boat cruise on the grand river

The Grand Lady

Riverboat at Steamboat Park, Jenison, Michigan

Welcome to The Grand Lady

Live music cruises will begin memorial day weekend. sightseeing cruises and private charter availability will begin mid-may 2024., come aboard the grand lady for live music cruises, sightseeing cruises, and private charters on the grand river. the riverboat is located just minutes from downtown grand rapids, michigan, at steamboat park . questions about rv camping may be directed to [email protected]., the grand lady dock is located at steamboat park campground 825 taylor st, jenison, michigan 49428..

Are there restrooms on board?

What if it rains, will i get seasick, is smoking allowed, is the grand lady accessible, may i bring my pet on board, may i bring my own chair may i bring my child in a stroller, may i bring food and drink on the riverboat, are credit cards accepted, what will i see on a sightseeing cruise, reservations, may i make reservations and pay at the riverboat for tickets, how far in advance should i make reservations, may i reserve seats i select, what if i change my mind, or am unable to go may i change or cancel my trip, i purchased online, where are my tickets, when is the office open, may i purchase a gift certificate, day of the cruise, how should i dress, what time should i arrive at the riverboat, what is the parking situation, will you tell me more about the riverboat.

• Overall Length: 105 feet
• Width: 26 feet
• Height: 20 feet
• Average Draft: 22 inches
• Displacement: 70 tons
• Propulsion: Twin Sternwheels 12 ft. diameter w/100 horsepower per wheel
• Maximum Capacity: 144 Passengers and crew

Groups and Charters

School cruises, groups, and private charters.

Thank you for considering The Grand Lady Riverboat for your event. The Grand Lady is the perfect venue for a unique experience in a beautiful, outdoor setting. Our Riverboat has a capacity of 130 passengers, two decks protected from weather, with beverage service, and a sound system for live music. Please review the information and links below, and then email us at [email protected] with your questions and as many event details as possible.

School Cruises : Contact our partner, Ottawa County Parks/Nature Center , at [email protected] or 616-786-4847 to arrange field trips and educational outings.

Groups of less than 20 : For small groups, we recommend that you purchase seats on public Sightseeing Cruise or Live Music Cruise. Go to the Calendar to view upcoming cruises, get details, and purchase seats. We are not able to accommodate a bar tab or drink tickets on Live Music Cruises. If you wish to do so on a Sightseeing Cruise, arrangements must be made in advance of the event.

Groups of 20 or more on a public cruise: For a group reservation of 20 or more, we will open a new date on our public cruise calendar at a time that works for your group, or you may purchase seats on an already-scheduled cruise. Seating is on a first come basis and open to the public. The remaining seats not sold to your group will be available for sale on The Grand Lady website. The cruises are two hours in length and follow the same format and pricing as our Sightseeing Cruises. We are not able to accommodate a bar tab or drink tickets on Live Music Cruises. If you wish to do so on a Sightseeing Cruise, arrangements must be made in advance of the event.

Group reservations to open a new date must be made at least four weeks prior to the cruise date. We will add a new public cruise to our calendar, and you will then purchase at least the first 20 seats to secure the date. You may purchase more seats for your group as needed. Please keep in mind that all sales are final. For group questions and to request a date, email us at [email protected].

Private Charters : Family gatherings, corporate and team outings, and other special events (entire boat up to 130 passengers) Continue reading “Groups and Charters”

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The Grand Lady is constructed in the style of the steamboats that served the communities along the Grand River during the 1800′s. Although she is a modern vessel, she has many of the characteristics which made the early steam powered riverboats so successful on the Grand.

With her shallow draft, the Grand Lady can operate along the full length of the lower Grand, from the Lakeshore Railroad Bridge at mile 37.7 in Grand Rapids, to the mouth of the river at Grand Haven, including Spring Lake.

One of the main features of early riverboats was the giant paddlewheel. The Grand Lady has two identical stern paddlewheels, which may be operated independently. This allows her to be easily maneuvered in the narrow channels and sandbars of the river. The paddle wheels also allow her to operate in very shallow water (as little as 2½ feet), where a modern vessel would be grounded.

Food and snacks is available onboard as well as live music and bar facilities. Both open cruises and charters are available. Typical events include parties, weddings, school groups, historic tours as well as a full schedule of open public cruises.

The main cabin will seat up to 80 passengers and the upper deck has a seated capacity of 65. The upper deck can be reached by three staircases; two at the front of the main cabin and one at the stern. The lower deck, main cabin and restrooms are fully handicapped accessible and ramps are provided for boarding and debarking.

