| Name | La Crosse Queen Cruises |
| Brief Description | Riverboat Cruises on the Mississipppi River |
| Type | Attraction |
| Category | Wisconsin Excursion |
| Description | The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the Grand River Boats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century. Offering a variety of cruise choices out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, she is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel riverboats in operation in the United States today.
To honor early traditions, she is constructed with stern wheels that are the only means of propulsion and the La Crosse Queen features a split stern wheel, each driven by a twin diesel engine that powers the hydraulic motors, which turn the paddles of the stern wheels. What makes the La Crosse Queen special is that other Mississippi River paddlewheel boats have a “freewheeling” paddlewheel for a visual effect but are propelled by traditional “screw” type engines.
History can be retold as passengers witness the paddlewheel hard at work through a large window on the first floor of the cabin and can experience the power and sound from the second floor observation deck. The captain expertly navigates the 149 passenger Riverboat on the mighty River while the passengers relax and enjoy the narrative of the tour guide and the majestic beauty that surrounds them.
A special treat during a cruise is witnessing the operation of the “Swing Rail Bridge” that spans the Mississippi River between La Crescent, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin. The original bridge was one of the first 15 bridges across the Mississippi River. Designed and built in 1876 by Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, the Swing Bridge operates daily to keep the river traffic flowing.
There is a cruise for every budget and schedule, and, if you are planning a special event or a group travel itinerary, the La Crosse Queen can be chartered or reserved for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even a cocktail cruise.
If you are visiting the La Crosse area and want to explore Ol’ Man River, you can choose from a 1.5 hour sightseeing cruise to a 2.5 hour dinner cruise. On select dates, you can enjoy a three hour trip. On designated cruises, and if conditions permit, you will experience “locking-thru” the Lock and Dam system.
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| Address | 405 Veterans Memorial Drive |
| CSZ | La Crosse, WI 54601 |
| Phone 1 | (608) 784-2893 |
| Email | lacrossequeen@greatriver.com |
| Handicapped Accessible | Yes |
| Time Allowance | 1.5 to 3 hrs depending on cruise choice |
| Website | www.lacrossequeen.com |
| Last Updated | 3/9/2017 |
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