Rolling on the River: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises
No visit to the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is complete without a riverboat tour of the Mississippi! Step back in time as you board the Becky Thatcher or Tom Sawyer and take a tranquil tour of the riverfront.
Before interstate highways crisscrossed the nation, people did their luxury traveling by train and steamboat. St. Louis was a bustling river town in the 1800’s with hundreds of steam powered paddlewheelers docked on riverfront! There’s a cool display of what St. Louis looked like back then at the Arch’s new museum –be sure to check it out on your next visit.
Riverboat Cruise at the Arch
The riverboats can take your family on a hour long tour of the riverfront –there’s a sightseeing cruise running every day from March to November.
But if you want to make it really special–book a dinner or brunch cruise! The Becky Thatcher is set up with a double decker dining room and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the riverfront while you dine on a delicious buffet.
Brunch on the Riverboat Becky Thatcher
Sunday Brunch Cruises are a great way to celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the Arch with your family! There’s one or two brunch cruises scheduled every month the boats operates. Check out their current schedule under “specialty cruises” here. There’s also dinner cruises, dancing cruises, and a couple cruises up to see the lock and dam where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet!
What’s included with my ticket?
Your brunch ticket includes a buffet full of scrambled eggs, blintzes, French toast, sausage, prime rib, stuffed chicken, veggies, pasta, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. Soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available at the bar for an extra charge.
What to Expect on your Riverboat Brunch Cruise
First, you’ll want to reserve your spot early by getting tickets online . Tickets are $45 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and free for little ones under 2.
The boats are docked at the foot of the Gateway Arch. Stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets by 12:30 — the boat leaves promptly at 1pm!
Then you’ll come aboard and be directed to your seat. Unlike the sightseeing tours, the Brunch Cruise has reserved indoor seating with white linen table clothes. Tables are located by the windows, so you can enjoy the whole cruise from the comfort of the cabin, or pop upstairs to watch from the observation deck.
The food might be served buffet style, but you’ll also get a friendly waiter to serve your drinks and clear the plates. Don’t worry about standing in line either, the serving staff dismisses diners by table so the buffet isn’t overwhelmed.
And while you wait, enjoy a little Dixieland music!
Where do I park?
Best Photos of the Arch are Here
If you’re looking to get a postcard photo of the Gateway Arch, a riverboat cruise is where to be! You can also get a pretty cool one from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park over on the East Side, but you don’t need to worry about pesky power lines messing up your shot here. ( Here’s a few more ideas for great photos with the Arch! )
- Make Campaign
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Timeless. Beautiful. Captivating. This year, step back in time to historic 1892 Essex Station and embark on an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. A steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches on a narrated round-trip through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester.
It's fun for everyone... with all the bells and whistles.
Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an onboard eco-excursion. Don’t forget your camera. When you arrive at Deep River Landing, your steam train & riverboat excursion continues aboard the multi-deck, Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing 1-1/4-hour cruise along the Connecticut River before returning to Essex Station via steam locomotive.
Essex Station is more than a family railroad attraction with a train-themed gift shop. We’re a destination for your special events, weddings, and other facility rentals with plenty of parking. Need your event catered? We do that, too. Visit our website for details.
Dates of Operation
Other amenities.
- Bus Parking
- Food/Beverage Services
- Groups welcome
- Guided Group Tours
- Meeting/Event Facilities
- Special Rentals
1 Railroad Ave. Historic Essex Station Essex , CT 06426 United States
Map & Directions
visit website
Can't Miss Events
While You're in the Neighborhood
Travel planning assistance 888-CTvisit (288-4748)
Connecticut Office of Tourism
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 5 Hartford, CT 06103
- Resources & Links
- Privacy Policy
- Disclaimers
© 2024 Connecticut Office of Tourism
- Media/Press
- Email Sign Up
- Partner Login
- Collections
AWA Adventure guides See All
Switzerland.
With our friends at Switzerland Tourism, we encountered hidden gems and magical landscapes in the Land of Milk and Honey.
The Seventh Continent
All aboard! We embark from the end of the world aboard the MS Roald Amundsen on a (shivery) trip of a lifetime!
Mystic, Connecticut
Apparently this town was in a movie? Can’t quite put our finger on it, but we think it had something to do with Julia Roberts bussing tables.
A Curious Scottish Excursion
Over a century ago, Phileas Fogg circumnavigated the globe over 80 trips around the sun. Taking a page out of his whimsical legacy, we found ourselves on a similarly audacious adventure—in Scotland.
An Off-centered Vermont Road Trip
Join AWA and our off-centered friends over at Dogfish Head for an even more off-centered adventure in the Green Mountain State!
A Rocky Mountain Road Trip
From the western metropolis of Denver to the surrounding Rocky Mountains, there’s something for everyone in the heart of Colorado.
Submitted by our community See All
San francisco, california, bahía bustamente, argentina, melbourne, australia, philadelphia, pennsylvania, berlin, germany, warren, rhode island, reykjavík, iceland, warsaw, poland, themes see all.
Color Palettes See All
Book 2 (new)
Becky Thatcher Riverboat
Photo Credit: Allie Marsh
Deep river , connecticut | c.1961.
