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Mississippi Explorer Cruises offers unique Wildlife Eco-Tours on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. Fully licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), our riverboats are specially designed, which enable them to safely navigate the shallow Mississippi backwaters. These scenic backwaters are untoachable by other local vessels restricted to the main channel of the Mississippi River.
The 261-mile refuge, with 240,00 acres of wooded islands, marshes, and backwaters, is the longest river refuge in the continental United States and is home to nesting Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, Egrets, Muskrats, 119 species of fish, over 600 plants, and much more! To learn more about the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, please visit their website at www.fws.gov/midwest/uppermississippiriver.
Our Eco-Tours are about connecting people with nature and conservation, specifically the ecosystem of the Upper Mississippi River and it's tributaries. Professionally guided by qualified experts and USCG licensed captains, our tours are educational as well as a great way to view the inner workings and tranquility of the longest river in North America.
In addition to our famous Wildlife Eco-Tours, we have Bird & Eagle Watching Tours, Lotus & Lily Tours, Fall Foliage Cruises, Music on the River Cruises, and our port-to-port Expedition Cruises. For more information about these cruises, Group Tours, or Private Charters, please see the Cruises & Rates and Tickets & Reservations sections under Our Ports. |
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Our fleet of eight Mississippi Explorer vessels are based at our home ports of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Lansing, Iowa; Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; and Galena, Illinois. In La Crosse, we operate at the Best Western Midway Hotel & Riverfront Resort. In Lansing, our vessels are conveniently docked on the riverfront just south of Main Street. In Prairie du Chien, cruises depart from the riverfront on St. Feriole Island. At Galena, cruises depart from the scenic Chestnut Mountain Resort. In Dubuque, at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Undeniably, we are located in the river's most scenic area, rich in history and gateway to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
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Our company's founder, Captain Jack, has spent a lifetime on riverboats, including towboats, passenger and research vessels... as well as exploring endless back waters with Mississippi Explorer. Having a vast knowledge of the river's navigation system, it's environment, history, people, and ecology, has afforded him many opportunities to share his experiences and knowledge as a public speaker, consultant, archivist, and author. Highlights of his career include a two year stint archiving river folk life with the Smithsonian Institution. The research concluded with an exhibit and presentation in Washington DC that yielded over a million visitors!! Never short of a river yarn, Captain Jack always enjoys sharing river lore and legends with passengers. |
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Mississippi Explorer Cruises is fortunate to have expert naturalists and historians available to provide narrations on specified Eco-Cruises, birdwatching and historical excursions.
River Educator:
· Mark Wagner
· Director of Education...National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Join River Educator Mark Wagner and his staff of informative Museum guides onboard the Mississippi Explorer V as they take you to explore several aspects of the river from the backwaters to Catfish Creek. While on the 90-minute cruise, you will learn about the natural and historic elements that make up the Mississippi River.
Naturalists:
· Ric and Betty Zarwell
· Birding Guides
On specified cruises, local birding experts Ric and Betty Zarwell compliment our crew. Together, Ric and Betty sponsor an educational birding festival in Lansing every fall. They share their knowledge with hundreds of birding enthusiasts from around the nation and parts of the globe. Ric is the regional coordinator for the Audubon IBA [Important Birding Areas] Program.
River Naturalist and Birding Guide:
· Jon 'Hawk' Stravers
Experienced with the river's backwaters and ecology, Jon's expertise adds a special zeal onboard the Mississippi Explorer during Bird Watching cruises. Jon serves as the Research and Field Trip Coordinator for the National Audubon Society’s Upper Mississippi River Campaign. Jon has also conducted and supervised research on a cooperative basis with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project, and Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Jon is recognized as a leading expert on Red-shouldered Hawks nesting along the Upper Mississippi River. Other research he has conducted includes: Raptor migration along the Upper Mississippi River and the effects of human disturbance on Bald Eagles nesting within the Upper Mississippi River.
 Story Teller and Historian:
· Duke Addicks
Duke leads the Mississippi Explorer on 'special' themed historical cruises that every river history buff... young and old will enjoy.
Duke has fascinated hundreds of audiences of adults and older children and has been heard by millions over public, commercial and Native American radio networks.
He holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Minnesota and is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He is admitted to the practice of law before the Supreme Courts of Minnesota and the United States. Duke studied traditional storytelling in his youth with his Cherokee Grandmother and later with Ojibwa storyteller and healer Anna Moon Feather. Duke was an instructor on contract with the Science Museum of Minnesota for over ten years and presented over 300 programs for that organization. For the last 14 years he has been a volunteer ranger, naturalist and storyteller for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, presenting a variety of monthly programs.
