Elkhart River Boat Cruise

Elkhart, Indiana has more to offer in recreation other than the 20 things I listed in my previous article. How in the world could I forget the Elkhart River Queen boat cruise? The Elkhart River Queen in docked at 110 Bower Court in Elkhart Indiana, which is located off Jackson Street just west of Alick's Home Medical and across the street from American Park. I am in no way affiliated with the Elkhart River Queen or the people who operate it. I just want to share the good time it can bring to others.

In all my life, I have only taken the boat cruise three times. The first occasion was when an acquaintance of ours whom we gave business to reserved the whole boat for her clients for a summer weekend night cruise. The second time was in September 2002 when I reserved the boat for approximately 150 Red Hat Ladies. I invited nine different Red Hat chapters from Michigan and Indiana for a good time. The third time was last Sunday when on the spur-of-the-moment, we decided to take a mini vacation and cruise the St. Joseph River.

The River Queen is a 65 foot long river boat licensed to carry up to 150 passengers. The Elkhart River Queen operates June through October, for public cruises on Sundays and for private parties, class reunions, weddings, receptions, concerts, seminars and church functions with reservations. Call for information. Reservations can be taken year-round. The Elkhart River Queen cruises up and down the St. Joseph River, which has an average depth of 10 feet.

Sunday Cruises are from 2 pm to 4 pm and require a minimum of 20 people to leave the dock. The cost per person is very reasonable and well worth it for two of relaxation. The Sunday cruise only cost $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under. For parties, reservations for up to 60 passengers is $480.00 for the two hour cruise. If you have more than 60 people, the charge will be $9.00 per person. For the three hour cruise, the minimum is $630.00 for up to 70 people with a charge of $9.00 for every person after that. The boat is available for boarding an hour before the cruise so you can enjoy the beauty of the water even longer. If you require more time before or after, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 per hour.

There is air conditioning on the boat on the lower deck only. The upper deck features a canopy over 2/3 of the deck and open to sun in the back third portion. Table and chairs are set up for your comfort on both decks. Also, on the boat are restrooms on the lower deck as well as a snack bar with a cooler full of assorted sodas and bottled water and a variety of chips, candy and popcorn. The public is welcome to bring their own food which is really nice also, if you are planning a large function that you would like to serve buffet style lunch or picnic. Electric outlets are available for keeping foods hot with crock pots and roasters or for brewing coffee. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the boat. You can bring your own band, CD's or cassettes to play while cruising or just enjoy the solitude and natural sounds of the river.

The only con I see to the Elkhart River Queen cruise is the parking situation. They have passenger unloading at the boat dock for handicapped passengers but only limited parking at the dock. All others must park at American Park across the Elkhart River to the south. You get there from the Goshen Avenue entrance and taking the drive across the bridge and to the west where it ends in a small parking area near a foot bridge. The foot bridge crosses the Elkhart River which leads back to Jackson Street and to Bower Court to where the boat docks.

So, if you have a couple hours to spare and want to see a side of Elkhart you can only see from the river, take the Elkhart River Queen for a cruise and see the manicured yards of some of Elkhart's most beautiful homes. Call Captain John C. Cleveland at 574-295-1179 for reservations or to answers any questions you might have and your special cruise.