harrisburg riverboat society

Daily Tours

45 minute public sightseeing.

Join us for a 45-minute sightseeing tour and experience the refreshing summer breeze. You can admire the scenic views through the large windows in our beautiful main salon, which is air-conditioned to keep you comfortable. Visit our galley to grab a soda, ice-cold beer, or some snacks to enjoy. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close to one of only six authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the United States.

During the cruise, you’ll hear a recording that shares fascinating details about the unique history and ecology of the Susquehanna River and Harrisburg. Our main salon is decorated with pictures and relics that showcase the rich history of Harrisburg. Take advantage of our upper deck, where you can take in the breathtaking skyline while feeling the summer breeze and observing the beautiful wildlife.

Bring along your friends, family, and out-of-town relatives for the ultimate sightseeing tour in Harrisburg!

2024 Cruising Schedule

• Adults (Ages13-59)  $15.00
• Seniors (Age 60 & over)  $12.00
• Youth (Ages 3-12)  $9.00
• Children 2 and under – FREE
• All military (retired/reserves/active) – FREE

Additional Information

• The Pride of the Susquehanna cruises rain or shine.
• Boarding begins approximately 10 minutes before the set departure time.
• There is a cash bar available for our guests serving soda, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
• The riverboat galley has a limited number of packaged items for purchase during the cruise, such as pretzels and chips.
• The Pride is handicapped and wheelchair accessible.
• Restrooms are available onboard

• Meetings & Conventions
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Pride of the Susquehanna

All aboard the pride of the susquehanna riverboat , an iconic harrisburg attraction and one of the last remaining paddlewheel riverboats in america. the pride has sailed this stretch of the susquehanna river for more than 30 years, carrying more than one million passengers. discover the unique history of the pride and how you can take a tour or dinner cruise this season.

Daily Sightseeing Tours

The Pride of the Susquehanna runs daily 45-minute sightseeing tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in September and October. When the weather is fine, catch a summer breeze from the bow or head to the top deck for 360-degree views of Harrisburg and City Island. From here you can peek down at the churning twin paddlewheels that power the boat. While you sail, listen in on fascinating facts about the ecology and wildlife of the Susquehanna River, Riverboat history, and fun facts about Harrisburg.

• Days Open: 7 days a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day; Saturdays & Sundays, September through October
• Admission: $8 - $13 per person. Free for children 2 and under + active military with military ID. 
• Handicap Accessible: Yes
• Restrooms: Yes

Unique Features and History of the Pride

History of the riverboat.

It all started with an idea to bring the historic Millersburg Ferry down to Harrisburg for the Kipona Festival. Transporting the ferry turned out to be an impossible feat, but it did get people thinking about how Harrisburg could operate a boat of its own.

Residents and business owners in Harrisburg and surrounding towns rallied behind the idea of building a riverboat, donating supplies, labor, and funds to make the boat a reality. Construction of The Pride began on City Island in 1985. From the handcraftsmanship of the vessel to the original artwork inside, The Pride is truly one-of-a-kind. So much so that they couldn’t rebuild it as you see it today even if they tried. The Pride took her maiden voyage on May 28, 1988. In its 30 years on the Susquehanna, she’s carried more than one million passengers! Here’s to the next million!

About the Vessel

The Pride was designed and built in homage to the iconic riverboats you see navigating the mighty Mississippi River. Its design also includes special allowances to sail in the relatively shallow depths in this stretch of the Susquehanna River . The Pride is one of just six remaining authentic paddlewheel riverboats in America. While some vessels have paddlewheels just for show, The Pride’s authentic twin paddlewheels are the sole method used for propulsion and steering.

On the outside, its bold, red and white striping make the boat a familiar landmark along the river. Inside you’ll find beautiful mahogany woodwork, brass and copper accents, and a custom stained glass ceiling. Each winter The Pride is pulled from the water to protect it from dangerous ice flows. While she’s on winter break, she receives a fresh coat of paint and routine maintenance to keep it in shipshape.

If you’re hoping to see The Pride floating down a river near you, we’re sorry to say that’ll never happen! Due to her size, highways and bridges can’t accommodate her transport, so The Pride of the Susquehanna has a permanent home in Harrisburg! That’s okay by us, and it gives you and the family something to look forward to each time you visit!

