From Great Lakes excursions to riverboat flings on the mighty Mississippi, the Midwest abounds with cruise options. The following trips will make a great addition to any group itinerary.
Riverboat Twilight
LeClaire, Iowa
Sail the same waters plied by French traders and American explorers on the boat’s signature cruise, a 2-day trip from LeClaire to Dubuque with meals, scenic narration and time to take in Iowa’s Mississippi River shoreline. Captain Kevin Stier is nationally regarded and can show your group aquatic wildlife and historical landmarks. Overnight is at the river-front Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque. One-day cruises also are available. (riverboattwilight.com)
Celebration Belle
Moline, Illinois
Want to twist the night away on a summer evening?This vessel offers the Classic Oldies Cruise, with ̓50s rock ̓̓n’ roll classics and line dancing, among many other themed events. Evenings based on Oktoberfest, Broadway and country music are all available for your group to enjoy as they glide down the Mississippi River on this immense three-story boat. There’s ample space for dancing, dining and admiring the riverfront on a cruiser that offers everything from afternoon scenic trips to multi-day excursions through the Mississippi wetlands. (celebrationbelle.com)
Goodtime III
Cleveland, Ohio
Sail along Lake Erie and past the Cleveland skyline on the city’s largest excursion boat. Favorite trips include the Friday Dance Cruise, where your group can party to rock and pop with a full-service bar, and the Saturday City Lights Blues Cruise, where a DJ can provide the soundtrack for gorgeous views of Cleveland’s illuminated skyscrapers. Private charters are available for large groups, and lunch cruises are a great way to pack in both a meal and a view. (goodtime3.com)
