sainte genevieve riverboat tours prices

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Now Offering Tours

Paddlewheel tour boat gives sunset cruises and dinner events along ottawa’s illinois river.

Experience the fall colors along the Illinois River from the comfort of the newly launched Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa. Starved Rock Country has long been a popular destination for autumnal sightseeing and recreational boating in north central Illinois, offering beautiful sandstone cliff faces lined with towering trees and calm, wide waters. Now, thanks to this authentic sternwheeler, a fall river sighting-seeing trip is more hospitable and accessible than ever before.

Spearheaded by Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, and Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, this passion project has begun to entertain locals and visitors alike after a summer of meticulous renovation. The Sainte Genevieve, a genuine sternwheeler capable of hosting up to 149 passengers, has taken its maiden sightseeing cruises up and down the Illinois to great initial acclaim.

The Sainte Genevieve’s inaugural tour schedule includes two distinct types of trip, both highlighting the Starved Rock Country river valley’s beautiful autumnal views and the riverboat’s panoramic bay windows and upper deck. The standard sight-seeing cruise, which runs about 90 minutes, will feature light narration and plenty of ambiance on two distinct and uniquely picturesque routes (guests can choose to book an up-river or down-river trip at checkout).

The up-river route will head east out of Ottawa, past the south bluff, where you can see beautiful riverfront homes and travel toward Heritage Harbor. On this trek, you’ll likely spot some wildlife on several of the river’s islands, before reaching your turnaround point ahead of the Marseilles Lock & Dam. The down-river route will head west out of Ottawa under the historic railroad bridge, travel up toward Buffalo Rock, where you can see the breathtaking rock faces that line the river.

The other staple voyage on offer is a sunset cruise featuring an appetizer buffet. Also running about 90 minutes, this excursion will give guests a chance to enjoy the Sainte Genevieve’s sprawling on-board cocktail buffet – featuring hearty appetizer options and curated bites from local restaurants, along with an unmatched view of the Starved Rock Country sunset. Seating for these events is on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to mingle on both the upper and lower decks to enjoy the views.

The Sainte Genevieve’s cabin is complete with heaters, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the outside temperature. The owners of Sainte Genevieve hope to run the riverboat cruises through the middle of December, so Chris Kringle Market guests can enjoy a convenient winter excursion along the river.

Upcoming events include partnerships with local restaurants, offering themed dining nights, dessert cruises, murder mystery events, brunch cruises and special Halloween activities. The riverboat also will play host to special private events and functions. Bookings for weddings and private sightseeing tours already have begun to roll in.

The Sainte Genevieve tours currently operate Wednesday through Sunday in October, and are taking reservations on the website at www.stegenriverboat.com . The 2022 fares for evening cruises are $20 for children (3-12) and $30 for adults. Weekend sightseeing cruises cost $27 for children (3-12) and $37, respectively. Prices will vary for buffet cruises and special events.

For more information on the Sainte Genevieve, visit www.stegenriverboat.com

For updated details on fall colors, be sure to follow Starved Rock Country on Facebook and Instagram .

River Cruises

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note, effective January 1, 2023, promotional punch cards are no longer valid for future punches or additional stays at no charge.

Trolley Tours & Boat Rides

Choose a River Cruise, Land & Water Cruise with lunch or a “Visit a Canyon with a Boat Ride.” Attendees meet outside of the Great Hall and board a Starved Rock Trolley to travel to the Eagle I for a leisurely cruise on the Illinois River. Reservations are required. Book online, call (815) 220-7386 or stop by our Front Desk. *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Lock and Lunch

Aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat as it passes through the starved rock lock.

Experience something new and fun aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation included. Passangers can choose between two Itinerates.

• May-October
• Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Departs at 9AM in Ottawa & 11AM at Starved Rock Lodge
• $77 adults, $67 children (10 and under)
• *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Sunset Cruise

Cruise down the beautiful illinois river aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat.

Enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Illinois River aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat. You will board the trolley at the Lodge and head over to beautiful Ottawa, IL for your cruise. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge. Reservations required.

• June-August: Thursdays, departs at 5PM $50 adults, $40 children
• September (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 4PM, $75 adults, $65 children
• October (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 3:30PM, $75 adults, $65 children

Land & Water Cruises

Illinois river cruise with lunch.

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock’s history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible.  Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• Runs June – September
• Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
• Departs at 11am (ends at 3pm)
• $60 adults, $55 Children (10 and under)

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride

Illinois river & ottawa canyon hike.

Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Canyon chosen may vary, depending on weather, river and trail conditions. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June – October
• Saturdays and Sundays
• 11AM to 1:30PM
• $55 adult, $50 Children 10 and under

Waterfowl Cruises

One-hour boat ride on the illinois river.

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour long boat ride on The Eagle I. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June-October
• Saturdays & Sundays
• Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• $37 per person

Autumn on the River Cruises

Illinois river boat ride.

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, “The Eagle I” where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Reservations are required. Capacity is limted.

• Runs in October
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• $60 adults, $55 children 10 and under

Keep In Touch

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