Sporting smokestacks and three decks, the Becky Thatcher Riverboat looks as if it was plucked right off the Mississippi River during the late 19th century. Instead, the riverboat is very much a 20th century creation that travels the Connecticut River from the town of Deep River.
The origins of Deep River date back to the 1640s. Established by European settlers, the town began as a peasant village within the Saybrook Colony in Connecticut. In the early 19th century, small towns began to branch off of Saybrook, and the newly introduced railroad system started to connect these prospering towns throughout New England. By 1947, Saybrook changed its name to Deep River.
Deep River thrived as a shipbuilding and quarrying town and became the United States’ leading importer of ivory. From 1840 to 1940, as much as 90% of the world’s ivory came through Deep River with its primary purpose being to manufacture piano keys. The town grew so prosperous that it became known as “the queen of the valley”.
Two decades after the ivory trade closed, the 70-foot Becky Thatcher Riverboat was built. Designed as an 1870s-style Mississippi riverboat, passengers would board the ship from Deep River and take the Essex Steam Train back.
Today’s replica of the Becky Thatcher continues America’s longstanding riverboat tradition. These vessels once ruled the rivers in the 19th century. During the 1860s, even a young writer was inspired by his time working on steamboats when choosing his pseudonym, “Mark Twain” – a term used to note that a river was deep enough to navigate. Twain would later retire in Redding, CT, only an hour west of Deep River.
Know more? Share with the community!
More Places Tagged: Maritime
North mole light.
Fremantle, Western Australia
Húsavik Light
Husavik, Iceland
Bodie Island Light
Outer Banks, North Carolina
More Places Tagged: White See All >
Chartres, France
Illiers-combray station.
This French train station is located in a town renamed after the famed writer Marcel Proust's fictional name for the village.
Budapest, Hungary
Lukács baths.
Modern thermal baths touted for the healing powers of their waters - just don't forget your bathing suit.
Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
The North Mole Lighthouse is one of a pair of "twin" lighthouses found at the entrance to Fremantle Harbour in Western Australia.
More Places Tagged: Transport See All >
Barcelona, Spain
Montjuïc cable car.
This cable car in Barcelona celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020.
Jaipur, India
Rajmahal palace.
Home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, India for over 250 years.
Port Vell Aerial Tramway
Decimated by the Spanish War, this tramway was restored in 2000 to serve its intended purpose: a tourist attraction offering exceptional views of Barcelona.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
The awa bulletin: a quick & curated twice-monthly treat.
*Please agree to recieve email
Save favorites. Plan your next Adventure.
Need an account? Sign up
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Already have an account? Log In
*Password must be at least 8 characters
Enter your email to reset your password
Enter your new password.
- Saint Louis
- Things to Do
- Restaurants
- Vacation Rentals
- Travel Stories
- Rental Cars
- Add a Place
- Travel Forum
- Travelers' Choice
- Help Center
Becky Thatcher - Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
- United States
- Missouri (MO)
- Saint Louis
- Saint Louis - Things to Do
- Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
We walked here because we had time to kill and it was close to the Arch. I have never sweat more in... read more
The outside speakers on this boat really need to be fixed and replaced. About 5 minutes into the... read more
Becky Thatcher
The cruise was nice and the staff was friendly, the food presentation was very nice. It was a late night private party and the dance floor was nice. The boat is older but I had a great time.
We travelled a long way to experience a Dinner cruise aboard a paddle steamer on the Mississippi so to not have it moving by paddle was the first disappointment . We did enjoy our cruise even tho it is mainly industrial sights . Dinner ... We started off with a plate of lettuce & tiny bit of tomato + crouton. If they had splashed out and bought a cucumber & onion to add to it we could then have said it was a salad. The main course was ok even with the meat not being cooked properly. It is very rushed so the second you put your fork down they want to serve you dessert. We managed to wait a bit longer for the cheesecake which was nice. The bun is nice but there was not enough butter on board ! Having your coffee in a paper cup is disappointing when you spend good money for dinner . If you want wine with your dinner order 2 drinks at the start. I ordered a second drink to go with my meal but the waiter got busy with other people /
I had a grand romantic illusion of going for a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi with wonderful scenery on each side of the river. I guess it's my own fault for not doing my research on what is on either side of the river, but I figured if there was nothing to see there wouldn't be a riverboat cruise. How wrong was I?! While it was nice to go out in one of these old boats, the only noteworthy thing to see from the river was a different angle of the Arch and the Old Courthouse. Everything else is very industrial.... plus old bridges and half finished bridges. It was quite a disappointment.
Maybe I have been spoiled by a marvellous paddlewheeler trip out of New Orleans. I think the main problem is that this part of the Mississippi lacks attraction and the river is pretty workaday. Over on the east side is Illinois with absolutely nothing to recommend it. It is interesting to see the Arch from the river, and the new Lewis and Clark statue, but although those on the boat worked hard to make us comfortable, it fell a little flat. The paddlewheel didn't even touch the water - maybe it's too shallow here. But it's not a total write-off if you want to while away an hour on the water.
