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St. Charles Park District: Cruise into your next event aboard a riverboat

Take your next celebration or fundraising event to the Fox River with a ride aboard a paddlewheel riverboat from the docks in Pottawatomie Park.

The St. Charles Park District is now offering some new cruise options including weekday group specials, private sunset cruises and fundraising opportunities. Cruising season runs May through October with several options for all types of party planning. The new private weekday cruise special runs at 3 p.m. every Tuesday-Friday in June, July and August.

“We’ve had birthday parties, bridal showers and family reunions on our paddlewheel riverboats,” explains Tera Harvey, manager of cruise operations. “There was even a small wedding celebration aboard a riverboat last summer.”

The scenic cruises offer visitors a chance to view the town and natural areas from a different perspective while enjoying the smooth, calm waters of the Fox River. Guests may see birds soaring among the trees, wave to those walking along the shore or maybe even spy some small animals, such as turtles, visiting the river for a drink of water.

A new ticket structure this year allows a group to organize a cruise and sell tickets with the park district sharing a portion of the ticket sales for a fundraiser. Harvey said she is looking forward to working with local groups to organize a fun outing.

“It’s a unique offering for your next event,” Harvey said. “You’re getting outside, enjoying the fresh air and the experience of the cruise.”

A new recurring event is the Happy Hour Cruise which departs at 5:30 p.m. on select Fridays and is a great way to unwind with friends to begin your great weekend and then stay in town for a delicious post-dinner cruise.

Currently, the cruises are hosting 45 people due to COVID-19 guidelines; however a boat can carry up to 90 passengers.

The park district has two boats, the Fox River Queen and the St. Charles Belle II. Each boat has two levels. The main level is covered with windows that open while the second level is open-air. General admission tickets are first come, first seating. And cruises run rain or shine, so always dress for the weather.

With all cruises its best to purchase tickets in advance online. Harvey said with limited tickets available for each cruise, purchasing tickets online will ensure guests reserve the time and cruise they want, as well as saves time when you arrive at the dock. Tickets, which are confirmed via email, are then easily saved in your phone which is scanned when arriving at the dock. Tickets are available for purchase at the Pottawatomie Community Center as well.

And stay tuned on the website, stcriverboats.org, for more great reasons to hop aboard the Riverboats this summer with theme cruises. Or call Harvey at 630-513-4338 to schedule your own private charter.