Both decks and pilothouse are designed for Michigan’s unpredictable weather. With a cruising season from May 1st through October 31st, the Grand Lady can provide a comfortable experience, regardless of the season.

Payments Accepted

Travel time from downtown grand haven.

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Packages & Deals

Great getaway ideas.

Looking for a last minute getaway idea? Need some inspiration for a weekend away with that someone special or ‘cabin fever’ family? Check out our latest list of lodging packages and deals in the Grand Haven area!

1 Day Around Town Itinerary

If you’re here for only one day, you’re going to have to be strategic about what you see and do. Some tough choices are ahead, but don’t worry. We’re here to help with a dawn-to-dusk-plus-late-night list of possible must-sees and -dos (psst … think beach, boardwalk, big burritos, bands and beyond) that are sure to translate into your idea of the perfect summer day.

See Our 1-Day Itinerary Here

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Boarding in the grand haven area.

Meet Tucker. He’s your local insider for all board-related activities, including kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, skateboarding and more. If it involves a board, Tucker rides it.

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Grand River Dinner Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Did You Know You Can Cruise on a River Boat on the Grand River?

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What, a River Boat in Grand Rapids? You bet and it cruises the Grand River every week.

I wrote about this last year, but thought I should bring it up again since summer is slowly coming to a close and it is sooooo much fun, and, you still have time to cruise the Grand River in style.

It's the Grand Lady Riverboat , located at Steamboat Park in Jenison,  just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. They have Sightseeing Cruises, Live Music Cruises, and Private Charters on the Grand River. You get to enjoy scenic river views, wildlife, live local bands, and refreshing beverages from the lower deck bar.

The Grand Lady is constructed in the style of the steamboats that once served the communities along the Grand River during the 1800′s. Back then they mostly carried cargo up and down the river, but some offered cruises for passengers.

In the early 1900's there was a big paddle wheel steam boat that people from far and wide would come to cruise on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids.

Of course, we're all familiar with the big Riverboats that would cruise the Mississippi, and the showboats, a floating theater that would port a small towns along the mighty Mississippi and entertain the folks.

The Grand Lady doesn't port at small towns along the Grand, but does have lots of fun and great entertainment cruises with bands and many nights features some of the best singers in Michigan like Mary Rademacher and her incredible band of friends.

They have two bars onboard, and you are not allowed to bring your own drinks to a cruise, even water, since you must buy it on the riverboat.

However, you can bring your own food if you like and have a real picnic, or just buy snacks from them.

No matter, it is a Grand Time on the Grand Lady Riverboat!

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River Town Adventures is excited to partner with J & K Steamboat Company, the same company who brought Lansing the Michigan Princess Riverboat at Grand River Park. The Grand Princess Riverboat is a double-decked riverboat that can cruise effortlessly along the Grand River in Downtown Lansing. Rent the Riverboat for your next event, or ride along for one of our River Taxi events. Perfect for corporate events, family groups, fundraisers, and more!

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Since 1978, Grand River Cruises has been offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience in Southern Ontario.     

 private cruises.

Have your own private dinner cruise boat to celebrate a special occasion or just to connect with friends and family again.   

Our boats are ideal for small, intimate gatherings as our maximum capacity is 49 passengers/boat.

2024 season runs from May 22 to October 6

Tuesday to Sunday

3 hour Private Dining Cruise $75.00 (tax & gra tuity included) Your choice of depar ture time between 11:00 a.m. & Noon or 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy the privacy of having your own dinner cruise boat to yourselves!   Our delicious full-course meal is served during this 3 hour private dining cruise.   Tables will be set with linen tablecloths & napkins and you may lightly decorate your boat.   You many also choose your departure time and, although our boats are not large enough for dancing, you may bring your own music to play on our sound system.  

Minimum of 30 people required for private (maximum 49 passengers/boat)

​ Sp ring  Special!

Cruise in May and receive

$10 off per adult

T uesday & Wednesday evenings only

Privat e Evening Boat Charter $800   (flat rate to rent boat for 2 ho urs) Your choice of departure between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Just want a boat ride without a meal?  This 2 hour boat ride is ideal for meet and greets,  product presentations,  showers or just a casual outing with friends.  You are welcome to bring your own finger food such as pizza, veggie/fruit/dessert platters, chips, etc.  We do not allow outside catering or hot buffet meals on this cruise .  

Tuesday to  Friday

Private Lunch Cruise & Blazing Fiddles Show $80   (tax & gratuity included)

Begin your day with a performance of The Blazing Fiddles in our auditorium at 11:30 a.m.   You will then embark on a private 2-1/2 hour cruise at 12:30 p.m.  featuring a delicious full-course meal  served to each table. During the cruise your captain gives an informative  commentary and you can sit out on the promenade deck to enjoy the river scenery.    