It was hot hot hot -- 102 degrees on the day we cruised. But the pro photographers moved us along so we were able to get aboard quickly to the air conditioned quarters. We had a guest narrator from one of the parks who did an outstanding job of telling us the history of the area, boating knowledge and even threw in some humor. We could hear him very clearly, and the hour was money well spent. We are still quoting some of the tidbits we learned! The view isn't all that scenic, but if you want scenery, go to the Grand Tetons for heavens sake.
My hubby and I visited St. Louis and purchased the All Access Pass which included an hour long sightseeing cruise. Went with another couple and had a 12 noon boarding time. A suggestion would be this: In the summertime or when the temp reaches high 90's and beyond offer the guest waiting to board the boat some shelter from the sun! Guest are let into a boarding area that is outside by how many people are in your group(this is done so your photo can be taken to purchase later), so while photos are being taken of every single guest, other guest are standing under the blazing sun with no shelter. We stood outside for approx. 15-20 minutes while we patiently waited for all pictures to be taken. Once you board the boat you have the option of sitting outside or inside which is air-conditioned. Once the sightseeing cruise begins the narration starts(the microphone used is very low and so its seems as if the guy speaking is muffled)..10 minutes into the cruise you will realize that whatever the guy is saying doesn't matter because for the ENTIRE cruise there is nothing to see but old abandoned warehouses, former steel companies, un-used buildings and lots of graffiti. There is really nothing to see. Spent the entire hour laughing and talking with friends inside the boat.
Hello there!
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
Fuse Theatre of CT
Spark by Hilton Mystic / Groton
The IRONS Restaurant and Bar
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
The Clam Castle
The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum
Cove Landing Marine of Hamburg Cove
Rock Paper Sista's
Stonington Vineyards
Fox Hopyard Golf Club
Hilton Mystic
Cottage Flair
East haddam, old saybrook.
- Art Galleries
- Live Entertainment
- Adventure Parks
- Historic Attractions
- Kid Friendly
- Tours & Cruises
- Farmers’ Markets
- Group Travel
- Health and Wellness
- Breakfast Spots
- Pizza Spots
- Lobster Shacks
- Real Estate
- Vineyards & Wineries
- Wedding Venues
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
- Facebook Twitter Digg Reddit LinkedIn StumbleUpon Tumblr Pinterest Email Copy Link
- Description
- Contact & Map
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat adventure is perfect for large groups – a beautiful train ride to the docks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat to a relaxing cruise on the Connecticut River and a return train ride back to Essex Station (2.5 hours total time).
2023 Schedule
May 13 – June 18: Saturday & Sundays AND Monday May 29
June 22 – August 28: Thursday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
September 1 – September 25: Friday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
September 28 – October 29: Thursday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm = (1) Hour Train Excursion OR (2.5) Hour Train & Riverboat Excursion
Caboose Weekends : May 13 & 14, June 3 & 4, July 1 & 2, August 5 & 6, September 2 & 3, October 7 & 8
Your Name (required)
Your Email (required)
Your Message
Other Places To Explore
Scotch Plains Tavern
Connecticut River Museum
- 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA
- [email protected]
- 860-767-0103
- http://essexsteamtrain.com/
1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA (Get directions)
Opening Hours
- Monday - --> 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday Closed
- Thursday Closed
- Friday - --> 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Saturday - --> 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sunday - --> 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Best of Week
- Lost Your Password
Becky Thatcher
(formerly Marietta, OH)
The Becky Thatcher was originally built as Mississippi (III), an inspection boat of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in 1926. Her steel hull and machinery were new but the cabins came from her predecessor, the Mississippi (II). Although she was primarily a workboat she was outfitted with comfortable accommodations for 65 passengers. Because of her Texas deck she resembles more a packet boat than a workboat.
On April 19, 1961, she was retired and in 1963 sold to Mark Twain Enterprises of St. Louis, MO. In 1964 she was towed to Hannibal, MO, to serve as a restaurant and museum. In 1965 she was purchased by St. Louis Investment Co. and towed back to St. Louis. She was renamed to Becky Thatcher and extensivley restorated between June 1968 and February 1969. The boilers were removed and in 1973 also the engines which were sold to the New Orleans Steamboat Company. The Becky Thatcher broke her mooring lines in 1969 during a storm and was swept downstream. With 100 people aboard she passed two bridges but didn´t suffer any severe damages. The restaurant closed in 1974.
In 1975 the boat was purchased by a group of intersted citizens of Marietta, OH. They planned to bring her to Marietta as part of the Bicentennial project. Those citizens formed a not-for-profit corporation, the Ohio Showboat Drama Inc.. In September 1975 the Becky Thatcher was towed to Marietta, OH. In 1976 the production “Showboat” was performed by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players on the decks and an adjacent barge with 3,000 people watching from the shore.
In August 1977 the Becky Thatcher opened as a showboat after remodeling her first deck into a theatre. One month later the second and third deck opened as restaurant aera. The Becky Thatcher is moored near the W. P. Snyder Jr. on the Muskingum river.
The Becky Thatcher was entered into the National register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in October 1983.
