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"The Mississippi Explorer Cruise was one of the best river cruises I have ever experienced with a group. The outgoing and friendly crew were the best. Their knowledge of the river, the habitat and the birds and animals that live there, was second to no one! It was all presented in a fun, down-home style. In fact, it was like spending the day with your family!!! Mississippi Explorer Cruises has my highest recommendation and I will definitely spend some enjoyable time with them again in the future. Fabulous!! Thanks again Captain Eric for a great day. The cruise was the highlight of the Mystery Trip.”
Gary Block
Gary Block Tours
Mississippi Explorer Cruises, LLC offers Historical and Wildlife Eco-Tours upon the backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. River cruises range in length from 1.5 hours up to all day, depending on your bus tour group’s interests.
Charter cruises are customized to your groups needs. Port of departure, times, routes, and length of trip.....you decide! However, we will assist you in putting a marketable and entertaining package together! Our comapany employs a "hands on" approach and we'll be there on the boat with you!
Our cruises are ideal for Explorers of all ages...ranging from Student field trips to Senior outings.
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Operating Season: Mid April through early November
Cruise Times: Sunrise to sunset everyday! |
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Come and discover the beautiful scenery and grandiose eco-system that encompasses the Mississippi River, where alluring backwaters are waiting for your exploration.
Join our U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain's, Jack, Annie, Dan, Phil & Eric, and their helpful crew onboard our Mississippi Explorer riverboats for a uniquely tailored eco-excursion plying America's grandest river. Sit back, relax and enjoy the splendor of the mighty Mississippi River ecosystem, as your knowledgeable Captain safely navigates through the meandering channels and endless backwaters. Magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfowl and bald eagles welcome you around every bend - binoculars and cameras are suggested!
The Mississippi River, rich in history, is unveiled as your seasoned Captain shares yarns of river lore. Reflect back to earlier river years with tales of steamboat wrecks, early Explorers, Native American wars, and the massive log rafts that once supplied lumber to a new nation. We offer our passengers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty and natural wonders of the Upper Mississippi River bordering Northeast Iowa, Southwest Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota and Northwest Illinois. |
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MISSISSIPPI EXPLORER riverboats are uniquely designed and capable of navigating areas of the Mississippi Wildlife Refuge inaccessible to other commercial vessels. All our vessels offer guided tours with narrations from local experts.
Our specially designed, single deck, enclosed vessels offer your group event protection from the cold, heat and inclement weather. Restrooms are located onboard.
Vessel passenger capacities range from 20 up to 98 and our boats are handicap accessible.
• All vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected.
• Our Captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Our Crewmembers are enrolled in a U.S. Coast Guard drug testing program. |
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All seasons:
Sightseeing, Wildlife Eco-Tours, River History, Bird-Watching (Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Egrets & many more) view and visit Bald Eagles & Nests, Lock and Dam Cruises, and popular Storytelling Cruises.
May –July
View Eaglets in their nests. Bird watching at it’s best!
Late July – Mid August
Popular…..Magnificent Lotus and Lily Cruises…Get an upclose view of hundreds of acres of lotus & lilies in full blossom.
Late September thru October
Popular….Colorful Fall Foliage Cruises
Mid October – Mid November
Popular….Migratory Waterfowl and Bird Cruises. View thousands of Geese, Ducks, Pelicans and Tundra Swans.
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There is a variety of catered food services available. Lap lunches and concessions onboard upon request or restaurant dining may be arranged. Special diets can be accommodated with proper notice. For a real "taste" of the river, consider treating your tour group to an authentic private Fish Fry!!
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• Lansing, Iowa
National Park Service - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Scenic drives, apple orchard, Yellow River State Forest, Art Galleries, Fishing & River Museum, quaint shops, Mt. Hosmer - overlook, fantastic Fall Foliage, Fish Fry.
• Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Fort Crawford Museum, Villa Louis (historical home), Pikes Peak & Wyalusing State Parks with overlooks, scenic drives, Fall Foliage, National Park Service - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Fish Fry
• Galena, Illinois (Chestnut Mountain Resort)
Historic Galena Illinois, President/General Ulysses S. Grant’s home, Alpine Slide, Scenic Chairlift.
• Dubuque, Iowa (National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium)
River Museum and Aquarium, Historic Dubuque, Iowa…Casinos, Field of Dreams movie set nearby.
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Have have placed an interactive map, courtesy of Google Maps, at the bottom of our Port pages. For example, if you need driving directions to find us in La Crosse, Wisconsin, click on "LA CROSSE" under "OUR PORTS" and scroll to the bottom of the page. There you can type in your location and find directions to us. Technology is great isn't it!
Note: If you need further directions, maps, or just need to talk to someone, please don't hesitate to give us a call. |
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Group Tour Questions.
1. Where are you located?
• La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Lansing, Iowa
• Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
• Dubuque, Iowa [at the Nat'l Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium]
• Galena, Illinois [at Chestnut Mountain Resort]
2. What are your prices?
• $10 per hour per adult passenger. For additional services such as picnic lunches, drinks, or live musical entertainment - small charges will apply.
3. How long are your tours?
• 2-hour to 6-hour cruises are typical. Two & Three day cruises are also available.
4. What are the departure times?
• We schedule our departure time around your itinerary.
5. Where do your tours take us?
• Our cruises are centered around the great Mississippi River and the Nat'l Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. We venture off the main channel of the river and into the backwater areas that offer exciting upclose views of bald eagles, eagle nests, great blue herons, neo-tropical songbirds, beaver lodges, immense American lotus and water lily beds, historical overviews, and much more wildlife!
6. Are your Captains licensed by the United States Coast Guard?
• Yes, and our captains have years of experience and expertise. Our hire only captains and crew members that have a strong passion for the river and its history, ecology, and scenic beauty. Our employees LOVE their jobs!
7. What about parking and drop off fees - are there any?
• No. We have onsite and free parking at all of our locations.
8. Is there a charge for bus drivers and tour guide/group leaders?
• No. We provide complimentary tickets for bus drivers and tour operators.
Boat Questions.
1. Is the boat stable in the water?
• Yes. The U.S. Coast Guard requires stringent stability design, testing, and continous inspection.
2. Is the boat covered or otherwise protected from the elements?
• Yes. Our specially designed, single deck, enclosed vessels offer your group protection from the cold, heat, and other inclement weather.
3. Is the boat heated and/or air conditioned?
• Yes. Although we typically find that our passengers love to have the large windows and doors open.
4. Are there restrooms onboard?
• Yes.
5. How are the boats laid out?
• Ample seating with optimal viewing for all onboard. Single deck, comfortably accommodates up to 60 passengers. Amenities include: sun deck, spacious cabin, service bar, heater/air conditioner system, large viewing windows, rest room, PA/music system, carpet, seating, AC power and much more. |
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