All private dinin g cruises include:

Complimentary refr eshment  from our Dockside Cafe on arrival

Snack & dip platter for table upon boarding (lunch cruise & show package receive snack in auditorium prior to performance)

Fresh-baked bread

Mixed greens salad with choice of dressing

Choice of: Slow-cooked roast beef or baked chicken breast or vegetarian chili (protein choices must be pre-ordered)

Potatoes and vegetables  

Choice of Apple Crisp Pie or Str awberry Shortcake  for dessert

Tea, coffee, soft drink

Once you reserve a confirmation will be sent to you and you will have the opportunity to select your protein and dessert choice that will be linked to your reservation.

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Family owned since 1978

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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3 hospitalized after knife attack on party boat in New York City along Brooklyn waterfront

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NEW YORK (AP) — A knife attack on a crowded party boat at a New York City pier Saturday resulted in the hospitalization of three people, police said.

A 911 call came in around 5 p.m. reporting the assault along the Brooklyn waterfront near 58th Street and the Brooklyn Army Terminal warehouse, NYPD Detective Sophia Mason said.

The victims were said to be a 32-year-old man with a stab wound to the torso, a 40-year-old man with stab wounds to the chest and abdomen and a 28-year-old man who was hit in the head with a bottle. They were taken to the NYU Langone Hospital and were in stable condition, Mason said.

Two more people were treated for injuries at the scene, but they declined further medical treatment, according to the fire department.

There were no arrests as of Saturday evening and the investigation was ongoing.

Around 3,000 people were aboard the vessel, the Cornucopia Majesty, at the time, police said. An event called BYFAROnABoat, which had advertised daytime and nighttime parties on the boat boarding at the Brooklyn Army Terminal on Saturday, said in a statement posted on social media that a “crime scene developed by the pier.” As a result, the night event was postponed.

“BYFAR Entertainment has always been a beacon of safe events in New York City and this rare occurrence has never been the norm with us,” the statement said.

The pier at the army terminal, a former military supply base that houses industrial businesses, is used by the city’s ferry service and private vessels.

Party cruises are a fixture in the waters off New York City in the warmer months, typically carrying DJs playing to large crowds as they take in views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. The city in the past has moved to restrict where and how late they can dock on the southern Brooklyn waterfront, following complaints from some area residents.

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The 12 Best Water Safaris Around the World, From Antarctic Cruises to Botswana River Journeys

The term safari typically evokes images of dusty African savannahs and bouncy 4×4 rides in pursuit of the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. While this classic game-drive ritual has its place, a different breed of water-based adventures is gaining momentum.

In Africa, swapping wheels for hulls can save time. In Rwanda, for instance, traveling aboard the Kivu Queen uBuranga , the first motorized houseboat on Lake Kivu, cuts travel time for gorilla trekking jaunts in the Volcanoes National Park or searching for chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Both would take many hours by car. Plus it’s just a much more pleasant way to travel.

In other parts of the world, the only way to see marine wildlife is by boat. “Cruises are great for visiting more areas and seeing a variety of landscapes,” Allie Almario, the Galapagos and Amazon safari expert at Philadelphia-based Premier Tours, told Robb Report. “ Going by boat in the Amazon, for example, allows you to navigate the tributaries easily for access into some of its most remote areas.”

We’ve curated our favorite water trips to animal-laden lands, whether it’s traveling in a houseboat or go-anywhere expedition vessel, drifting along rivers or cruising to the world’s most remote polar regions. Accommodations range from intimate five-star island hideaways to brand-new superyachts to more communal, high-end river boats. What they share: A wildlife-focused itinerary that not only provides opportunities to witness water-dwelling species but also the diversity of fish and underwater mammals and wide-ranging bird species, all from the comfort of a luxurious floating camp.

Here are 12 of our favorites.

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Michigan Princess

More than just a boat.

Float down the river with all the comforts of a 5-star establishment. We offer a variety of services and amenities to make your cruise an enjoyable experience. Our goal is to leave you so satisfied that you will cruise with us again and again.

Don’t need the whole boat?

We rent each deck individually to accommodate smaller gatherings and offer more affordable options. If you don’t have a boat load of guests but still love the location, we can find a space that works for you.

Book A Cruise

At the bow, there's a wrap-around awning that shelters passengers from rain and direct sun, while still providing splendid views of the Grand River. The Grand Salon Dining Room features a dance floor, stage, bar area and the grand staircase. Restrooms are located on the port and starboard sides.