In 1984 the boat sank during a spring flood with heavy damage to her hull and superstructure, but she was raised and returned after repairs for the 1985 season.
After having been out of service for a few years the Becky Thatcher has been sold and towed to a mooring near Pittsburgh, Pa., in October 2009. In February 2010 the Becky Thatcher sank at its mooring on Neville Island in the Ohio River, just north of Pittsburgh. She’s been considered a total loss.
Privacy Overview
- Dollhouses & Miniatures
- Beadwork & Custom Jewelry
- Polymer Clay
- Published Works & Awards
- Special Projects
- Miscellaneous
- Favorite Links
- Webmistress
- Middleton Manor (The House & Concept)
- Why does one person need 3 t.v.’s? Cat T.V. is why!
Search RhondaGuy
You are here: Home » Travel Logs » St Louis, Missouri » Mississippi Riverboat Cruise on the Becky Thatcher
Mississippi Riverboat Cruise on the Becky Thatcher
The last major thing that we did during our St. Louis trip was to take a dinner cruise, on the Becky Thatcher, along the Mississippi River. Although it was raining profusely here at home in Kentucky (May 13, 2012) , we had a glorious, sunny day for our jaunt down the river.
Photo: Above, (Left): My mother at the riverboat dock Above, (Top, R) Our trusty Captain and Co-Captain, Above (Bottom, R): The talented musicians who entertained us with ragtime music.
You just wouldn’t believe the food that was provided on this dinner cruise: huge shrimp, salads of every type imaginable, prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, fruits, vegetables, and a sinful array of desserts. It’s going to take a while for me to drop the extra pounds I picked up over the course of this wonderful vacation, but at least it was totally worth it!
And, of course . . . I would be remiss if I didn’t remark on the fabulous views from the boat. Not only was the arch clearly visible, but much of the city of St. Louis, as well as all of the sights that go along with the river itself: barges, the brother boat to the Becky Thatcher (which is, of course . . . the Tom Sawyer), old manufacturing plants, beautiful bridges, etc. . . It was a lovely day, a lovely cruise, and one of the most relaxing experiences I have had in quite some time.
The end of the riverboat cruise also marked the end of our St. Louis adventure, but we all felt exhilarated by all of the wonderful things we had done and seen, so we were all ready to get back to our homes. We stopped in an out-of-the-way little spot for a bite of supper several hours into our drive home, and found this beautiful sunset (photo by my mother) . . . it was a lovely sight to behold, and a special way to end our wonderful vacation.
- Local Blog Home
- STL Business Listings
- Get Listed Free
Cruise the Mississippi on a Gateway Arch Riverboat
Step back in time and board the Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher —a pair of 19th-century
replica paddle-wheel boats, located on the St. Louis riverfront below the south leg of the Gat eway Arch .
The boats are maintained and operated by the National Park Service as one of the Gateway Arch attractions. Taking a one-hour cruise is a fun part of visiting the Arch grounds , but you can also come down to the riverfront just for the boat.
Cruises are offered three times a day most of the year—the boats only shut down December through February. Check here for a complete schedule. Currently, hour-long cruises are $14 for adults and $8 for kids under 15 and children under three are free. You can buy tickets online, at the dock or from the Arch.
You can also book a cruise as a child’s birthday party, for $17 a person, which includes a hot dog lunch for the kids.
The boats have three decks, with outdoor seating on the two upper decks. There’s also an indoor seating area on on two levels. Visitors are free to roam about the boat while it’s in operation, so you can see the river from either side.
Types of cruises on the St. Louis river boats:
- Daily one-hour cruises – See the views of the St. Louis skyline and learn about the history of the St. Louis riverfront and the Mississippi River.
- Dinner cruises – Enjoy spectacular cuisine and live music while sailing the Mississippi.
- Sightseeing cruises – Relax on a cruise offering unparalleled views of the St. Louis skyline or delicious Sunday brunch, or visit another river town that made the Mississippi River famous.
- Entertainment cruises – Experience city views while enjoying live music, watching fireworks, or taking part in the excitement of Oktoberfest.
For more information about riverboat cruises, including prices and schedules, visit www.gatewayarchriverfront.com or call 1-877-982-1410 to verify departure times and make reservations.
Related articles by Zemanta
- National Parks Service Encourages Exploration of Downtown St. Louis (streetsblog.net)
- St. Louis Gateway Arch (laughingsquid.com)
- Ground broken for Mississippi River bridge (sfgate.com)
- 17 reviews of Gateway Arch (rateitall.com)
Contributed by Denise Bertacchi (217 Articles)
Denise Bertacchi is a freelance writer who is proud to call St. Louis home. Denise writes for magazines, newspapers and online at Examiner.com.