Susquehanna River Facts

• The Susquehanna River begins in Cooperstown, New York and flows 444 miles before emptying in the Chesapeake Bay.
• The Susquehanna River is the largest tributary to the Chesapeake.
• The average flow is 20 miles per hour. If you put a toy boat in the water in New York it would take approximately 23 days for it to pass us in Harrisburg and end up in the Bay.
• The river is at its widest here in Harrisburg. It’s one mile wide, and City Island is the halfway point between Harrisburg and Wormleysburg.
• Harrisburg is a smallmouth bass fishing hotspot. You might also find catfish, walleyes, and muskies!

City Island Adventures

Before or after you ride the Pride, explore the classic family fun on City Island , known to many as Harrisburg’s playground. Catch a Harrisburg Senators Baseball game April through August inside a unique island ballpark. Sink a hole-in-one at Water Golf, a beautifully landscaped and challenging course on the north end of the Island. Take a relaxing ride on the City Island Railroad featuring a miniature Civil War-era Stream train. The Walnut Street walking bridge connects City Island to Downtown Harrisburg, and you’re invited to explore the city’s restaurants, museums, shops, and more!

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How the Pride of the Susquehanna became a Harrisburg icon: vintage photos

• Updated: Jun. 08, 2023, 7:21 a.m. |
• Published: Sep. 05, 2019, 6:30 a.m.

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, with the help of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, launches the Pride of the Susquehanna off its drydock and into the Susquehanna River at the south end of City Island in Harrisburg for the 2018 season. May 3, 2018. Dan Gleiter | [email protected] HAR

• Deb Kiner | [email protected]

Editor’s note: This story has been updated and was originally published in 2019.

More than 30 years ago, Harrisburg officials were looking for a way to make celebrations along the Susquehanna River more attractive.

According to Mike Trephan, who at the time was a member of the committee that planned the annual Labor Day event, Kipona, he had an idea that been tried before but was unsuccessful – a riverboat.

Trephan, who died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, and the mayor at the time, Stephen Reed, decided to try it.

Trephan shared with PennLive a written narrative of the long process that resulted in the creation of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year on Sunday, June 11.

After dismissing a plan to borrow the Millersburg Ferry for a weekend, Trephan decided to try to build one.

Mike Trephan, left, and Flanders Keller, discuss the construction of the hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna as a welder works on a seam, Aug. 12, 1985, in Port Trevorton.

Plans were drafted and the cost of materials were estimated. Then, Trephan said, they needed a “a paid foreman who knew how to do this job.”

Trephan found the builder – Flanders Keller of Port Trevorton. Trephan said Keller had been in the coal-dredging business for 50 years and had built several boats like the Millersburg Ferry.

The plan was for Keller to build the hull at his place then ship it to Harrisburg and finish it by the river.

Trephan himself provided the initial funding. He also put together a board of people to get behind the project and make it a reality. They formed the Harrisburg Area River Boat Society.

After researching other riverboats, the board came up with a new cost estimated much higher than the original - $150,000 for a boat that would be “12 [feet] wide and 55 [feet] long, single deck, steel hull and a diesel engine that would accommodate between 60 and 100 passengers and look more like a paddle wheeler of the type that sailed on the navigable rivers of the mid-1800s.”

The hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat is lifted wtih cranes from trucks that brought it to Harrisburg from Port Trevorton, Aug. 20, 1985.

Mike Trephan stands on the stern of the hull of the Pride of the Suquehanna riverboat after it was brought by truck then lifted by cranes into the Susquehanna River, Aug. 20, 1985.

The steel hull was built at Keller’s yard then trucked to Harrisburg and lifted into the river.

“At this juncture it was decided that the boat could be constructed on the West Shore at the Sea Plane Base right along the river and in full view of the public,” Trephan wrote. “It was determined that it could be built in 90 to 120 days, weather permitting. It was directly across from the site that Mike and the mayor had agreed to for its docking area, which was South Front Street at Paxton where the old coal barges used to berth for the night.”

The hull of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat in the decorated boat parade at Kipona during Labor Day weekend in 1985.

Trephan said after a couple weeks of work things seemed to be going smoothly – that is until a great deal of rain made the river rise. Despite their best efforts, the boat broke away and became wedged against a bridge pier on the Market Street Bridge.

A crane is used to lift the hull of what was to become the Pride of the Susquehanna out of the Susquehanna River on Nov. 21, 1985. The boat broke free from its moorings and slammed into the Market Street bridge.

A crane was used to lift the boat out of the river and deposit it on City Island “as a derelict dream gone sour,” Trephan wrote.

A story in The Patriot-News, however, said the project was “reminiscent of the Titanic,” Trephan said. After visiting with the editor, Trephan said the project took a more positive direction and the capital campaign “began to soar.”