In addition to his storytelling, Duke is currently on the Board of the Northstar Storytelling League and currently is a member of the Boards of the Ramsey County Historical Society and Northstar Storytelling League. As a professional storyteller, Duke has made numerous storytelling presentations for libraries, schools, colleges, corporate meetings, associations, festivals, historical societies, theaters and other organizations and groups. Duke frequently uses bagpipes and Native American drums and flutes when appropriate as part of his stories. He also leads human and natural history walking tours of many locations in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
 Educator & River Historian:
· Norm Leeman
Norm Leeman was a Middle School Social Studies teacher for the Postville Community School District for 34 years. He taught U.S. History, Iowa History and World Geography, as well as Hunter Education. He has fished the Mississippi River for over 50 years. He also attended an archeological field school in the Prairie du Chien area for 3 summers. He has a strong interest in history and enjoys visiting with our passengers. |
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 Lansing, Iowa
The friendly residents and merchants of Lansing always extend a smile and a hardy welcome to vistitors. You will be delighted by the quaint charm of our river community. Be sure to sample some river cuisine at one of the local eateries. 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 with out a trip to Mt. Hosmer which offers breathtaking views of 3 states and the majestic Mississippi River.
 Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
The area rich in history, offers modern explorers plenty to see and do!!
Reflect back to June 17, 1673 when French Explorers Marquette and Jolliet came down the Wisconsin River and were the first Europeans to see the Mississippi River. The name of Prairie du Chien came from the French for Prairie of the Dog, an early Fox chief who lived on the prairie. French Canadians, engaged in the fur trade, settled on St. Feriole Island by the river.
Gradually the British took over much of the fur trade centered in Prairie du Chien. In the early 1800s, the Americans asserted their presence with the building of Fort Shelby. During the War of 1812, the British and Americans skirmished for control of the fort and the prairie. July 1814, the only battle of the war fought in Wisconsin happened here and is known as The Battle of Prairie du Chien. The fort was burned. In 1816 Fort Crawford was built.
About 1895 the clamming and pearl button industry became important. Thousands dug clams and sold shells to the button factories.
Today St. Feriole Island hosts several major annual attractions. Historic attractions on St. Feriole Island to visit:
 Galena, Illinois - Chestnut Mountain Resort
The resort offers breathtaking views of the majestic Mississippi River.
A full-service resort, Chestnut is the perfect destination for groups, family vacations and for romantic getaways. With 120 rooms, an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, 2 dining rooms, lounge and all that nearby Galena has to offer. The Alpine and Steinhaus restaurants feature breathtaking views while offering contemporary menu items as well as traditional favorites. Explore the Mississippi River as you never have before on a Mississippi Explorer Cruise. Chestnut Mountain Resort provides one of the most value-packed experiences available to today's short-distance traveller. Chestnut Mountain Resort is located near the historic town of Galena, high above the Mississippi River.
ACCOMODATIONS: End your day by taking advantage of the indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool in the lodge. Or, relax with a cocktail at the Three Gables Lounge. Chestnut provides live entertainment and an electronic game room for your enjoyment.
 Dubuque, Iowa - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Prepare to take an entertaining and informative journey on the Mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Enjoy dynamic aquariums, historical exhibits and a stroll through the wetlands and boatyard. Each visit is a truly interactive experience where visitors can get "up close and personal" with live critters and become barge pilots. Tour the steamboat William M. Black and watch as a boat is launched into the Mississippi River. |
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Lansing, Iowa
Our company's docking facility is conveniently located just south of Main Street on the waterfront in Lansing, Iowa. Directly behind the historic old Kerndt Grain Elevator. Generations ago this elevator was used to load the area's bountiful grains onto riverboats for export. Today, the building houses the Red Geranium gift shop and Lansing River Museum on the street level. The lower level [riverside] of the building opens up to our adjacent dock and park like pre-cruise staging area. Which also serves as the company's classroom and river educational center.
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
In Prairie du Chien, Mississippi Explorer Cruises embark and disembark from the floating docks located along the Lawler Park riverfront on historic St. Feriole Island. Directly across from the Depot bar and restaurant.
Galena, Illinois - Chestnut Mountain Resort
Cruise tickets are sold at the Alpine Slide booth. If you like, ride the Alpine slide or chair lift down to the boat offering breath taking views of majestic Mississippi River.
Dubuque, Iowa - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Cruise tickets sold at the Main Entrance ticket area. Cruises depart from Museum Docks. |
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Lansing, Iowa
Convenient parking is available across the street in the park/ball diamond area.
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Ample parking is available along the street adjacent to the docking area.
Galena, Illinois - Chestnut Mountain Resort
Ample parking is available at the Lodge.
Dubuque, Iowa - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Ample parking available in Museum Parking area. |
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