[…] Just check out the Casino Queen (even if she doesn’t sail) or take a relaxing ride on the Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher touring boats on a fine […]
Leave a Reply
Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)
XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>
- Recent Post
Recent Posts
- Donations Wanted for Midwestern Braille Volunteers Fundraiser
- Where to Find a Pumpkin in St. Louis
- The 5 Best Trade Shows in St. Louis
- Go Ape Tree Top Adventures
- The St Louis St Patrick’s Day Parade 2013
Partner Links
- Bankruptcy Help STL USA
- Market My Local Business
- Soulard Market STL
- STL Motherhood
- Your Expert Webman
Gateway Arch Riverboats
Services Offered
Verified by Business
Boat charters
Review Highlights
“ Louis we decided to ride this riverboat along the river and it was such a fun experience! ” in 17 reviews
“ There were concessions on board, but no one minded that I brought a drink onboard with me that I had purchased in the arch cafe . ” in 2 reviews
“ You'll pass your dock and go under a few more bridges before turning around and heading back to the dock . ” in 11 reviews
Location & Hours
Suggest an edit
50 S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63102
You Might Also Consider
Alaska Saltwater Tours
Our full day Small Group Whale Watching, Wildlife, Natural History, and Glacier Tour ventures deep into Kenai Fjords National Park. With over 25 years experience, we will show you the Fjords' best kept secrets. This is a… read more
in Whale Watching Tours, Boat Tours, Fishing
Yellowstone Air Tours
Get a birds eye view of the greater Yellowstone area with an airplane tour read more
in Aerial Tours
Amenities and More
About the business.
Take a relaxing cruise and discover the best view of the St. Louis skyline from replica nineteenth-century paddle-wheel riverboats, the Becky Thatcher and the Tom Sawyer. They were brought to St. Louis in 1964 so spectators could get a close-up view of the Arch as it was being constructed, and are the only riverboats on the St. Louis Riverfront today. During a variety of cruises offered, hear the waters churn and admire the view as you ride along the mighty Mississippi River, where Lewis and Clark completed their historic journey. Choose a One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise, Skyline Dinner Cruise or one of many specialty cruises. Hours Cruises run March-November, rain or shine. Departure times and costs vary for each cruise. Tickets Advance ticket purchases are recommended, and are required for certain cruises. Tickets available by phone or online. On-board concessions vary for cruises. Also your entire family may enjoy casual dining, dockside at the Paddle Wheel Café, with a spectacular view of the Gateway Arch. Parking is available on the levee in front of the riverboats. Parking on Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard is illegal and cars will be ticketed. Accessibility Ramps from the street to the levee provide wheelchair access to the riverboats. The first floor of both riverboats and the riverboat dock are wheelchair accessible. The second and top decks of both riverboats require using stairs. …
Ask the Community
Ask a question
Are good dogs allowed?
Is this available starting in April?
They opened March 15.
Recommended Reviews
- 1 star rating Not good
- 2 star rating Could’ve been better
- 3 star rating OK
- 4 star rating Good
- 5 star rating Great
Select your rating
Overall rating
The Arch is always a nice touch to a STL visit! The entire experience was fun and informative. Going up the arch was fun. Before we got on the tram, we participated in a learning session. We saw videos of how things were constructed and about the builders. I believe that there are sessions held with the founders and builders as well. I love how organized everything was. We stayed with our group took fun photos and learned so much! Once we made it to the top, it was a really nice view. Now I don't know if it was my fear of heights or what, but I became super dizzy and nauseous. But I did get a few pics and videos. Once we came back down, we stopped in the restaurant to eat. They have a really good system to make sure you get your food quickly. We had the ribs and wings. All of the sides come with original lays potato chips. We also had the juices. They were good! Finally, we shopped in the souvenir shop. It had so many great items. I always get a magnet for my refrigerator collection. If you are in St. Louis, this is definitely a place to visit!
Take a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. Board on a replica 19th century paddle-wheel riverboat for a different view of the Gateway Arch and the banks of the Mississippi. Love the names, the Becky Thatcher and the Tom Sawyer, that were originally used to take sightseers to view the construction of the Gateway Arch in the 1960s. Today, the cruise goes under several bridges, the Eads, the MLK, the MacArthur. On a beautiful sunny fall day, it was nice to be on the river enjoying the sunshine, but the tour itself was not that interesting and it was hard to hear the narration. Buy tickets at the National Park Service office inside the Arch and then walk down the steps to the riverbanks to board. The sixty-minute cruise is $25 ($24 plus a $1 service fee). If I had to do it again, I'd opt for a themed cruise like the Blues Cruise or Halloween for $30.
See all photos from Helene S. for Gateway Arch Riverboats
Now I can say I've been on a riverboat on the Mississippi. Otherwise not much to write home about. We did this before going up in the arch, so we knew some landmarks to look for from the top. I was glad they had food on board because we had totally run out of time to grab lunch after landing at the airport and needing to head straight to the riverboat!
View of the arch from the boat
Good food is not something I would have expected from a riverboat, but the food on our boat was really good. I'm still thinking about the gooey butter cake. The service was amazing and very friendly, too. You should know: When the boat is up and running, it gets very loud in the dining room area of the riverboat. I was trying to hold up a conversation with people at my table while I was eating, and I felt like I had to shout and ask them to repeat what they said. Upstairs on the deck, it's a little more quiet. But inside, you hear the roar of the engine from start to finish. But you should't spend too much time inside, anyway. The point of these riverboat cruises is to look out at the scenery, and your best view is from the deck. There is no bad seat on the deck, so just pick a spot and relax while the St. Louis skyline whooshes past you. From the riverboat, you can see the St. Louis Arch really well, as well as the behind-the-scenes graffiti and whatnot that you typically don't see from land. I love urban decay, so this is right up my alley. You also pass under bridges and see other watercraft go by. Our riverboat ride was about two hours. Just enough time to eat, snap some selfies on the deck, and bask in the sunshine on a really cool boat that's chugging down the Mississippi River.
