La Crosse Queen Cruises

La Crosse Queen Cruises runs paddlewheel boat tours on the Upper Mississippi River out of La Crosse. The boat is a modern replica of the river steamers that worked the Mississippi in the early 1900s, and it is one of the few authentic paddlewheel river boats still operating in the United States. Its split sternwheel is driven by twin diesel engines, which gives the boat good maneuverability. Public cruises include a sightseeing trip, a pizza cruise, a Sunday brunch, lunch and Saturday or Friday dinner cruises, with buffet meals and beer, wine and liquor on board. Private charters and weddings are also booked.

Public cruise tickets open for booking four weeks before each sailing, and groups of 35 or more can book any public cruise. Guests often watch for eagles and other wildlife along the banks and may pass through a lock and dam. The boat is licensed to carry 149 passengers. Dining is also available year-round at Castaway's on the Island, the company's catering restaurant, which is reached by calling its own number during the off-season. The boat departs from 405 East Veterans Memorial Drive in La Crosse.