Soon the riverboat society had an office, a strategy for donations then a larger office and fundraisers. Work proceeded as money was available. Plans for the riverboat evolved and changed and the cost escalated. The new plan called for a hull 24 feet wide and 65 feet long with two decks that could hold between 140 and 160 passengers.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat on City Island, May 20, 1988.

It was eventually decided to move the hull to Acme Welding Co.’s fabrication shop in Hummelstown. As work progressed, public input on the name was sought. The winner received the first free charter of the riverboat. Barb Burrell submitted the winning name – Pride of the Susquehanna.

The hull was transported in the middle of the night with a special trailer and tractor, Trephan said. Road and intersections were closed. It took an hour and a half. That was in the late summer of 1987.

Work came to a standstill when the money ran out. Not much happened during the winter. The board decided to borrow money to finish the Pride. Some of the finishing work and materials were donated others were offered at reduced prices.

Three captains were hired, Mike Sweigert, senior captain; Lenny Camou, second mate; and Gil Miller.

The diesel engine generator was purchased along with the hydraulic system, controls, electric and plumbing and two paddle wheels.

When it came time to move the boat across the Market Street Bridge to the launch area, it was raised with hydraulic jacks and then a trailer was pushed under it with a fork lift, Trephan wrote.

But, the road surface could not withstand the weight of the riverboat. Within an hour and a half of the move, the riverboat and the machines being used to move it got stuck.

“It took five hours to go the next 25 yards,” Trephan wrote.

As the crew tried to move the boat into the correct angle at the launch area, “it got really bad. The more it turned, the deeper it dug into the road bed, totally destroying the surface and sub-surface. In no time at all, the boat was helplessly stuck,” Trephan wrote.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat when it was dedicated, June 11, 1988.

The boat was eventually freed and maneuvered and in the river.

Volunteer passengers were used for the Coast Guard certification test. After adding more weight to the forward section, the Pride of the Susquehanna was certified.

Trephan said at this point a reporter took a ride the night before the official dedication. Sweigert allowed the reporter to take a turn driving. The boat struck a rock. A softball-size hole was torn in the hull. But, the builder and others were able to repair the boat in time for the launch and dedication the next day June 11, 1988.

Darren Cohick of Newport and Lynne Gross of Dauphin were the first couple to be married on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat on Aug. 8, 1988.

Trephan remembers many of the people who stepped up at various points to make the Pride a reality.

“It is impossible at this stage to remember all those that came forward to make it happen, but it did, and it did with Pride. The boat is a statement as to what a community can do by all pulling together,” Trephan said.

Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Capt. Mike Sweigert with a new wheel that he and his wife made, May 1989.

The Pride of the Susqehanna on its maiden voyage, June 11, 1988.

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Pride of the susquehanna riverboat launches for summer season.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is back on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg and ready for the summer season.

It's the 35th anniversary of the boat.

It's one of only six remaining riverboats in the country with an authentic paddlewheel that propels and steers the boat.

The Pride was built in 1988 and replicates riverboats from the late 1800s.

More than one million people have taken a ride.

The goal of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is to increase tourism and educate people on the history and ecology of the region.

In addition to public sightseeing tours, it hosts multiple special events and fundraisers throughout the year.

"We're bringing back princess and superhero cruises. We do wine and cheese. We're doing murder mysteries, music. You name it, we're going to do it on the boat, along with charters. We're actually doing three weddings," said Melissa Snyder with the riverboat society.

Profits from all cruises fund community service projects for seniors, children and veterans in Harrisburg.

The first ride for the public will be on May 26. The boat will cruise the river through October.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna

11 Championship Way, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania 17101 USA

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Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler”

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheel riverboat built 28 years ago as a community service project by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society for the benefit of and visitors to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is a 501-c-3 non-profit public service organization headed by a Board of community leaders.  The purpose of our organization includes increased tourism, economic development, and enhanced education regarding the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River and our region. Since her construction and launch under the leadership of local businessman Mike Trephan in 1988, the Pride has carried over a million passengers.  She’s has been, and is continually, used for weddings, parties, business functions, a whole variety of themed dinner cruises, Murder Mysteries, and the ever popular Pirates on the Pride. In recent years, the Pride’s events expanded drastically to include fun events like Arooga’s Wing Night, Hard-shell Crab Nights, Blues, Jazz,  Family events, Wine & Cheese Cruises, and much more. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is also highly dedicated to education.  To fulfill this important mission, we operate the Susquehanna River School, an organization and unique floating classroom experience, teaches children, adults and seniors alike about the history, ecology and environmental issues concerning the Susquehanna River and our region. The Pride is offered by the Riverboat Society as a low-cost, fun alternative activity for the public to enjoy our beautiful natural resource, the Susquehanna River.  Proceeds from ALL cruises (besides helping to keep the riverboat running!) go towards our community service projects that benefit seniors, children, military veterans and more. We work with various local organizations, including the Humane Society of Harrisburg, the “Feel Your Boobies” Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, and many more.  So, when you “Ride the Pride”, you are helping keep this wonderful historic landmark “afloat” and benefiting your community!

