Go with the Flow

regional spots worth “cruising”

V1 Staff

TOURIN’ THE MIGHTY MISSISSIP
Tourin' the mighty Mississip.

Afton/Hudson, WI
Departing from either Afton or Hudson, WI, these cruises take you down the St. Croix River. Offering specialty cruises including a swanky Sunday Brunch cruise, there’s something for everyone aboard the Grand Duchess, Sweet Afton, or Afton Princess. Cruises run mid-April through October.

La Crosse, WI
Travel the Mighty Mississippi aboard an authentic river paddlewheeler in LaCrosse, WI. The LaCrosse Queen offers a variety of cruises including cocktail cruises and moonlight cruises and run May 5 through Oct. 28.

Wisconsin Dells, WI
We’re all familiar with the Wisconsin Dells, America’s largest waterpark. Gain a new view through more adventurous fare like a Wisconsin Duck tour, which takes you off-roading across both land and water, or an adventurous day trip to Devil’s Lake State Park at nearby Baraboo for a hike around the lake followed by a refreshing swim. 

Mississippi River
Board the Mississippi Explorer in LaCrosse, a trip tailor-made for nature lovers and sightseers. The cruise takes passengers on seldom-seen side channels of the Mississippi River, showcasing wildlife and great sunsets. The cruise season runs May through mid-November.

Great Lakes
If you’re looking for a longer getaway, take a trip on the Great Lakes. These typically weeklong excursions can take you from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Chicago, New York City to Toronto, and more. Three-day trips take you from Kingston to Montreal.

Twin Cities, MN
Embark from two of the Midwest’s largest cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul – on a truly historic cruise. If you’re looking for a historically narrated public sightseeing cruise departing from Harriet Island in St. Paul aboard an old-fashioned steamboat, look no further than Padelford Packet Boat Co. A variety of cruises are offered May through November.