Some of the best perspectives of a community start at the water, and that includes St. Charles, where the paddlewheel riverboat cruises all summer.
You can “Cruise the Scenic Fox River” all summer long, Tuesday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. and every weekend at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. After Labor Day, tours continue every weekend through October.
“Being on the river, you get a completely different view of the downtown and can see all kinds of wildlife and other boaters,” says Erika Young, public relations and marketing manager for the St. Charles Park District, which maintains the riverboat. “It’s just a relaxing way to spend a beautiful day.”
New to this year’s lineup is the Historic Sunday Cruise, a 45-minute tour at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month. It comes with interactive commentary from docents supplied by the St. Charles History Museum, as they explore how the Fox River has been enjoyed throughout the ages.
River boats are a longtime tradition in St. Charles. The first boat started cruising the waters in 1945 as part of a private business. In 2018, the St. Charles Park District purchased the business and the boats.
Over the years, newer boats have replaced older boats. The St. Charles Belle II and the Fox River Queen first disembarked in the 1980s and are still used today. One boat is dedicated to public tours and the other hosts special and private events including weddings, receptions, baby and bridal showers, and business meetings.
“The Park District is truly honored to carry on this unique experience in our community, which has been a part of the local landscape for decades and continues to be a beloved symbol of St. Charles,” Young says.
To schedule a trip or to learn more, call (630) 584-2334 or go to stcriverboats.com. All boats disembark at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., in St. Charles.