Reviewed by Linda S.

Great evening on the Pride of the Susquehanna! We listened to music provided by Lil Brother Band. They are great musicians and fun to listen to as they bring energy and joy to the stage. The... Read more

Reviewed by Sofia P.

The murder mystery cruise my husband and I went on was pretty awful. Instead of making it entertaining and interactive with all of the people who went, where we find the person whodunit, they have... Read more

Reviewed by Melody P.

My husband and I have done sightseeing and dinner cruises. Pleasant staff, good music and food, scenic and family friendly! Read more

View 33 reviews on

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Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Pride of the Susquehanna concludes successful year, boat now docked for season

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat

The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat has wrapped up its best season in years, taking in more than $200,000 in ticket sales.

The iconic red-and-white riverboat hosted more than 20,000 passengers and sold about $215,000 worth of tickets in 2022, according to the nonprofit operator, the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society.

“The community has really stepped up to help us keep the boat afloat this year, and we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said board President Kim Rice.

Besides ticket sales, riverboat revenue comes from such sources as donations, grants, sponsorships, fundraisers and concession sales, according to the society.

The success of the 2022 season follows several challenging years for the 34-year-old paddlewheel boat, which, over the years, has become a symbol of Harrisburg. In 2018, the Pride lost numerous sailing days due to extended high water on the Susquehanna River, followed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, though, the Pride enjoyed a full sailing season, and patrons and sponsors responded, said Rice. In addition to daily cruises and many special events, the Pride held two successful fundraisers, the Float the Boat Race in May and Boatoberfest in October.

“Many people rode the Pride for the first time this past summer, and many generous businesses helped to sponsor events,” Rice said. “We appreciate every ride and every expression of support.”

In addition to keeping the Pride operational, the revenue enabled the society to make much-needed repairs and upgrades, according to the society. The boat has now been taken out of the water and is in dock on City Island until next year.

“Please plan to ride the Pride in 2023!” Rice urged.

For more information about the Pride of the Susquehanna, to donate or buy gift cards, visit their website.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society Inc

Charter the Pride for your Wedding!

Looking for a terrific location for your next wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or other wedding related event?

Cruising on the Pride of the Susquehanna is a great venue for any event. It is perfect for weddings, receptions, family reunions, graduation celebrations, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, or any sort of private bash! Enjoy our beautiful mahogany and brass main salon or proceed up to the partially covered observation deck for a lovely sunset or spectacular view the Harrisburg city skyline.

We want to make sure everyone enjoys their cruise, so we suggest the following number depending on your event.

Full sit down meal: 70-80

Hors D'oeuvres: 80-95

Cruising with snacks and drinks: 95*

*Capacity may change per the USCG

Call us at 717-234-6500 or email  [email protected]  to check availability and to book your charter. Weekends often book over a year in advance so book early!

Information

• Complimentary Parking:
• Months Open: May-November
• Motorcoach Parking:
• Online Coupons:
• Online Ordering:
• Parking: City Island Parking Lot
• American Express
• Reservations Required:

Quick Check

• Credit Cards Accepted:
• Handicapped Accessible:
• Tours Available:
• Live Music Nights:
• Outdoor Seating:

Water Recreation

• Alcohol Served:
• Groups Welcome:
• Audio Guides:
• Group Discounts Available:
• Group Reservations Required:
• Maximum # of People for Tour: 120
• Price Range: varies
• Tour Length: 45 minutes

Type of Experience

• Educational:
• Hands-On Experience:
• Historical:
• Private Dining Room:
• Team Building:
• Family-Friendly:
• Maximum Team Building Size: 80
• Minimum Team Building Session (Hours): 2
• Indoor Team Building Description: Build camaraderie on one of our many beer and wine tasting events, guess who the murderer is on a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, or show off your skills on a Rock the Boat open mic cruise
• Outdoor Team Building Description: The riverboat is both indoor and outdoor, so enjoy our many cruises as well as the cool air and river scenery
• Open For Business:

