and is known as the “City of Lakes,” the average Minneapolitan doesn’t put much thought into sightseeing via a cruise. It can be argued that many Minneapolis residents might not even be aware that the city has an accessible riverboat for public and private cruises for everyone to enjoy! The Minneapolis Queen and Paradise Lady riverboats are owned by Paradise Charter Cruises and are a delightful way experience the city built along the Mississippi.

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There are so many adventures in the Twin Cities that you may have missed, even if you grew up here! A lovely little river cruise is an excellent way to see the city from a whole different perspective. For more information, cruise schedules, and reservations (which are highly recommended), check out the Paradise Charter Cruise website .

What’s your favorite way to experience Minneapolis? Let us know in the comments below.

Are you looking for ways to spice up your next date night with something new and exciting? Check out these 10 Unique Date Ideas In Minneapolis .

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

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Padelford Riverboats

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Review Highlights

“ Your kids and out-of-town guests will love the Riverboat as much as I did! ” in 3 reviews

“ Lazily our boat drifted on the Mississippi river which provided lovely views of the forested river banks and city skylines. ” in 6 reviews

“ Hopefully she is a part of every cruise, even though we was playing an important role in this German theme cruise, leading the game of hammerschlagen. ” in 2 reviews

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205 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd

Saint Paul, MN 55107

Serving Saint Paul Area

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We were in the St. Paul area for a music festival and decided to stay in town the whole weekend. This dinner/river cruise was a highlight of our weekend. We went on the rib dinner cruise: the ribs were tender and flavorful, and I loved the cornbread. I don't know what was up with the potato salad, but it had a weird aftertaste, so I didn't finish my serving which is unusual because I am tater salad kinda gal. Dessert was a simple yellow cake with diced fruit. I wish the whipped cream had been sweetened, but it was still yummy. The cruise was nice, but I wish we had more views of the nighttime city skyline.

We went on July 4 and wanted to entertain new Ukranian immigrants and acclimate them to MN. The weather was perfect. They have beer, soda and snacks including hotdogs. I found it odd that people would need to be that pacified for an hour and a half. It's so serene. I thought it was cool to see how the tracks hook up for the trains. In that short time you'll get all you need to know about the history of St. Paul. We used to take our sons on this yearly. Get tickets online.

They have a serious wasp problem. Before the boat even left the dock, a bunch of kids were basically melting down. Really detracts from the experience. Also, they didn't take us as far as Fort Snelling at all, as promised. Just randomly turned around beforehand.

It resembles a lazy river ride, it feels like you're floating along. The announcer mentions a couple of fun facts about the area throughout, and you're left to your own thoughts most of the rest of the time.

Very clean and efficient. Not much to see in this trip except for the river banks. Did see a bald Eagle and the nest. Also saw the rotating train track. Other than that, the sights were limited. Wish we had chosen a different trip.

If I could shower a venue with Yelp stars, I pick Padelford Riverboats! We actually got married on the Betsey Northrup this year and our guests actually thanked us for inviting them! We had the ceremony on the top deck, did a sunset dinner cruise, and had a live band. Our guests had access to the top deck after dinner so a lot of people were able to enjoy the city lit up at night while the boat was cruising along the Mississippi River. A lot of our guests said it was one of the best weddings that they had ever been to because it was so different and fun. Jen was our event manager and she was very easy to work with. I basically flooded her email with questions for 4 months and she made sure the day went very well. The food was amazing! This chef knows what he's doing so if you are interested in hosting an event with them and considering catering - you will not be disappointed. We're two weeks out from the wedding and we're still getting compliments on our food! Weddings are stressful. Actually planning any event is stressful but Padelford made things a lot easier. They also offer sight seeing cruises along with dinner cruises in the summer and fall so this is also a great date night/family outing/friends hang out option. There is also a large parking lot available at Harriet Island so you don't have to worry about your car.

We were fortunate enough to see both a pair of eagles engage midair and bald eagles cruising the riverside. The boat was spacious enough for passengers and offers an air conditioned interior. The journey itself was peaceful and unremarkable. An audio recording available on your phone would dramatically improve the experience as it could not be heard over passenger chatter.

This is a wonderful activity to enjoy on the Mississippi River. And I got lucky when I visited the Twin Cities in mid-May because most of these tourist-type boat rides don't begin running until after Memorial Day. But hallelujah, Padelford Riverboats go rolling on the river on weekend afternoons. So, despite the drizzle and threat of rain, the boat was actually quite full. Lots of families with excited kids. Tourists. History buffs like me. There is some narration at first and then Padelford is off and running down the mighty Mississippi, which made St. Paul a river transportation hub during the 18th & 19th centuries. The remnants of old flour mills and processing plants still line the waters. I was thrilled to see many unique bridges along the way; many of these structures were made of steel and iron. The bridges were more evidence of the important role the Mississippi River played earlier in our country's history as a way to move goods up and down through the Midwest and into southern ports. I would also encourage birders to take the Padelford Riverboat to check out the variety of waterfowl here. Now I came through very early in May before the nesting and roosting got into full swing. However, I managed to spy out plenty of ducks, a big gaggle of Canadian Geese and plenty of swallows cruising the river banks in search of mud for their nests. The narration mentioned bald eagles are commonly seen during the tour but later on into the summer & fall. A small snack bar on board serves drinks and food. The hot dogs looked good. Be advised--many schools take the kiddies here for school outings. That is great but plan your trip accordingly. Nice employees and ship hands work here. A gracious deck man helped me down the plank which was very slippery and wet with drizzle. Your kids and out-of-town guests will love the Riverboat as much as I did! 5 YELP STARS!

After years of watching this boat going up and down the Mississippi seemingly just about every time I cross the 35E bridge I finally was able to take trip myself for the first time. Its a good time. It was a Monday afternoon so we took advantage of the Monday Madness trips they run on that day. There are different types of trips and different rates, but on Mondays you can take a 90 minute trip with a couple of drink tickets for the reduced rate of $8 plus the port fee. After negotiating the St. Paul area construction we arrived just minutes prior to the 2:30 departure time. The upper deck was pretty full (at least under the canopy) so we took some chairs and sat along the front rail. We left on time and with the sun going behind the clouds we had a pleasant experience. Other than the Cliff Clavin type that sat to our left it would have been a peaceful one as well. He knew a lot about the area and didn't hesitate to give his own tour while drowning out the Don Shelby narrated tape being played by the crew. Sitting by the rail and seeing the sites from the river for a change while enjoying some Surly beer. This particular trip left from Harriett Island and went up a little past Pike Island and turned around. Will definitely be back to try some of the other trips as time allows. The sunset cruise sound particularly good. Would have scored it higher if not for the self-appointed tour guide and the mess of construction currently going on that made it more than a little frustrating just getting there. Can't wait for the next time though.

Went on a special outing as a guest of Minnesota Twins. It was so much fun! The folks at the river boat company took great care with all of the guests. Food was great and hot. Drinks were cold and refreshing. . Scenery was amazing. What a great night to spend on the river! Thanks Minnesota Twins !

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Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes; and Minneapolis is known to house a few, too.

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