My family and I visited St. Louis for the first time and really enjoyed this boat ride. We got lost and missed our first ride but the team was super accommodating! We really appreciated being able to go on this amazing tour.
I wanted to do a riverboat tour when in town as I had fond memories of doing it when I was a kid. Boarding process was quick, they take your photo ( you can skip it) and they bring it to you on the boat hoping you buy it. We initially sat on the upper deck but it started raining with thunder and lightening so we went down to a covered deck. Should have went indoors as it had the air conditioning! As you go down the river there is a staff from the Missouri history society talking about what you are seeing and changes in history. The sites themselves were actually pretty depressing. As someone who grew up here and came down to visit the floating McDonald's, eat or shop in Laclede's landing it was very bleak. Lots of unhoused person encampments, a rotting casino dock. You cruise up the river for 30 minutes and come back down for a total of an hour. They had food and drinks at the dock, as well as restrooms. It wasn't a terrible experience just sad if you remember this area in it's former glory.
On our trip to St. Louis we decided to ride this riverboat along the river and it was such a fun experience! The riverboat was really big and had lots of seats for people to sit and relax in... but it really didn't help that it was a pretty humid day, but we were prepared beforehand. As we cruised down the Mississippi River, we got to see so many cool things such as historic sites and landmarks. There were big bridges that we went under, and we even saw some big cargo ships that were carrying all kinds of goods. We also saw some wildlife, like birds and fish jumping out of the water. The best part of the cruise was when we got to see the Gateway Arch from the river. It looked even bigger and more impressive from down below! The captain of the boat also told us lots of interesting facts about the history of St. Louis and the river. Overall, I would definitely recommend the Gateway Arch Riverboat cruise if you're ever in St. Louis. It's a great way to see the city and the river from a different perspective, and it's a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
View right before we went under the bridge.
The old power plant, I think. I was melting due to the heat so I would forget some things the tour guide would say.
My friends and I were looking for something convenient to our location (Busch Stadium) it's only about 3 blocks away and right past the Arch, down the stairs. It was sadly only an hour but filled with lots of info. Bar on board had nice choices.
The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: we did the Tom Sawyer riverboat cruise. Actually took it as part of the Arch ticket. The margarita by the bartender was really good. Some history is narrated throughout about the bridges etc seen while sailing on the Mississippi River, but the cruise is just too slow; and the speaker had this crackling sound while announcing, didn't feel like listening to it. Super hot as well. Overall didn't feel worth the money. We went at 4.30 pm. Don't know if they have a better experience at other times.
Ehh... This really isn't a "must do." The Mississippi River water is pretty disgusting and the sights around aren't that spectacular. The approximately one hour narrated tour (by a park ranger and also the captain) seemed to be a little strapped for fun facts around the area.
3 other reviews that are not currently recommended
Angry Ape Off-Road
We offer mild & scenic, to wild & hang on to your shorts off road adventure tours in the Prescott National Forest. We take you places in the forest many never get the opportunity to see in the comfort of one of our Hummer H3’s. Come… read more
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery
11.2 miles away from Gateway Arch Riverboats
Chance S. said "Food was great! Wing sauce was delicious, Ashley (Peach) was an awesome sever! The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else I have ever been. They are also big supporters of local college in the area which is awesome to see the community…" read more
in Breweries, Venues & Event Spaces, Distilleries
Collections Including Gateway Arch Riverboats
Saint Louis Vacation
By Daniel S.
Fun things to do around St. Louis
By Samantha Z.
Saint Louis 2023
By Lauren T.
Yelp 100 2016!
By Caprice F.
St. Louis, MO
By Mary Anne W.
By Andrea A.
By RESHAY C.
People Also Viewed
Claddagh Carriage Company
St Louis Fun Tours
Riordan Tours
The Jewel Box
Budweiser Brewery Experience
Anheuser-Busch Companies
Gateway Helicopter Tours
Brewery Tours of St. Louis
St. Louis Paranormal Research Society
Best of Saint Louis
Things to do in Saint Louis
People found Gateway Arch Riverboats by searching for…
River Boat Tours Saint Louis
Sunset Dinner Cruise Saint Louis
Waterfront Restaurants Saint Louis
Best Group Outings in Saint Louis
Best Water Activities in Saint Louis
Hop On Hop Off Tour in Saint Louis
Boat Party in Saint Louis
City Pass in Saint Louis
Free Parking in Saint Louis
Places For Bachelorette Party in Saint Louis
River Cruise in Saint Louis
Skyline Dinner Cruise in Saint Louis
Browse Nearby
Escape Room
Transportation
Other Places Nearby
Find more Boat Charters near Gateway Arch Riverboats
Find more Tours near Gateway Arch Riverboats
Related Cost Guides
Town Car Service
Boat Charters
Boudoir Photography
Bounce House Rentals
Event Photography
Valet Services
Videographers
- 7 More Cost Guides
- Member Directory
- Board of Trade
- Weddings & Private Events
- Getting Here
« All Events
- This event has passed.