Head up the grand staircase to access the second deck. The Princess Dining Room, located toward the bow, is a dazzling hall with 15 brass chandeliers. Passengers can stroll the promenade to take in the scenic atmosphere. A second bar is located on the port side. The Stern Wheel Room is lined with five foot windows that gives passengers a fantastic view of the paddle wheels as they power the boat downriver.

Additional outdoor seating is available on the third deck. The Captain's Dining Room features the most private dining experience with the best views of the river. Passengers will have the opportunity to meet the captain, listen to his stories, and tour the wheelhouse.

Free Parking

Leave your car and cares behind.

On-Board Catering

Enjoy a delicious meal.

Beverage Stations

Celebrate with a toast.

Climate Controlled

Guaranteed comfort year round.

Fully Enclosed

Cruise rain or shine.

Outdoor Seating

Take in the views of Grand River.

• Year Built: 1991
• Capacity: 300 for a seated meal, 500 for standing room only
• Length: 110 feet
• Width/Beam: 44 feet
• Draft: 18 inches in bow, 3 feet at stern
• Displacement: 262,000 lbs (131 tons)
• Fuel Capacity: 440 gallons
• Fresh Water: 1200 gallons
• Grey water: 2000 gallons
• Engines: 2x Mercruiser D Tronic 4.2  250 hp each push the boat; 1 John Deere 6068 generator 135kw
• Speed: cruising 3 knots; top speed 7 knots
• Average cruise length: lunch 1 1/2 hours; dinner 3 hours Lunch cruise is a 3 mile trip, dinner is a 6 mile trip 38 tons of air conditioning and 500,000 btu of heat
• Over 100 windows:
• 2 bathrooms:
• Average number of trips per year: 170
• Number of passengers each year: 15,000
• Busiest time of year: October
• Cruising season: March 1-December 15

Book Us For An Event

Have a special event that you want to make even more special. Book the Michigan Princess.

Buy Tickets For An Event

There’s a ton of great things happening aboard the Michigan Michigan Princess.

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The Best River Cruises In North America You Have To Try

Posted: December 11, 2023 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

Rolling on the river

Viking Mississippi Holiday Season cruise, USA

It’s never too early to start planning a Christmas markets cruise, and as much as we love the ones in Germany and Austria, nothing beats a festive float down the Mississippi. Highlights on  this cruise , which snakes from Memphis to New Orleans, include stop-offs at Natchez, whose many historic buildings are festooned with Christmas lights, and Vicksburg, whose independent boutiques are great places to pick up presents. This is also a great cruise for twitchers – a huge number of bird species flock to this stretch of the Mississippi for winter. 

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M.S. Dixie II Lake Tahoe cruise, California, USA

Say hello to one of America’s most spectacular lake cruises. Your mode of transport for this sail across Lake Tahoe will be the M.S Dixie II – the lake’s biggest boat. The sunset dinner cruises are popular with couples, although we recommend the scenic daytime tours, which are a great way to explore North America’s largest alpine lake. This high-altitude body of water spreads into two states (California and Nevada), contains enough water to cover California with 14 inches of water and is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.  

Le Petit Navire Lachine Canal tour, Québec, Canada

If crowded cruise liners and transatlantic crossings don’t appeal, consider this leisurely sail along Canada’s 14-kilometer Lachine Canal, which slices through the southern section of Montréal, a city famous for its historic architecture. Don’t know your dingle from your dewater? You’ll gain a wonderful insight into the construction of this historic waterway as you pass through its locks, and you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Montréal’s skyline. Your mode of transport is rather special too – a carbon-neutral, zero-pollution electric propulsion boat. 

American Cruise Lines Alaska Inside Passage cruise, Alaska, USA

Alaska’s Inside Passage is an inland route weaving between islands on the Pacific Northwest coast and along glacier-lined fjords. Inside Passage cruises offer a different perspective on Alaska to coastal cruises, relying on smaller ships to reach more remote ports of call. Highlights of this cruise include the Strait of Georgia, where you’ll sail between Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and the glacier-fed waters of Frederick Sound – a brilliant whale watching spot.

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Northwest Pioneers Cruise, Oregon and Washington, USA

As much as we love the mighty Mississippi, this brilliant river cruise , which wiggles through Oregon and Washington, is a fantastic reminder that there are plenty of other breathtakingly beautiful waterways to explore. On this adventure, you’ll sail along the Columbia River – the largest in America’s Pacific Northwest – and Snake River, which is the Columbia River’s largest tributary. It’s a great way to see some of America’s most underrated destinations, including the town of Astoria, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.