Personal Protection

• Masks Required-Staff:
• Masks Required-Guest:
• Health Screening Required-Staff:

Facility Info

• Description Available for meetings, weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, business functions for up to 100 people for buffet/appetizers/cocktail hour. 65 max for seated dinners.
• Floorplan File Floorplan File
• Reception Capacity 100
• Outdoor Space
• Preferred Caterer List
• Loading Dock
• Banquet Capacity 65
• Number of Rooms 1

Founder of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat passes away

by Tyler Jeski

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — The founder of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, Mike Trephan, has passed away.

The Harrisburg Riverboat Society made the announcement on Wednesday. It comes as the Pride is celebrating 35 years on the water.

In a Facebook post, the Riverboat Society said Trephan has had his hand on the pulse of the pride's journeys since day one.

He was recently on the Veterans Appreciation Cruise where he placed a memorial wreath on the river for fallen service members.

RELATED: The Pride of the Susquehanna holds veterans appreciation cruise

Kim Rice, the President of the Board of the Harrisburg Riverboat Society released a statement:

Very simply, the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat would not exist without Mike Trephan. He not only had the idea to build the Riverboat; he remained a huge advocate who kept his finger on the pulse of the Riverboat for every one of our 35 years. He was an inspiration from the start who remained deeply involved. He will be so dearly missed.

The Riverboat Society said it will air a video on June 24 highlighting the boat's 35th Anniversary that will include Trephan talking about the many stories he has surrounding the boat.

Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society names new board

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat , governed by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, has chosen new leaders for 2024.

Lori Ribbans, a retired educator and philanthropist, will take the helm, succeeding Kim Rice, who will remain on the board.

Also serving will be Terrell Martin, vice chair; Maria Zaharick, treasurer; and Jane Block, secretary.

Elections were held Dec. 12, and each leader will serve a one-year term.

“I am honored to lead our outstanding board of directors,” Ribbans said in a press release. “The Pride of the Susquehanna is a privately held, iconic attraction built by a group of people who loved Harrisburg. It delights visitors and is a wonderful way to enjoy our beautiful river. The Riverboat Society is committed to continuing that legacy.”

The Pride of the Susquehanna’s dock is located along the northeast shoreline of Harrisburg’s City Island. It is now dry-docked for the winter and will undergo hull repairs before re-launching in May.

Popular events that are expected to run again include the free Veterans’ Cruise on Memorial Day weekend, Pride on the Pride, Juneteenth, Bourbon on the Boat, Senior Mondays, and Princess and Superhero cruises.

More information about the riverboat can be found at hbgriverboat.org .

©2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Chamber & CREDC News

Board Member, Riverboat Society

Veterans Invited to Cruise for Free on the Riverboat May 29

HARRISBURG (May 8, 2023) The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is pleased to announce that Judge William T. Tully, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the presiding judge over Dauphin County’s Veterans’ Court, will be the special guest speaker on the popular Veterans Appreciation Cruises to be held on Memorial Day, May 29.

The nonprofit’s salute to veterans includes a casual dinner, brief words of thanks from Judge Tully, and a leisurely cruise along the Harrisburg skyline. Thanks to generous sponsors, it is free for each registered veteran and a guest.

Cruises are being held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29.

The events will include the National Anthem; live music by the vocal, keyboard and guitar duo Acoustic Moose; Judge Tully’s remarks; the playing of Taps; and the laying of a memorial wreath in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Last year, I attended the cruise as an Army veteran, and this year, I am honored to be the Co-Chair,” said Katy Wech, an Army nurse and the daughter of recently deceased veteran Tom Faley, who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. “This patriotic cruise is just one of many events and services we are honored to provide to our veterans and those on active, reserve or National Guard duty.”

“If you are a veteran or a current member of the military, and you can’t make the cruise on Memorial Day, we remind you that you can ride the Pride for free on any public sightseeing tour during our sailing season. It’s the least we can do.”

Space is limited on the boat, so veterans are asked to reserve a space quickly. Please RSVP to [email protected] with your name and your guest’s name.

If you are a business or grateful American who would like to help sponsor the food for our veterans, please email us as well at [email protected].

The Pride of the Susquehanna’s dock is located along the northeast shoreline of Harrisburg’s City Island. Parking is available in the Riverboat’s private VIP lot.

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CONTACT: Diane McNaughton (717) 303-8320 [email protected]

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