La Crosse, Wisconsin
Jump onboard the Mississippi Explorer riverboat and explore scenic backwater wetland areas away from the busy main-channel of the river. Unreachable by other passenger vessels, we venture into seldom seen side-channels such as: Broken Arrow, Swift Creek, Mormon, and Running Sloughs. We'll explore the outskirts of Goose Island and Target Lake, stop at beaver lodges, lotus fields, and even active bald eagle nests. Now's the time to get outside and see the wide variety of plants and animals that live in the "Upper Miss" wildlife refuge! Our cruises are professionally guided and narrated by qualified and experienced wildlife naturalists and licensed captains. Last, but certainly not least, the boat has an onboard restroom, comfortable seating, a weather-protected cabin, and a very friendly and professional crew!
Looking for a fun evening with majestic scenery, wildlife, and great sunsets? Then you'll certainly want to join us on one of our less narrated Sunset Wildlife Cruises. Designed to absorb the quieter times on the river, you'll want to skip the movie and come cruise with us during these nature-filled evening tours. In our opinion, it's just about the best time to be on the river!
Carry-on's of food and drinks are allowed and welcomed during all of our cruises. We also permit coolers to be carried on, but we ask that you keep them reasonably sized.
We're located on at the south end of Riverside (across from the Radisson Hotel) and there is ample free parking throughout the area. If you need driving directions, please scroll down and use our interactive map at the bottom of the page. If you'd like to visit the La Crosse Tourism Center's website filled with helpful tourism links and lodging accomodations, please click here. If you'll be staying in the Onalaska area and you'd like to visit their tourism website, please follow this link.
Cruise Schedule for 2012
See below for prices and cruise descriptions. Private Charters are available for groups of 20 or larger beginning mid-April and continuing through early November. Call for more information.
May
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm (May 30): 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*May 30): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*May 18 & 25): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm (beginning May 12): 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*May 12, 19 & 26): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for May
May 12: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr International Migratory Bird Day Cruise
May 13: 10:30 am: Mother's Day Cruise: Mom's Get 50% Off!
May 27: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Memorial Day Wildlife Cruise
May 27: 7 pm: 2-hr Memorial Day Sunset Wildlife Cruise
May 28: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Memorial Day Wildlife Cruise
June
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for June
June 17: 10:30 am: Father's Day Cruise: Dad's Get 50% Off!
July
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise|
*Note: July 4th: No Sunset Wildlife Cruise due to Fireworks!
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
7 pm: 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for July
July 3: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 3: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 4: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 4: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 4: 3:30 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 5: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 5: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 6: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 6: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 6: 3:30 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 6: 7 pm: 2-hr Riverfest Sunset Wildlife Cruise
July 7: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 7: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 7: 3:30 pm: 1 1/2-hr Riverfest Wildlife Cruise
July 7: 7 pm: 2-hr Riverfest Sunset Wildlife Cruise
August
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*Aug. 1 & 8): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
*6 pm (*Aug. 15, 22 & 29): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*Aug. 3 & 10): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
*6 pm (*Aug. 17, 24 & 31): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*7 pm (*Aug. 4 & 11): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
*6:30 pm (*Aug. 18 & 25): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for August
September
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
6 pm (Sept. 5): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*6 pm (*Sept. 7 & 14): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise (*Autumn Wildlife Cruise begin Sept. 22)
1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
*6 pm (*Sept. 1, 8 & 15): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
*5 pm (*Sept. 22& 29): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
*Note: Sept. 29th: No 10:30 am or 1 pm Wildlife Cruise due to Octoberfest Maple Leaf Parade!
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise (*Autumn Wildlife Cruise begin Sept. 23)
*1 pm (*Sept. 23 & 30): 1 1/2-hr Autumn Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for September
Sept. 2: 1 pm: 1 1/2-hr Labor Day Wildlife Cruise
Sept. 2: 6 pm: 2-hr Labor Day Wildlife Sunset Cruise
Sept. 3: 10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Labor Day Wildlife Cruise
October
Wednesdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Thursdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Fridays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Wildlife Cruise
Saturdays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Autumn Wildlife Cruise
*1 pm (*Oct. 6, 13 & 20): 1 1/2-hr Autumn Wildlife Cruise
*5 pm (*Oct. 6, 13 & 20): 2-hr Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Sundays
10:30 am: 1 1/2-hr Autumn Wildlife Cruise
*1 pm (*Oct. 7, 14 & 21): 1 1/2-hr Autumn Wildlife Cruise
Specialty/Additional Cruises for October
November
Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18: 1 pm: *3-hr Fall Migration Cruise
* Our 3-hr Fall Migration Cruises depart from our port of Lansing, Iowa (roughly 35 miles south of La Crosse. These cruises depart from the Mississippi Explorer boat dock located at the foot of Main Street in Lansing. Boarding will begin 1/2-hr before departure time and passengers can pay either by check, cash or credit card (Visa or MC) at the boat upon arrival. Reservations are requested, but not required for these cruises and can be made by either phone or email. Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drink. Cameras and binoculars are highly recommended. Although the boat cabin is heated, please dress appropriately for current weather conditions. The boat does have an onboard restroom.
Phone: 877-647-7397 ext. 1 or 563-586-4444 ext. 1
Email: info@mississippiexplorer.com
Prices
1 1/2-hr Cruises:
Adults (12+): 14.99 + tax; Youth (ages 4-11): 9.99 + tax; Child (0-3 yrs): free.
