Spirit of Peoria Cruises

Just sit back, relax and become mesmerized by the rhythmic sound of the paddlewheel propelling you forward along the calming waters of the river. As one of the few remaining paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi River, the Spirit of Peoria is a throwback to days gone by with deck side seating in the open air or a relaxing ride inside with a full view of the landscape.

There are a number of cruising options available, including, sightseeing cruises, lunch & dinner cruises and full day cruising options and this year, back by popular demand are two Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises. Kick back, relax and enjoy the ride on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise. Lunch and dinner cruises include a full meal during a leisurely two hour tour.

A full day of relaxing on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers aboard the Spirit of Peoria is also available with a limited number of cruises from St. Louis, Mo. to Grafton, Il. All inclusive ticket pricing includes: all-you-can-eat meals, professional storytelling, unlimited complimentary drinks, historic information, wildlife sightings, indoor comforts, outdoor relaxation, live entertainment, ragtime piano, roundtrip transportation, tax and gratuity.

For more information or to make reservations, call (800) 258-6645. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Alton Visitor Center, located at 200 Piasa St. in Downtown Alton.

Grafton River Adventures

Leave your worries at the dock when you board the “Hakuna Matata” for a river rambling excursion. Whether you’re relaxing inside or catching some rays on the upper deck, rolling on the river couldn’t be more fun than cruising with Grafton River Adventures. The Hakuna Matata is an all-weather, 53-foot, 49-passenger tour boat. There is seating and cafe tables on both the upper and the lower decks. The first level of the boat is fully enclosed with large windows and is seasonally air-conditioned and heated. The upper deck is a huge open air patio offering 360 degree views of the river, bluffs, islands and historical points of interest along the way.Get your feet wet with the River Rambling Tour. This 45-minute tour affords opportunities to see wildlife up close and learn about the history of the river region. Themed tours include: Sunset Wine Cruises, Margarita's on the Mississippi, Fireworks Cruise and BBQ Dinner Cruises. For more information, click here.