American Cruise Lines Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise, Washington, USA

This seven-day cruise provides a brilliant insight into one of America’s most wildlife-rich regions: Washington state’s Puget Sound, America’s second largest estuary; and the San Juan Islands, a cluster of 172 islands and reefs where you’re likely to spot wildlife including whales and eagles. Don’t miss the chance to explore Port Townsend, sandwiched between Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and famous for its Victorian-era architecture. 

Viking America’s Heartland cruise, Upper Mississippi, USA

This is one of the best Mississippi cruises for anyone keen to learn about the people who shaped this part of the US, whether it’s the Norwegians who migrated here during the 1800s or the farmers who made this region one of America’s top culinary destinations. Stops include the Missouri city of St Louis, once known as the Gateway to the West; Hannibal, which was the setting for Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn;  and the Iowan city of Dubuque, home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Viking Heart of the Delta cruise, USA

An eight-day cruise between Memphis and New Orleans, Viking’s Heart of the Delta cruise takes in the Mississippi’s best bits, including many listed monuments and buildings. For history buffs, highlights will include St Francisville, where there’s a whopping 140 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Natchez, which has more listed buildings than any other American city. If you’re short on time, put Stanton Hall, which was built in the 1850s, at the top of your list – this Greek revival-style property is famous for its ornate mirrored parlors.  

James River Batteau Company Batteau River tour, Virginia, USA

Short on time? Opt for this scenic river tour . Your mode of transport for this float along Virginia’s James River will be one of the beautiful wooden boats which have sailed this waterway for years. The two-hour tour along the river, which is Virginia’s longest, is a great way to see its wildlife – bald eagles, river otters and ospreys are regularly spotted. It’s a rather relaxed affair, and passengers are encouraged to cool off with a swim in the river. 

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American Queen Voyages Clarkston to Portland cruise, USA

A brilliant cruise for history fans, this 10-day Snake River and Columbia River cruise starts in Clarkston and finishes in Vancouver, Washington – the route undertaken by explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark in the early 1800s. It’s also a route lined with natural wonders, including Columbia Gorge, which slices through the Cascade Mountains, and Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon and can be explored on a high-speed boat ride. The Columbia River stretch is where you’re most likely to see bison, elk and deer too. 

American Queen Voyages Memphis to Nashville cruise, USA

This nine-day Memphis to Nashville   cruise is a fantastic way to check out some of the southern state’s prettiest towns, whether it’s Paducah in Kentucky, famed for its arts and craft museum or Clarksville, Tennessee. The latter is famous for its breweries, distilleries and wineries, while historic sites include the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town’s famous former residents, including Wilma Rudolph – the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. 

American Queen Voyages Mighty Mississippi Red Wing to New Orleans, USA

Can’t get enough of the Mighty Mississippi? Take a deep dive on  this 16-day cruise between Red Wing and New Orleans. It’s a fantastic way to discover the landscapes which surround America’s second longest river. The Minnesotan city of Winona, for example, is built on a sandbar and dates back to 9,500BC. The excursions on this cruise are fantastic too. Our favorite? In the town of Hannibal, Missouri, you’ll get the chance to make your very own clay pot out of Mississippi mud. 

Adventure Life Rivers of Adventure and Wine cruise, Oregon, USA

Your transport for this food and wine-themed cruise along the Columbia River is the Wilderness Legacy, a beautiful vessel designed to resemble a Victorian steamer. During the cruise, which starts and finishes in Portland, you’ll visit some of Oregon’s most important historical sites, but it’s the food and wine-themed stops that really set it apart. In the Hood River Valley, you can sign up for cycle rides between local vineyards, and in the Washington city of Walla Walla, you’ll visit a local chocolatier, olive oil producer, and brewery.  

American Queen Voyages St Louis to Cincinnati cruise, USA

Get more bang for your buck from your river cruise by signing up for American Queen Voyages’ exploration of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Stop-offs on this spectacular paddle steamer cruise include the Illinois city of Alton, which has a rich history and became a base for abolitionists in the 1800s, and Henderson in Kentucky. It’s another cruise with fantastic excursions, our favorite of which is a jet boat ride along a stunning section of the Ohio River near Carrollton, Kentucky. 

