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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 - Mid 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 aching for exploration.
Bring your binoculars and camera. Join 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, U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain safely navigates through the meandering channels and endless backwaters. Magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfowl and bald eagles welcome you around every bend.
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.
Mississippi Explorer Cruises offers visitors of all ages 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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Nesting Bald Eagles, majestic bluffs, splendid scenery (the best in the Midwest), Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, wildlife, complimented with Nature and Historic narratives by expert-river crew members. Optional: Lock and Dam transit cruises.
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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 onboard.
• All vessels are US Coast Guard certified and inspected.
• Our Captains are licensed by the United States Coast Guard.
• Our Crewmembers are enrolled in a US Coast Guard drug testing program.
** Handicap Accessible **
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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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Rates vary by length of cruise and location. $15 - $60 per person... Group discounts are available. Deposit of $200 requested.
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Complimentary tickets for driver and tour operators.
Parking free and on location at all of our ports.
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Vessel capacities range from 20 up to 98 passengers and are handicap accessible. Available to explorers of all ages!
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• Lansing, Iowa
Hotels and Restaurants nearby
• Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Hotels and Restaurants nearby
• Galena, Illinois (Chestnut Mountain Resort)
On site Hotel and Restaurant…chair lift and Alpine slide included w/cruise.
• Dubuque, Iowa (National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium)
Hotels and Restaurants nearby….Museum admission/cruise package available.
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Group drop off, restroom facilities and free bus parking are available at all sites.
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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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• Lansing, Iowa
35 miles south of Interstate 90…scenic drive along Mississippi River!
• Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
65 miles south of Interstate 90…(on US Hiway 18) scenic drive along Mississippi River!
• Galena, Illinois (Chestnut Mountain Resort)
8 miles south of Galena (US Highway 20) on Blackjack Road, scenic drive.
• Dubuque, Iowa (National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium)
Ice Harbor area…2 blocks north of US Highway 20.
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Boat Tour Questions ???
1. Where are you located?
National Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge
Ports:
...Lansing, Iowa
...Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
...Dubuque, Iowa [ National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium]
...Galena, Illinois [Chestnut Mountain Resort]
2. What is the admission fee?
...1.5 Hour cruises…..$15 - $22
...2 Hour cruises…….$18 - $25
...More than 2 hours…Please inquire.
...Depending on routes, durations and locations. Please inquire.
3. Is your boat available for groups?
Absolutely!!
4. How long is your tour?
Average trip ranges from 1.5 hours up to 6 hours in length….depending on groups request.
5. What are the departure times?
Flexible to schedule of tour group.
6. Where does the tour take us?
U.S. National Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge.....View…Bald Eagles, Eagle nests. Great Blue Herons, songbirds, wildlife, Beaver lodges, immense Lotus and Lily beds, historical overviews and much more!
7. Are your Captains licensed?
Yes….with years of experience….and our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified.
8. What about parking and drop off?
Onsite and free.
Boat Questions ???
1. Is the boat stable in the water?
Yes…U.S. Coast Guard requires stringent stability design and testing.
2. Is the boat covered or otherwise protected from the elements?
Our specially designed, single deck, enclosed vessels offer your group event protection from the cold, heat, and other inclement weather.
3. Is the boat heated and/or air conditioned?
Yes, several of our boats are heated and air conditioned.
4. Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes….Restrooms onboard.
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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