Sunset Cruise
September 9, 2016 @ 8:30 pm - september 30, 2016 @ 8:30 pm.
Friday Night Swallow Cruise
In September, take the Becky Thatcher to a spectacular natural phenomenon as hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows converge on the lower Connecticut River and swarm as a beautifully choreographed flock over Goose Island before settling in on a giant communal roost each evening at sunset. The birds come from as far as 30 miles away and in such number that they show up on weather radar.
September 9 – 30
- Board the train at Essex Station for a 5:00 pm departure
- 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat
- Train brings you back to Essex Station between 8:30 and 9:00 pm (depending upon time of Swallow event)
- Food and beverage service are available at the fully stocked bar (Due to our liquor permit, no BYOB permitted)
- Due to the time of day and duration of the cruise, Swallow Cruise is not recommended for children under 10
- Tickets are $35, advanced tickets recommended – purchase online
- Google Calendar
- Outlook 365
- Outlook Live
Related Events
Gentle Yoga with Fierce Spirit Yoga at Essex Library
Kids Create: Star Wars Art
Take Pollinator Support to the Next Level
Essex Board of Trade, Inc., P.O. Box 322 Essex, CT 06426 or email [email protected]
- Essex Board of trade
- Photo Credits
- Centerbrook
Copyright © 2024 Essex Board of Trade | All Rights Reserved
Website by dreamscapes
Join our mailing list
Receive the latest news and info on events, happening and what the three villages of Essex, CT has to offer.
The Valley Railroad Company
The Valley Railroad Company – operating the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971. Our company’s mission is to keep alive the rich mechanical, industrial, and transportation heritage of our state through the continual operation of our vintage steam and diesel locomotives and passenger coaches, as well as the operation & maintenance of the facilities and infrastructure that support these. We welcome visitors from throughout the state of Connecticut, the New England region and all over the world to ride our railroad, relax aboard our riverboat and visit our unique facilities.
Calendar of Events
2024 Event Listings
Click below to purchase tickets:
2024 Day Out With Thomas Bubble Tour
Essex steam train & riverboat excursions, mommy & me tea, mothers day essex clipper dinner train, plan your visit.
Getting Here
If you have specific questions regarding Essex Steam Train events, offerings and operations, contact us today!
1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426
860-767-0103 or 800-377-3987, [email protected].
Connecticut's Taco And Tequila Cruise Makes For An Unforgettable Evening
Natalie Clunan
Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. Contact: [email protected]
More by this Author
We recently gave you the map to Connecticut’s Margarita Marathon , a short walking tour taking you to fantastic Mexican eateries to sample flavorful cocktails. Today you’ll need to steady your sea legs because this Taco And Tequila Cruise is a spicy summer adventure you can’t refuse.
Related Stories
The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Frog Rock Summer Shack In Connecticut
With Its Own Carousel, This Connecticut Seafood Shack Is Perfect For Families
Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Connecticut
If you missed our previous article on Connecticut’s Margarita Mile, click here to get all the details.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want more Connecticut in your inbox?
Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Connecticut!
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
An error occured.
Related Articles
- You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Neil's Donuts In Connecticut
- This Speakeasy Hidden Behind A Secret Passcode In Connecticut Is Perfect For A Date Night
- This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Connecticut Will Transport You To Another World
- Best Waterfalls in Connecticut: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
- Places To Stay Near Caesars Superdome In New Orleans, Louisiana
- Places To Stay Near Lucas Oil Stadium In Indianapolis, Indiana
- Here Are Our 13 Favorite Eco-Friendly Travel Items To Celebrate Earth Day
- Here Are The 14 Most Unique Beaches In The United States
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat and delight in the breathtaking scenery of the Connecticut River and historic landmarks including Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle. Or, enjoy the golden hours of sunset aboard a Friday Night Sunset Cruise. Becky Thatcher is also available for private charters. Passengers board the Becky Thatcher riverboat from the Essex Steam Train at Deep ...
Enjoy a buffet brunch on board the Becky Thatcher, a replica steamboat named after Mark Twain's character. Cruise the Mississippi River and see the Gateway Arch, the lock and dam, and more.
Enjoy a 1 1/4-hour riverboat cruise on the Becky Thatcher along the Connecticut River Valley. See historic sites, wildlife, and scenic views from multiple decks on this narrated excursion.
The Becky Thatcher riverboat will be regularly sanitized for customer and employee safety. Always maintain a safe social distance from other guests. If you are feeling ill, please be respectful and stay home. Please check in at Deep River Station Dock on the day of your excursion at 5:00 pm. Tickets will not be mailed or emailed.