American Queen Voyages Montréal to Detroit cruise, Canada and US

An 11-day cruise between two very different cities, this Montréal to Detroit sailing provides plenty of opportunities for urban explorations – you’ll visit Montréal, Québec City , Toronto and Cleveland, as well as quaint riverside towns such as Gananoque, in the heart of the Thousand Islands archipelago in Eastern Ontario. This particular cruise offers fantastic value for money – the cost of your sailing covers a wide range of excursions, including visits to Toronto’s CN Tower and catamaran tours of Niagara Falls.

St Lawrence Cruise Lines, Canada’s Capital North cruise, Canada

This Ottawa River cruise is a great way to explore two very different regions of Canada – more specifically Ontario and Québec. The six-day sailing is packed with fascinating stop-offs, including the wildlife-filled Thousand Islands, which straddle the border between America and Canada, and Fort Wellington, built in 1812. Love a lock? For many passengers, the highlight of this river cruise is the famous Carillion Lock, an enormous 182-tonne structure which has a flow rate of 2,000 cubic meters of water per second. 

Pearl Seas Cruises Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise, US and Canada

Sign up for this 11-night cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee and you’ll get the chance to see four of the most beautiful Great Lakes, with time to visit attractions lining the route. For many, the highlight is Georgian Bay, where 30,000 islands form the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and where you’ll be able to check out destinations such as traffic-free Mackinac Island by horse-drawn buggy. There are plenty of big hitters too – you’ll take a guided tour of Niagara Falls and visit the legendary Henry Ford Museum in Windsor, Ontario. 

Le Boat Rideau Canal Cruise, Ontario, Canada

For something completely different, consider hiring your own river boat for a bespoke exploration of Canada’s Rideau Canal. The waterway, which is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America, is regarded as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, and the UNESCO-listed canal is lined with historic sites. Your mode of transport? A luxury river boat kitted out with a kitchen, spacious bathrooms and sun deck. They’re surprisingly easy to drive too, thanks to powerful thrusters which make navigating locks a breeze. 

American Cruise Lines Hudson River cruise, New York, USA

This New York round trip  takes in the Hudson River’s best bits, busting the myth that its most spectacular section weaves through the Big Apple. You’ll explore it on the American Star, which has room for just 100 passengers and offers several stop-offs in the beautiful Catskill Mountains area. The cruise is especially popular with fans of architecture, who come to admire historic buildings such as the Vanderbilt Mansion (the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt). 

Viking Great River cruise, Mississippi, USA

This is another fantastic option for history buffs – a Mississippi River cruise filled with visits to some of America’s most important historic sites. In Red Wing, Minnesota, you’ll learn how New Englanders joined forces with German and Irish migrants to farm the fertile landscape, and in Burlington, Iowa, you’ll discover how the arrival of both steamboats and the railroad transformed this once sleepy town, filled with listed buildings. Don’t miss the chance to stand under the famous Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri – a crossroads for nineteenth-century explorers. 

US Mailboat Cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/V Sophie C, New Hampshire, USA

Another fantastic option for anyone short on time, this cruise takes place on America’s oldest floating post office – a beautiful vessel which launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945. During the two-hour cruise, you’ll visit several of Lake Winnipesaukee’s 253 islands, many of which were once home to indigenous people such as the Pennacooks. Don’t forget to send a postcard home – you’ll be able to post it on the boat, complete with an M/V Sophie C stamp.  

Craving a cruise? Check out our guide to the world’s most beautiful cruise ships

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We set out to kayak the entire Charles River. It was that or pickleball.

Our goal: to paddle as much of the famed river as we could. if only we could figure out where it started..

B efore setting out to paddle the length of the Charles River, you should know that no one really can say where it begins.

Some will tell you that, officially, it’s Echo Lake in Hopkinton. The lake, which is actually a man-made reservoir for the town of Milford, sits 83 miles — as the water flows — from Boston Harbor. If you go there, you will find no signs or markers claiming such fame, only ones sharing the fact that granite was once quarried in the area.

In defiance of this narrative, some maps label tiny streams flowing into the lake as the Charles River. You can step across these headwaters without much of a squish. So, it’s best to let go of the idea of finding and making the “source” of the river your starting point. Local ordinance doesn’t permit boating on Echo Lake. It only gets practical farther downstream.

I know all this because, on a golf course with three high-school buddies in October 2022, we hatched a plan to paddle the entire length of the Charles.

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By then middle-aged, we were talking about life and how best to spend our next chapter. Pickleball may have been mentioned, but then my friend Gene Hurley, who has lived most of his life within a stone’s throw of the Charles, shared his long unrealized scheme to paddle it. “The whole thing,” he said. I was intrigued.

Neither of us owned a kayak. Months later, we paddled our banged-up boats into Boston Harbor after an adventure that took us over beaver dams, into unspoiled slices of wilderness, past modest homes and stately manors, through 23 cities and towns — and made our year.

