The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch will officially launch their 2025 season on Thursday, March 6, offering daily St. Louis riverfront cruises, specialty cruises and more, all departing from 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd.
Returning this year are popular themed cruises, including the Blues Cruise, Decked Out Divas Cruise, Brunch Cruise and Groove & Spin Cruise. The Skyline Dinner Cruise, featuring dining and live entertainment against the St. Louis skyline, resumes on Friday, March 21. The Paddlewheel Café, the city’s only waterfront dining spot, opens to the public on Friday, April 4. It will operate Fridays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Thursday happy hours returning in May.
“We are thrilled to again welcome St. Louisans and visitors from around the world aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch,” said Mary Lamie, executive vice president of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, in a release. “For over six decades, the Riverboats have been the setting for many incredible memories. We hope you’ll join us for cruises this season to create even more memories with your loved ones.”
The St. Louis Riverfront Cruise runs daily, offering a one-hour narrated journey along the Mississippi River, highlighting its role in the city’s history. On weekends, National Park Service Rangers will lead select cruises, providing insights on river travel and local ecology. The Ag Coast of America Cruise, held on the first Wednesday of each month, explores St. Louis’ role in the nation’s inland Marine Highway system. Every Thursday, the Missouri Historical Society’s Amanda Clark will host the MO History Riverboat Takeover Cruise, guiding passengers through the city’s past with engaging storytelling.
For those looking for an elevated experience, the Skyline Dinner Cruise offers a two-hour evening voyage with a chef-curated menu, live music or a DJ and stunning views of St. Louis.
Due to construction at Chouteau Avenue and Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, vehicle access to the St. Louis Riverfront will be detoured. Drivers should use 2nd Street and Poplar Street to reach riverfront parking at Leonor K. Sullivan and Poplar. More details and maps are available online.
This article appears in January/February 2025.