La Crosse Queen Cruises
Experience the charm of the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel boat, offering scenic cruises, delicious dining, and a journey through history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, romantic ambiance
La Crosse Queen Cruises
Best Time
Fewer crowds, romantic ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the charm of the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel boat, offering scenic cruises, delicious dining, and a journey through history.
"What a great experience. Very inexpensive for what you get. Great views of the river and wildlife."
🎯 Book Lunch or Dinner Buffet
The 3-hour lunch or dinner buffet cruise is highly recommended for the full experience!
💰 Great Value for Money
Inexpensive for the experience, offering great views and a well-stocked bar.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paddlewheel Riverboat Experience
Cruise the mighty Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel boat, a modern replica of historic riverboats.
Scenic Sightseeing Cruises
Enjoy breathtaking views of the river, historical sights, and potential wildlife sightings like eagles.
Themed Dining Cruises
Indulge in delicious lunch, dinner, or pizza buffets while enjoying the river scenery.
Lock and Dam Passage
Experience the unique engineering marvel of navigating through a Mississippi River lock and dam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Mississippi Adventure
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lunch or Dinner Buffet
The 3-hour lunch or dinner buffet cruise is highly recommended for the full experience!
💰 Great Value for Money
Inexpensive for the experience, offering great views and a well-stocked bar.
🥂 Enjoy the Bar Service
The bar is well-stocked and the staff are welcoming, enhancing your cruise.
📸 Capture River Views
Bring your camera for stunning river vistas and potential wildlife sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lunch or Dinner Buffet
The 3-hour lunch or dinner buffet cruise is highly recommended for the full experience!
💰 Great Value for Money
Inexpensive for the experience, offering great views and a well-stocked bar.
🥂 Enjoy the Bar Service
The bar is well-stocked and the staff are welcoming, enhancing your cruise.
📸 Capture River Views
Bring your camera for stunning river vistas and potential wildlife sightings.
🍕 Try the Pizza Cruise
A fun option for a casual outing, especially on Sundays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the La Crosse Queen Cruises for its excellent value, enjoyable dining options, and the unique experience of cruising the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel boat. The passage through the lock and dam is frequently highlighted as a memorable part of the journey, alongside spotting wildlife. While the onboard amusement system is basic, the welcoming staff and overall wholesome experience make it a highly recommended activity for all ages.
"The 3 hour cruise with dinner or lunch is so worth it!! Had gone in the sightseeing tours before and am so thankful we did the lunch buffet!! Going through the lock and dam was so neat!! Spotting Eagles and spending time with my bestie made it the best cruise we've been on!!"
Josie Kay
"Wholesome experience. The internal amusement system is limited, although you can't from this small sized cruise. But, their behavior, welcoming gesture would give you the joy in whole ride. I would recommend to try this journey."
S.M. Ashfaqur Rahman
"What a great experience. Very inexpensive for what you get. Great views of the river and wildlife. The bar is well stocked and very welcoming."
Jason “Jas” Sanger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The La Crosse Queen Cruises dock is conveniently located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Specific directions can be found on their website, and it's easily accessible by car. Parking information is usually available upon booking.
Yes, parking is typically available near the dock. It's advisable to check the official La Crosse Queen Cruises website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking details and any associated fees.
While public transportation options might exist in La Crosse, most visitors opt for driving or ride-sharing services to reach the dock. Check local La Crosse transit schedules for current routes.
La Crosse is accessible by car, and there are also regional airports nearby. Many visitors find driving to be the most flexible option for reaching the city and the cruise departure point.
Yes, La Crosse offers a variety of hotels and accommodations within a short distance of the cruise dock, making it convenient for overnight stays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the cruise type. Sightseeing tours start around $19.95 per person for a 1.5-hour cruise, while lunch and dinner cruises may have different pricing structures. It's best to check their official website for current rates.
Tickets can be purchased directly through the La Crosse Queen Cruises official website (lacrossequeen.com) or potentially by calling them. Booking in advance is recommended.
The La Crosse Queen typically operates from early May to late October. Daily cruise schedules vary, so it's essential to check their website for specific departure times and availability.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular weekend cruises, dinner cruises, or during peak season, to guarantee your spot.
While not always advertised, keep an eye on their website or social media for potential promotions or group rates. The base pricing is generally considered very reasonable for the experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The La Crosse Queen offers a variety of cruises, including scenic sightseeing tours, lunch buffets, dinner cruises, and pizza cruises. They also host special event cruises.
Cruise durations vary. Sightseeing tours are typically around 1.5 hours, while lunch and dinner cruises are often 3 hours long.
Yes, some of the longer cruises, particularly the lunch and dinner options, include a passage through a Mississippi River lock and dam, which is a unique experience.
The dinner cruises often feature buffet-style dining with a selection of dishes. Reviews suggest the food is good and the service is excellent, making it a great way to celebrate special occasions.
Yes, the La Crosse Queen has a well-stocked bar offering beer, wine, and liquor, as well as soft drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cruise offers fantastic photo opportunities, from the paddlewheel boat itself to the expansive Mississippi River views, historical landmarks along the shore, and potential wildlife like bald eagles.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and beautiful golden hour hues. Evening cruises can also offer stunning sunset views.
Yes, you can generally move around the accessible areas of the boat to capture different angles and views. The open decks provide unobstructed photographic access.
There are typically no restrictions on personal photography. However, professional or commercial photography might require prior permission.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide river vistas and distant wildlife. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a meal, the pizza cruises are a definite hit, offering a casual and fun dining experience. The lunch buffet cruise is also a good option, providing a variety of food choices that usually appeal to younger eaters, and the lock and dam passage is a captivating sight for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even the lunch and dinner cruises, while costing more, are considered a worthwhile investment due to the included meal and the extended duration. Packing your own snacks and enjoying the affordable drinks from the bar can also help manage costs.
💑 Couples & Special Occasions
The lunch buffet cruise also offers a lovely way for couples to spend quality time together, enjoying good food and scenic views. The attentive service and unique setting make it a memorable experience for any couple.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The La Crosse Queen: A Modern Replica
Cruising on the La Crosse Queen provides a distinct perspective of the Mississippi River. Unlike modern vessels, the paddlewheel design and the boat's construction evoke a sense of history. This creates an immersive experience that goes beyond just sightseeing, connecting passengers with the rich heritage of river travel in America.
Whether you're opting for a scenic tour or a themed dining cruise, the La Crosse Queen promises an enjoyable and memorable outing. The combination of historical ambiance, river scenery, and onboard amenities makes it a standout activity for anyone visiting the La Crosse area.
Navigating the Mississippi: Locks and Dams
When the La Crosse Queen enters a lock, the gates close behind it, and water is either added or drained to match the level of the next section of the river. This process can take some time, offering passengers a unique opportunity to observe the mechanics of the lock system up close. It's a practical demonstration of how river commerce and travel are managed.
Experiencing a lock and dam passage adds an educational and exciting dimension to the cruise. It’s not just about the views; it’s about understanding the vital role the Mississippi River plays in transportation and the ingenuity required to navigate its waters. Many reviewers highlight this as a particularly neat and worthwhile part of their cruise experience.
Dining and Drinks on the River
+1Reviewers often praise the food and service on the dinner cruises, noting it as an excellent choice for special occasions like anniversaries. The inclusion of a well-stocked bar, offering beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks, further enhances the onboard experience, allowing guests to toast to their river adventure.
For those seeking a more relaxed option, the pizza cruises are a hit, especially for a Sunday Funday. Regardless of your choice, the dining and beverage services aim to make your time on the La Crosse Queen both enjoyable and satisfying.
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