As noted, the Charles River “starts” a little over 80 miles from the harbor. But the paddler’s map published by the Charles River Watershed Association picks things up at the North Bellingham Dam, 65.4 miles from Boston Harbor. We planned to launch our journey somewhere upstream from the dam.

Depending on rainfall, sections of the river upstream can be unnavigable. At times your boat will bottom out. Even when the water level cooperates, there are countless obstacles. The 19 dams on the river are just the start. Fallen trees lurk around seemingly every bend of the Upper Charles and frequently force awkward portages.

With work and personal lives to juggle, we didn’t have a great sense of how long it would take us to complete our expedition, except that it wouldn’t be just a day or two. We planned piecemeal, one leg of the journey at a time. But the goal was clear: to paddle into Boston Harbor by the end of the summer.

With little previous kayaking experience, we decide to test the waters by launching an initial leg on April Fools’ Day at Bellingham’s Box Pond, through which the Charles flows. We’re both thinking the same thing. Two fools in over their heads.

The Native American name for the Charles River is Quinobequin, meaning meandering. We quickly understand why as we find our way downstream through the lovely, bird-filled Bellingham Meadows, where the narrow switchbacks eventually lead us on a twisting route to our first real test, a dark passageway under Interstate 495.

At certain times, when the water is too high, the tunnel is impassable for paddlers. We quickly size it up and decide to try to squeeze our way through, the top of our heads scraping the ceiling. Eventually, we are ejected back into daylight, smiling with relief and wiping spider webs off our faces. We go a bit farther on this day, scooching our boats over a burgeoning beaver dam before finding our planned ending spot at Maple Street in Bellingham, where we had parked one of our cars before starting.

Our next time out, we are joined by Jim Grant, another member of that initial golf foursome. It is his first time in a kayak and he is on edge. We put in at Bresnahan’s Landing in Medway and cruise downstream through Populatic Pond between Franklin and Norfolk.

Before long, we settle into a rhythm. That doesn’t last long before we get spun around by some shallow, rocky quickwater under bridges at Myrtle Street and Dean Street along the Norfolk-Millis line. We exit the water at a canoe launch by Forest Road in Millis, toasting our fun with some hazy IPAs.

Our confidence buoyed, Gene and I decide to backtrack upstream to find the farthest reasonable point from Boston Harbor to put our boats in and mark the starting line of our grand adventure, and also to fill in the short gap on the route we left between legs 1 and 2. We set off on another gray day from Howard Street in Milford, upstream from Bellingham’s Box Pond, where we first got our feet wet on Day 1.

We pass a small farm and slide under several creepy bridges, then fight our way through an overgrown thicket blocking the entrance to the pond. Having stashed Gene’s truck there, we load the boats up and leapfrog the section we already did with the scary tunnel under I-495 and resume our day’s journey in Bellingham upstream from where the Pearl Street Mill once stood. At that spot the map marks the Caryville Dam, but it was removed a few years ago.

Nevertheless, we run into an obstacle early on: a large iron girder that spans the channel from the days the river ran under the now dismantled mill. With a strong current pushing us into the barrier and high walls on either side, there’s no easy way out. We manage to carefully float our boats under the barrier while we scramble over it. We end at dusk by the Sanford Mill Dam between Medway and Franklin.

When we reconvene in late May, we cover about 10 miles on a glorious day, passing through Medfield and Sherborn. It’s the first time we see other boaters on the river. We take time to check out South End Pond, then slip past King Philip’s Overlook, a scenic bluff above the river, and pull out for a break to explore the old Medfield State Hospital campus on foot before finishing for the day.

A couple of days later, Barney McFarland, the final member of our golfing group, tags along for the fifth leg of our journey. Blue herons, a bow fisherman standing in the wash of the South Natick Dam, and a series of spectacular mansions near the confluence of Wellesley, Needham, and Dover highlight our day.

We are starting to get a little cocky. As if to keep us in check, several weeks later, a seriously ornery swan guarding its cygnet in a narrow stretch of water threatens to swamp my boat, then Gene’s, forcing us into a semi-panicked escape. Once in the clear, we hustle around Cochrane Dam in Needham, go under Route 128 for the first of three times, and into Dedham.

Not far downstream from all the multimillion-dollar real estate we passed on our previous leg, we come upon the only trailer park inside Boston’s city limits. We end our day at the Millennium Park boat launch in West Roxbury to the sound of the Needham Heights commuter rail train rumbling outbound.

