Spirit of Peoria Paddleboat Cruises

DETAILS:

• (Launching) Location: 100 Water Street Peoria, IL 61602

• Hours of Operation: Varies based on cruise option. Single day and multi-day cruises available. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for details.

• Parking: Free parking on site.

• Cost: Varies based on cruise option. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for details.

  • As a reference point: The 2 day cruise to Starved Rock State Park (Illinois) was $400 (all-inclusive)/person

• Time Commitment: Varies based on cruise option. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for details.

  • As a reference point: We took the 2-day cruise to Starved Rock State Park (Illinois).

• MISC:

  • For multi-day cruises, all food and (on-land) lodging is factored into the “all-inclusive” cost.

Whether it’s visions of riverboat gamblers, Mark Twain waxing poetic, or just a recent trip to Disneyland, there’s something timeless about a large paddleboat roaming the various tributaries of the United States. With only a handful of these boats still operating across the country, it’s sadly a dying mode of transportation. Thankfully, The Spirit of Peoria (in Illinois) is still keeping this tradition alive and well.

Built in 1988, the Spirit of Peoria is a true paddleboat which means its only mode of propulsion is by way of its iconic red paddle-wheel at the rear of the boat (unlike similar boats which only use the paddle-wheel for aesthetics). Based out of Peoria, Illinois, this stunning vessel cruises mainly on the Illinois River; one of the principal tributaries of the Mississippi River. While many would rightfully consider the Mississippi as the “king” river of this country, anyone who’s spent time on the Illinois River would have no problem telling you that this waterway is just as grand. Several advantages that the Illinois River has over the Mississippi is that it doesn’t pass through as many urbanized and industrial areas which provides a much more secluded feel as well as a better connection to the surrounding environment. This fact makes the Illinois River a major aviary habitat that many flock to (pardon the pun) in order to bird watch. I had no idea that bald eagles roamed this part of the country, but we saw a dozen or so during our cruise.

Like any boat cruise, the company offers various single day excursions throughout the year, but what sets the Spirit of Peoria apart from the competition is its multi-day cruise options which provides a unique river experience like none other. These all-inclusive packages include the cruise, entertainment (live music, historical story tellings, and discussions with a river expert held throughout the boat) meals, and overnight accommodations (NOTE: accommodations each night are provided at area hotels on land, NOT on the boat itself). We opted for the two-day cruise from Peoria to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. The cruise to and from Starved Rock (purposely) takes up the bulk of each day as you enjoy the view of the river and any of the accompanying entertainment. We spent most of our time lounging outside on each of the three decks, but you can also sit inside the air conditioned interior decks if you need a break from the sun or heat. Full-service bars are located on the 2nd and 3rd decks as well, if you’re so inclined. To be completely honest, the meals won’t blow you away but they're solid enough to get the job done. Think family style picnic faire and you pretty much get the gist. One of the hidden perks of any cruise is getting to know your fellow cruise-mates. We really enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone on the boat which only heightened the experience.

Once you arrive at Starved Rock, (there is no man-made dock here, you literally pull-up to the bank of the river and depart off the boat’s scaffold bridge like they did in the old days!) you’ll get shuttled in a trolley to Starved Rock Lodge which is located in the heart of the park and a great experience itself (bring your trunks since the lodge has an indoor pool). You’re free to explore the park on your own, but the company conducts an organized tour to (the actual) Starved Rock in the morning after you enjoy a breakfast in the Lodge’s main dining room. After that, you’ll get back on the paddleboat and touchdown back in Peoria around 5ish. So if you’re looking for a unique and relaxing getaway, I definitely recommend any of the options offered by the Spirit of Peoria!

 

RESOURCES:

• Spirit of Peoria website.