Business Details
Scenic Mississippi River Cruises in St. Paul, MN
Padelford Riverboats has been offering unforgettable river experiences on the Mississippi River for decades. Our fleet of U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessels provides sightseeing cruises, dining excursions, and private event hosting for weddings, corporate gatherings, and school trips. With routes passing iconic landmarks and natural wonders like bald eagles and herons, we combine historical narration with modern amenities.Our professional event managers ensure seamless planning for celebrations, while our chef-curated menus feature dishes like melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Recognized for exceptional service and scenic value, we create lasting memories for locals and visitors alike.
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Dining Cruises
Private Events
School Excursions
Sunset Cruises
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of expertise in Mississippi River cruises
- Our fleet includes three unique vessels for diverse event needs
- Chef-curated menus feature locally inspired dishes like slow-smoked brisket
- Professional event planners coordinate weddings, corporate events, and reunions
- All boats are U.S. Coast Guard-certified for passenger safety
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Coast Guard
What people say
Melt-in-your-mouth brisket
Friendly and helpful staff
Beautiful fall evening
Worth the money
Great memories
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Explore the Mississippi River's natural beauty and historical landmarks through our narrated sightseeing cruises. Pass bald eagles, herons, and historic sites while learning about the river's cultural significance. Ideal for families and tourists seeking scenic views of St. Paul's waterfront.
Dining Cruises
Enjoy chef-prepared meals featuring slow-smoked brisket and seasonal dishes during sunset dinner cruises. Our floating restaurants combine gourmet cuisine with panoramic river views, offering lunch, dinner, and specialty themed cruises.
Private Events
Host weddings, corporate events, or family reunions aboard our high-capacity vessels. We provide full-service event planning, entertainment options, and customizable menus for celebrations with breathtaking river backdrops.
School Excursions
Book curriculum-aligned field trips combining river ecology and regional history. Our narrated cruises teach students about Mississippi River ecosystems, local wildlife, and historical landmarks through engaging onboard education.
Sunset Cruises
Experience romantic twilight cruises showcasing St. Paul's skyline and river vistas. These popular evening excursions include dinner service, live narration, and prime viewing of seasonal wildlife like migrating birds.
People
Jonathan Padelford
Historical Namesake
19th-century steamboat captain honored through our vessel naming tradition, representing Minnesota's river heritage and commercial history on the Mississippi River.
Anson Northrup
Historical Namesake
Pioneer steamboat operator after whom one of our fleet vessels is named, reflecting the company's commitment to preserving regional river history and navigation legacy.
Betsey Northrup
Historical Namesake
Named vessel honors early female riverboat operators, highlighting diversity in Mississippi River commerce history through our fleet's thematic naming convention.
Questions
What types of public cruises do you offer?
We offer sightseeing cruises, sunset dinner cruises, margarita cruises, lunch & lock cruises, and seasonal specialty cruises.
Can I book a private event on your riverboats?
Yes, we host weddings, corporate events, school celebrations, and family reunions with customized menu and entertainment options.
Are your boats Coast Guard certified?
All our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified for passenger safety with modern safety equipment and trained crew.
What wildlife might I see on a cruise?
Common sightings include bald eagles, herons, egrets, and peregrine falcons along the Mississippi River corridor.
Do you offer group discounts or season passes?
We provide family season passes and special group pricing options available through our website or office bookings.
How do I make a reservation?
Book online through our website or contact our St. Paul office at 651-227-1100 during business hours for assistance.
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