2-hr Cruises:
Adults (12+): 19.99 + tax; Youth (ages 4-11): 14.99 + tax; Child (0-3 yrs): free.
Fall Migration 3-hr Cruises:
Adults (12+): 39.99 + tax; Youth (ages 4-11):34.99 + tax; Child (0-3 yrs): free.
Private Charters:
Private tours such as company/organization outings, bus groups, school field trips, family reunions and even bachelorette/bachelor parties are available April - October. Cost's average $10 per hour per adult passenger, but established group rates can reduce this base price. School's looking for educational cruises can qualify for additional and very competitive discounts. For more information, please call the Mississippi Explorer - La Crosse office toll-free at: 877-647-7397 ext. 2 or 507-895-4026.
Cruise Descriptions:
Please note: All of our cruises venture off of the main-channel of the Mississippi River and into the scenic and wild backwaters. Extraordinary wildlife can be seen on each and every one of our cruises. However, in order to give you the best "Mississippi River" experience, we'll visit the unique natural events that occur at certain times throughout the year. This is why we feature "Bald Eagle Watching", Lotus & Lily", "Nesting Bald Eagles", "Autumn Wildlife" and other exciting cruises periodically. They're still our fantastic Wildlife Cruise, but with a different spotlight angle!
"Wildlife Cruise"
Spend an afternoon on America's River with our signature 2-hr backwater cruise designed specifically for nature lovers and sightseers. Explore a variety of wetland habitats including open water, narrow backwater sloughs, and side channels along riverside bluffs and floodplain forests. Highlights include up close views of Bald Eagle nests, Beaver Lodges, sunning Turtles, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Red Fox, playful River Otters, and much more! This is a fully-narrated cruise with interesting insight from the captain and onboard naturalist.
"Lotus & Lily"
Incorporated into our Wildlife Cruises during the last part of July and into mid August, these cruises highlight the flowering American Lotus and Water Lilies. Come with us as we slowly navigate through the open-water pathways found in the immense fields of these breathtaking and fragrant aquatic plants. Not many folks known that the American Lotus is the largest flowering plant in North America with large yellow flowers up to 10 inches in diameter and leaves reaching 2 feet across - come see for yourself!
"Sunset Wildlife Cruise"
What could be better than a Mississippi River backwater cruise? A Mississippi River backwater "Sunset" cruise! Join us on this scenic and relaxing cruise as we head into the Upper Mississippi River's wildlife refuge. These cruises scale back the narration and are designed for an intimate tour of the river at a very special time. Many of our animal friends stay hidden during the warm afternoons and wait until this time to venture out - we'll be right there to see them! Bring along your own food and beverage of choice (perhaps a bottle of wine) and prepare for an evening of pure delight. There is no better time to be on the Mighty Miss!
"Autumn Wildlife Cruise"
Forget New England! Travel less and discover more by taking a 2-hour cruise through our endless Mississippi River backwaters. Don't worry... this is still a Wildlife Cruise, but we change the name to emphasize Mother Nature's seasonal achievement. View the spectacular fall foliage colors on the towering bluffs surrounding the river valley inside or outside of our heated sightseeing riverboat cabins. With the vegetation dying back and the leaves fall off the trees, it's also a fantastic time to spot many of the critters that call the Upper Miss wildlife refuge home. A very popular cruise for autumn color sightseers with great photo opportunities for everyone! This is a fully-narrated cruise with interesting insight from the captain and onboard naturalist.
"Fall Migration Cruise"
Departing from our Lansing, Iowa port, these spectacular cruises are our last of the year! These migration tours offer an extended first-hand birding experience in key Mississippi River Flyway habitats. Experienced bird-watchers and river naturalists will accompany each cruise and provide interpretation and bird-watching identification and assistance. Visitors will experience amazing close-up views of thousands of elegant tundra swans and hundreds of thousands of a wide variety of ducks plus numerous bald eagles, Canada geese, pelicans, cormorants, and other wildlife. With this being said, the 3-hr venture itself is a gorgeous journey alongside the towering limestone bluffs surrounding the river. Snacks and drinks will be served at no extra charge aboard these season-ending cruises. This is a very popular tour and we do suggest making advance reservations - cruises will be filled on a first come, first served basis. This is a fully-narrated cruise with interesting insight from the captain and onboard naturalists.
Tickets and Reservations:
Tickets can be purchased dockside at Riverside Park beginning 30-minutes prior to departure. Although walk-ups are always welcomed, reservations are suggested by calling ahead. We prefer check or cash as payment, but credit cards can be used.
Reservations do not require any deposit. If you are interested in one of our cruises, please call. If we are unavailable, leave your name, phone number, cruise name and date, and how many seats you'd like to reserve. We'll make your reservation call you back with a confirmation asap.
For more information regarding tickets, reservations, schedules, and/or private charters, please call Mississippi Explorer-La Crosse toll-free at (877) 647-7397 ext. 2 or 507-895-4026.
Contact Us:
Phone:
Toll-free: (877) 647-7397 ext. 2
La Crosse Office: (507) 895-4026
Main Office: (563) 586-4444
Email: info@mississippiexplorer.com
Mailing Address:
Mississippi Explorer - La Crosse
P.O. Box 696, La Crosse, WI 54602-0696
Map
Cruises depart from Riverside Park, downtown La Crosse (across from the Radisson Hotel).