Lansing, Iowa
Located in the heart of Pool 9, one of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge's pristine areas, Lansing is one of Iowa's premier picturesque river towns. The friendly residents and merchants of Lansing always extend a smile and a hardy welcome to visitors. Filled with charming and unique shops, beautiful Bed & Breakfast accommodations, and outstanding restaurants, Lansing is a river lover's ultimate getaway.
The Mississippi's past comes alive when you visit the Lansing River History Museum where the best commercial river fishing exhibits are displayed. Antique outboard motors and ice harvesting are two of the other popular exhibits at the museum. No trip to Lansing is complete without a trip to Mt. Hosmer which offers breathtaking views of 3 states and the majestic Mississippi River.
CARRY-ONS ALLOWED
We do allow our passengers to bring aboard their own beverages and snacks. We also permit coolers to be carried on, but we ask that you keep them on the small side. If you have any questions regarding any of our cruises, please contact our Main Office at 877-647-7397 ext. 1 or 563-586-4444.
Public Cruise Schedule & Prices for 2012
See below for prices and cruise descriptions. Private Charters are available for groups of 20 or larger beginning in May and continuing through November. Call for more information.
May - November
Private Charters:
With a very limited public cruise schedule, our Lansing location is primarily reserved for Group Tours and Private Charters. If you would like to schedule a riverboat cruise out of our Lansing port, please call us directly and we will be glad to setup a unique experience that will be remembered for years to come! Private tours such as company/organization outings, bus groups, school field trips, family reunions and even bachelorette/bachelor parties are available May - November. Cost's average $10 per hour per 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 office toll-free at: 877-647-7397 ext. 1 or 563-586-4444 ext. 1. You can also email us at: info@mississippiexplorer.com.
Jon Boat Tours:
Popular with wildlife photographers and nature seekers alike, our "Jon Boat" tours are designed for personalized and intimate backwater experiences. Interactive and very "hands-on", we'll visit beaver lodges, lotus and lily fields, eagle nests, and more. Our Jon Boat is rated to carry 6 passengers and can get into areas of the Wildlife Refuge that our other larger riverboats can't. Give us a call anytime and we'll put something together for you and your friends today!
August
Lansing Fish Day Cruises: Coming Soon!
November
Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18: 3-hr Fall Migration Cruise: 1 pm.
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
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.
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.
"Sunset Wildlife Cruise"
What could be better then 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 pair back the narration and are designed for an intimate tour of the river at a very special time. Many our our animal friends stay hidden during the warm afternoons and wait til dusk to venture out - 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!
"Fall Migration Cruise"
Our last cruises of the year! These cruises offer an extended, first-hand birding experience in key Mississippi River Flyway habitats. Experienced birders and river naturalists will accompany each cruise and provide interpretation and birdwatching 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 which surround 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 at our ticket booth, located at the foot of Main Street in downtown Lansing, 1/2-hr prior to departure. Although walk-ups are always welcomed, reservations are suggested by calling ahead.
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 save you your spot and call you back with a confirmation asap.
We prefer check or cash, but credit cards can be used.
For more information regarding tickets, reservations, schedules, and/or private charters, please call us toll-free at (877) 647-7397 ext. 1.
Interested in a Group Tour or a Private Charter at our Lansing, Iowa location? Contact us for cruise options at very reasonable prices.
Contact Us:
Phone:
Toll-free: (877) 647-7397 ext. 1
Local: (563) 586-4444
Email: info@mississippiexplorer.com
Mailing Address:
Mississippi Explorer Cruises - PdC
1913 Old Mill Drive
Lansing, IA 52151
Map:
Lansing: (at the foot of Main Street) 60 S. Front Street, Lansing, IA 52151
Mississippi Explorer: (877) 647-7397 Ext. 1
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