Breathtaking views from the Becky Thatcher riverboat set the stage for a memorable party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, family reunion or corporate event. Our riverboat - a Connecticut River Valley fixture - is available for evening charter from May - October. The MV Becky Thatcher is a 70′ Mississippi-style riverboat that comfortably holds 150 passengers for sightseeing cruises.
When you arrive at Deep River Landing, your steam train & riverboat excursion continues aboard the multi-deck, Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing 1-1/4-hour cruise along the Connecticut River before returning to Essex Station via steam locomotive. Essex Station is more than a family railroad attraction with a train-themed gift shop.
Relish the golden hours of sunset on the river on a Friday night Sunset Cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat, June through October. Relax and enjoy a four-course meal in the 1920s splendor of restored Pullman dining cars aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train, May through October. ...
The town grew so prosperous that it became known as "the queen of the valley". Two decades after the ivory trade closed, the 70-foot Becky Thatcher Riverboat was built. Designed as an 1870s-style Mississippi riverboat, passengers would board the ship from Deep River and take the Essex Steam Train back. Today's replica of the Becky ...
Becky Thatcher. Review of Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Reviewed September 10, 2013. The cruise was nice and the staff was friendly, the food presentation was very nice. It was a late night private party and the dance floor was nice. The boat is older but I had a great time. Date of experience: September 2013.
WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays beginning April 2; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. COST: $51/adults; $20/kids 3-12; kids under age 3 are free. Sunday Brunch Cruise. Come aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat for the ...
The Becky Thatcher riverboat docked alongside the Deep River Landing. Photo by Caryn B. Davis. LOCATED ON THE WEST BANK OF THE CONNECTICUT RIVER, SOME 10 MILES FROM LONG ISLAND SOUND, DEEP RIVER'S MARITIME TRADITION DATES BACK TO 1653, WHEN LOCAL SLOOPS AND SCHOONERS WOULD SAIL FROM THE TOWN IN SEARCH OF IVORY AND OTHER GOODS.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat adventure is perfect for large groups - a beautiful train ride to the docks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat to a relaxing cruise on the Connecticut River and a return train ride back to Essex Station (2.5 hours total time). 2023 Schedule. May 13 - June 18: Saturday & Sundays AND Monday May 29
Becky Thatcher is a former Army Corps of Engineers inspection boat that became a showboat and restaurant in Marietta, OH. Learn about her history, restoration, and sinking in the Ohio River.
Mississippi Riverboat Cruise on the Becky Thatcher. The last major thing that we did during our St. Louis trip was to take a dinner cruise, on the Becky Thatcher, along the Mississippi River. Although it was raining profusely here at home in Kentucky (May 13, 2012) , we had a glorious, sunny day for our jaunt down the river. ...
Step back in time and board the Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher—a pair of 19th-century. replica paddle-wheel boats, located on the St. Louis riverfront below the south leg of the Gat eway Arch. The boats are maintained and operated by the National Park Service as one of the Gateway Arch attractions.
Take the Becky Thatcher riverboat to watch a spectacular natural phenomenon as hundreds of thousands of Tree and Barn Swallows converge on the lower Connecticut River, swarming as a beautifully choreographed flock over Goose Island. Friday, Sept 29: 5:00 pm Check in and Boarding of Boat / 5:15 pm - 7:45 pm* Cruise on Becky Thatcher Riverboat ...
Specialties: Take a relaxing cruise and discover the best view of the St. Louis skyline from replica nineteenth-century paddle-wheel riverboats, the Becky Thatcher and the Tom Sawyer. They were brought to St. Louis in 1964 so spectators could get a close-up view of the Arch as it was being constructed, and are the only riverboats on the St. Louis Riverfront today. During a variety of cruises ...
September 9 - 30. Board the train at Essex Station for a 5:00 pm departure. 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat. Train brings you back to Essex Station between 8:30 and 9:00 pm (depending upon time of Swallow event) Food and beverage service are available at the fully stocked bar (Due to our liquor ...
Catch some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis on a fascinating one-hour riverboat tour. Daily cruises: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm (times vary day-to-day) Pricing: Adult: $24, Child (3-15): $14, Senior (60+): $22, Infant (0-2): FREE, *Group pricing available Tram & Cruise Combo: Save up to $2 by adding a Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch
The Becky Thatcher was listed on the National Historic Register and a website documents the boat's transformation throughout the years. The St. Louis riverfront now has another riverboat, also ...
2 Alerts. Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Temporarily Suspending Operations: Due to the Mississippi River's expected high water levels leading to street flooding, our St. Louis Riverfront and Skyline Dinner Cruises May 2 -3 have unfortunately been cancelled. Ticketholders will be refunded in full for all canceled cruises. Our call center, 877-982-1410, will reach out to ticket holders as soon ...
The Valley Railroad Company. The Valley Railroad Company - operating the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971. Our company's mission is to keep alive the rich mechanical, industrial, and transportation heritage of our state through the continual operation of our vintage steam and ...
On Wednesday, July 24th, climb aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a festive cruise featuring captivating scenery, margaritas, and tacos. Facebook/Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Begin your night out at the historic 1892 Essex Station. The train begins boarding at 6 p.m. and leaves the depot at 6:15 p.m.