Some weeks later, we make our way through more of Needham and Newton, getting out to get around three more dams. On our final portage of the day, we haul our boats on foot a couple blocks down Washington Street in Newton Lower Falls. Struggling with the kayaks, we leave our boats on the sidewalk and pop into a Dunks for a boost. To my disappointment, the woman behind the counter betrays absolutely no reaction to the sight of two life-jacketed guys with kayak paddles. We end the day with a picnic delivered by my elderly mom at Riverside Park in Auburndale, near where she grew up.

On our penultimate leg, Gene and I put in on a gorgeous Saturday in early September and paddle 9 miles through Waltham, Watertown, and into Allston.

We have three more portages around dams in a tricky section of the river, including at Moody Street in Waltham, where we take out at a kayak rental dock. Despite our accumulated experience, it remains nearly impossible to make a graceful exit from the boat. Sitting low in the water, you need to lift your butt high enough to bridge the narrow gap between boat and salvation. There is a terrifying instant where you are suspended in no man’s land and anything is possible.

On this day, Gene is reminded of that fact. I have clumsily scrambled from the boat onto the safety of the wooden dock and he is starting his own attempt when his boat slides sharply out from under him. The young dock attendant pounces instantly to arrest his descent. Gene goes in up to his waist, but working together, we are able to save him from sinking farther.

He is largely dried out by the time we wrap up, pulling off within sight of Harvard Stadium, where a silver pillar marks the finish line of the Head of the Charles Regatta course. Boston Harbor wasn’t too far now.

Our final day brings us to the broad, picture-postcard section of the Charles River that we all know so well. This is also where the traffic on the river picks up considerably. Boathouses dot the shoreline and rowing teams and clubs pull oars up and down the river. We stay close to the riverbank, out of their way. Approaching the Longfellow Bridge, the duck boats appear.

Planning to end the day in the harbor, we have watched the boating forecast closely; our river kayaks aren’t ideal for ocean waters and we want the flattest seas we can get. Finding the channel adjacent to the Museum of Science and squeezing past another duck boat, we slip under the Zakim Bridge and pause outside the Charles River Dam locks.

Two long blasts, followed by two short blasts on the air horn I had bought online alert the lockmaster to our presence, and, after a minute or two, the doors crank open and we enter. The walls of the narrow lock loom skyward, and when a tour boat carrying sightseers pulls in behind us, our plastic boats feel flimsy and outclassed. We grab the ropes hanging along the sides to keep us from getting knocked around as the water is pumped in to bring us to sea level.

As we exit into the saltwater, a voice over the loudspeaker booms, “Have fun, but watch out for the giant squid!”

We hang a left toward Charlestown and check out Old Ironsides before quickly and carefully crossing the channel back over toward Long Wharf.

After starting back in April and winding our way over countless downed trees, under dozens of bridges across more than 70 miles over nine days, Gene and I complete our quest, pulling our boats out for the final time at Fort Point Pier with a champagne toast and some back-slapping, near the lot where we’d parked one of our cars.

Not long after we entered the harbor that day, a man on shore shouted a question to us: “Where’d you put in?”

“Milford,” I told him. He looked as if he must’ve misheard me.

Gerry Brown is a deputy editor at ESPN, and an alumnus of Boston Latin Academy and Northeastern University. Send comments to [email protected] .

Tips for Paddling the Charles

Paddling the length of the Charles River is possible, but careful research and preparation are required.

• The pocket-sized Charles River Canoe and Kayak Guide is indispensable. It has detailed maps and information, including the locations of dams and potential places to begin and end your day on the river.
• Think carefully before paddling the upper stretches of the river; the biggest risks are getting over, under, or around fallen trees in very muddy, slippery, and relatively remote locations. You will get wet and can slip and fall easily.
• Safety is a key consideration. “You should be aware of time of the year and the water temperature,” says Bryce Morris, owner/partner at Paddle Boston, which rents boats from the spring into fall in numerous locations along the river. “We are looking for water temps to be 60 degrees in general, while balancing a few other variables like the air temperature, wind, and time of day.” Always be aware of boat traffic.
• If something does go wrong on the river, have a cellphone handy, ideally in a dry case on your body.
• Massachusetts mandates that you wear a life jacket from September 15 to May 15. Morris recommends wearing it at all times. He also advises to watch for thunderstorms, especially on summer afternoons when they can blow in quickly. In the case of a storm, get to shore, secure your boat, and find shelter.
• Other necessary supplies include water and food, a whistle to call for help, a foldable handsaw for cutting through smaller branches, a headlamp in case you find yourself on the river after dark, and an air horn.