🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Grilled Walleye Plate
Upper Mississippi favorite with lemon-butter, seasonal veg, and dinner roll (boxed for onboard enjoyment).
 $22.00
Roasted Pork Loin & Apple Chutney
Comfort-classic with cider accents; hearty and boat-friendly for smooth service.
 $19.00
Braised Short Ribs
Slow-braised, sauce-forward entrée built to travel perfectly from galley to seat.
 $24.00
Summer Sweet Corn & Tomato Salad
Seasonal local produce when available; a light, refreshing add-on.
 $7.50
House Salad
Mixed greens with vinaigrette; easy win alongside the bar program.
 $8.00
Kids Chicken Tenders
Cruise-friendly kids’ favorite with chips or simple sides.
 $9.00
Cocktails from the Bar
Well-made classics; the lively bar is a guest favorite on evening cruises.
 $8.00–$12.00
Beer & Wine
Domestic and regional beers; approachable wine pours.
 $6.00–$9.00

What Diners Rave About

Scenic sips
The onboard bar is friendly, well-stocked, and fairly priced for a cruise—great for sunset G&Ts or local beer while the bluffs glow.
River favorites
Walleye, roasted pork with apple chutney, and braise-style dishes travel well from the galley and deliver steady flavor.
Seasonal touches
In midsummer, expect corn-and-tomato sides and simple salads that spotlight local produce.
Takeout format
Service runs takeout-style and is served to your seat; there’s no delivery service and no land-based dine-in here.
Dietary requests
Vegan or gluten-free needs are typically accommodated with advance notice; alert the team when booking specialty cruises.
Walk-in friendly
Walk-ups for daytime sightseeing are common, but popular evening or themed cruises can sell out—arrive 20–30 minutes early.
Payment & tips
Cards and cash are accepted at the dock and bar; locals tip 15–20% for beverage/table service on specialty cruises.
Value picks
Beer and house cocktails are well-priced; share a salad plus a hearty entrée for a filling, budget-friendly combo.

✨ The Experience

🛶
What You’ll Feel
A small, intimate riverboat with big Mississippi views. Day cruises skew peaceful and wildlife-forward; evenings can be lively with a bar buzz and close seating that feels convivial rather than formal.
🚌
Getting There
The “Harrison & Front” bus stop is a 2–3 minute walk; Routes 1 and 3 serve it. If you’re driving, the dock lot meters run about $1.50/hour with 4-hour weekday limits; the 4th St ramp (3–5 minutes on foot) is the reliable backup.
📸
Timing & Vibe
Go mid-morning for calmer decks and eagle-spotting; choose sunset for dramatic photos and a more social crowd. Wind picks up after 3 PM—bring a light layer even on warm days.
🧭
Practical Know-How
Board 20–30 minutes early for preferred seats; lower-deck bow is shaded and great for photos. Restrooms are compact—use facilities onshore at Riverside Park if you prefer more space.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book ahead, or can I walk up?
Walk-ins are welcome, especially for daytime sightseeing cruises. For popular sunset or themed outings, arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure spots, as space is limited and some departures sell out quickly.
Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted on public cruises. The onboard bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, and the galley offers takeout-style plates and snacks that are brought to your seat.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Simple accommodations (like gluten-free or vegan alternatives) are typically available with advance notice on specialty cruises. Let the team know your needs when you purchase tickets or at the dockhouse before boarding.

📖 About La Crosse Queen Cruises

La Crosse Queen Cruises carries forward the Upper Mississippi excursion tradition from La Crosse’s riverfront, operating from the dock at 405 E Veterans Memorial Drive. Guests come for relaxed, intimate trips that showcase bluffs, bridges, and wildlife.

The waterfront here evolved from working docks and lumber storage yards to a public riverwalk, with major redevelopment in the mid-20th century. Today’s boarding area sits near original stone walls that hint at the city’s industrial past.

What keeps locals returning is the human touch—warm crews, personable service, and a bar that turns a short outing into a social ritual. The boat’s paddlewheeler look nods to steamboat heritage while offering modern safety and comfort.

Food on board mirrors the region: approachable Midwestern plates built for smooth service at river pace, plus a casual bar program that shines at sunset. The result is an experience that feels authentically La Crosse—easygoing, scenic, and welcoming.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Walkability & Crowds

Downtown riverfront promenade with steady foot traffic in season. Walk Score around 6/100 overall, but the immediate riverwalk is pedestrian-friendly; weekends see heavier crowds pre- and post-cruise.

Traffic & Timing

Summer Fridays and Saturdays are busiest near the riverfront, especially at sunset. Aim for weekday mornings for quieter decks; event days may trigger temporary street closures around Front St and Veterans Memorial Dr.

Area Demographics

La Crosse city population is roughly 52,700 (about 140,000 metro). Expect a college-town mix of families, retirees, and students, with strong healthcare and education presence nearby.

Tourism Patterns

Peak season runs May–September with a second bump for fall foliage (late Sept–Oct). Sunset periods fill fastest; book earlier in the day for more elbow room on decks.