Take a Cruise on the Riverboats

Enjoy Mississippi River views and a new perspective of the Gateway Arch from a riverboat cruise. Come aboard to experience a sightsee tour, educational cruise, evening dinner, or a special floating party with live music.

This is the header image for the Riverfront Cruises page featuring a black couple riding the riverfront cruise on a sunny St. Louis day. The Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline is in the background.

Ready to cruise on the Mississippi River?

Book Online

Save time and avoid the ticket lines as you plan all the things to do on the St. Louis Riverfront! Purchase tickets for your one-hour Riverfront Cruise, specialty cruise, skyline dinner cruise and more online before your visit.

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Give Yourself Time

No matter how long you plan to spend on the St. Louis Riverfront, we advise all visitors to give themselves time to get to their ticketed experiences.

View Park Map

Riverfront Parking

Before you visit the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and the levee, we recommend planning parking on the St. Louis Riverfront levee, if weather permits. Please visit our riverboats parking page to learn more.

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Couple on the riverboat top deck Couple enjoying a view of the Arch from the Riverboat
Family of a mother and two girls walks across the bridge to board their riverboat cruise experience. Mom and daughters boarding the Riverboat
A view of all three decks of the riverboat on the docks. Tom Sawyer Riverboat
A riverboat captain stands on the top deck preparing the riverboat to depart from the docks. Captain on the Tom Sawyer Riverboat
A father and son looking out over the Mississippi River while on a riverboat cruise. Father and son enjoying the Riverboat cruise
Visitors gathered on the riverboat cruise deck to enjoy the views of the St. Louis skyline. Enjoy a drink aboard the cruise
View of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline from the Mississippi River. A riverboat is cruising on the river. Evening Riverboat Cruise
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Riverboat Cruise Highlights

  • Tom Sawyer, 19th Century paddlewheel riverboat
  • Indoor & outdoor seating
  • Climate-controlled interior and open-air exterior decks
  • Daytime and nighttime cruises
  • Signature dining cruises
  • Best view of the Gateway Arch
  • Only riverboats in St. Louis
  • Available for private rentals
  • Educational cruises narrated by National Park Service Rangers and Captain
  • NPS Junior Ranger Riverboats Program

Cruise Along the Mighty Mississippi

Travel aboard Tom Sawyer, our replica 19th Century paddle-wheel riverboat on our riverboat cruises. Our cruises offer all visitors stunning St. Louis skyline views, unique dining experiences, and history of the riverfront.

Family seated on the top deck of the riverboat while their daughter points at something in the distance.

St. Louis Riverfront Cruise

Catch some of the best downtown views with a riverboat cruise in St. Louis. Our riverfront cruises last for one-hour along the Mississippi River. The riverboats are docked on the historic cobblestone levee on the St. Louis Riverfront.

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People seated for dinner on a riverboat dinner cruise.

Skyline Dinner Cruise

See the city lights at night with our two-hour evening riverboat cruise. Your ticket includes live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu, and St. Louis skyline views. Reservations are required.

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Visitors gathered on the riverboat cruise deck to enjoy the views of the St. Louis skyline.

Specialty Riverboat Cruises

The fun never ends on our specialty St. Louis riverboat cruises! Experience holiday celebrations and other vibrant party cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Reservations are required for our specialty cruises.

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A couple sitting together inside the Riverboats. The woman received a gift and is happy.

Private Charters

From birthday celebrations to a business outing, let the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch be your host. Customize your event to include a plated dinner or buffet, bar options, and entertainment for a memorable experience.

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Educational Opportunities Aboard

Throughout the season, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer exciting educational opportunities for all ages. Discover some of our special on cruise narrations and our Junior Ranger program.

An aerial view of downtown St. Louis and the riverfront from the north

Ag Coast of America

On the first Wednesday of the month our narration focuses on the world of freight and the marine highway system. Passengers learn how St. Louis plays a vital role as the “Ag Coast of America.”

A photo of a riverboat cruising down the Mississippi River beneath the Eads Bridge.

MO History Takeover

Amanda Clark with the Missouri History Museum takes over the narration on select Thursdays and digs deeper into the historic St. Louis riverfront and the engineering marvel of the Eads Bridge.

NPS Ranger is reading a book to a group of children on the riverboat.

Become a Junior Ranger

Kids can participate in a program where they complete an activity book all about the Mississippi River, guided by a national park ranger on board. And when they finish the book, they’ll even get a special Junior Ranger badge.

Upcoming Specialty Cruises

Keep the celebration going with our exciting specialty cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch! From festive holiday gatherings to lively themed parties, we’ve got a cruise for every occasion. Reservations are required, so book your unforgettable experience today!

A crowded dance floor during a performance by Skeet Rodgers on a Blues Cruise

Blues Cruise

Enjoy live blues on the Mississippi! Our vibrant cruise series showcases top regional talent, from legends to rising stars. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy a drink, and soak in the smooth sounds all season long.

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Two tables of friends enjoying a Brunch Cruise on the Riverboats with plates full of food in front of them

Brunch Cruise

Start your Sunday right with our delightful Brunch Cruise! Enjoy delicious food, stunning river views, and relaxing vibes. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a leisurely morning on the Mississippi.

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An entertainer takes money handed to them by a guest during a Decked Out Divas Cruise

Diva Cruise

Experience dazzling drag entertainment on the city’s only floating diva show! Enjoy cocktails and amazing performances on our late-night cruise.

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Young women enjoy drinks and dancing on the exterior deck of a Groove & Spin Cruise

Groove & Spin Cruise

Groove to classic R&B on our exclusive evening cruise! Enjoy cocktails, stunning skyline views, and dancing. Relax or let loose – there’s something for everyone.

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Riverboat on Mississippi River with the Gateway Arch behind it

Looking to Extend Your Day on the Riverfront?

From the Paddlewheel Café to the Riverfront Gift Shop, there are plenty of ways to extend your day along the St. Louis Riverfront. Walk along the 1.5-mile riverfront promenade to find the Captain’s Return sculpture and get a new view of the Gateway Arch.

For more ideas on how to spend your day, visit our sample itinerary below.

View Sample Itinerary

Know Before You Go

Before visiting the St. Louis Riverfront, here are a few of our commonly asked questions about our riverboat cruises:

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Explore More Below The Gateway Arch

Ready to plan your day at the St. Louis Riverfront and Gateway Arch National Park? Discover all the activities you and your family can do below!

Mom with three teens in Gateway Arch tram

Tram Ride to the Top

Travel to the top of the Gateway Arch inside one of our trams.

Visit the Gateway Arch
View of the inside of the Gateway Arch museum

Museum under the Gateway Arch

Explore our free museum during your next visit.

Visit the Museum
Child holding VR headset in Gateway Arch museum

Virtual Reality Theater

Immerse yourself in St. Louis Riverfront history in our award-winning Virtual Reality Theater.

Visit the VR Theater
Gateway Arch before putting in the last piece

“Monument to the Dream” Documentary Movie

Discover how the Gateway Arch came to be in the Academy Award nominated documentary movie.

Watch the Documentary Movie
Woman walking her dog in Gateway arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

Wander the 91 acre national park grounds.

Explore the Park Grounds
View of the old courthouse and Gateway Arch

The Old Courthouse

Witness history unfold inside our remodeled courtrooms and four interactive exhibit galleries.

Visit the Old Courthouse

Have additional questions about the St. Louis Riverfront or our riverfront cruises? Contact us about our hours, parking information or other activities by calling our Call Center at 877-982-1410 or emailing us at info@gatewayarch.com.