ottawa il riverboat

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The Sainte Genevieve, a 149-passenger sternwheel riverboat, provides tours of the scenic waterways of Starved Rock Country.

Guests depart from downtown Ottawa and cruise by Buffalo Rock or near the Marseilles Lock and Dam to take in the views of the picturesque riverside.

Come aboard and enjoy an ever-changing variety of food offerings from some of our favorite local markets and restaurants. Enjoy a full bar on every cruise and occasional live music, not to mention the best views of the Illinois River!

The boat is docked at the end of Albin Stevens Dr. in downtown Ottawa, serving as an unmatched venue for get-togethers or private events.

Upcoming Cruises

Sights brought to you by locals

Check our calendar for special cruises.

Private Events

For more information on amenities and pricing, contact [email protected] .

Follow us on Instagram and tag us in your cruise photos! @stegenriverboat

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Now Offering Tours

Paddlewheel tour boat gives sunset cruises and dinner events along ottawa’s illinois river.

Experience the fall colors along the Illinois River from the comfort of the newly launched Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa. Starved Rock Country has long been a popular destination for autumnal sightseeing and recreational boating in north central Illinois, offering beautiful sandstone cliff faces lined with towering trees and calm, wide waters. Now, thanks to this authentic sternwheeler, a fall river sighting-seeing trip is more hospitable and accessible than ever before.

Spearheaded by Gentry Nordstrom, owner of The Chrysalis Group Management and Realty, and Nathan Weiss, owner of Ottawa Millwork Company, this passion project has begun to entertain locals and visitors alike after a summer of meticulous renovation. The Sainte Genevieve, a genuine sternwheeler capable of hosting up to 149 passengers, has taken its maiden sightseeing cruises up and down the Illinois to great initial acclaim.

The Sainte Genevieve’s inaugural tour schedule includes two distinct types of trip, both highlighting the Starved Rock Country river valley’s beautiful autumnal views and the riverboat’s panoramic bay windows and upper deck. The standard sight-seeing cruise, which runs about 90 minutes, will feature light narration and plenty of ambiance on two distinct and uniquely picturesque routes (guests can choose to book an up-river or down-river trip at checkout).

The up-river route will head east out of Ottawa, past the south bluff, where you can see beautiful riverfront homes and travel toward Heritage Harbor. On this trek, you’ll likely spot some wildlife on several of the river’s islands, before reaching your turnaround point ahead of the Marseilles Lock & Dam. The down-river route will head west out of Ottawa under the historic railroad bridge, travel up toward Buffalo Rock, where you can see the breathtaking rock faces that line the river.

The other staple voyage on offer is a sunset cruise featuring an appetizer buffet. Also running about 90 minutes, this excursion will give guests a chance to enjoy the Sainte Genevieve’s sprawling on-board cocktail buffet – featuring hearty appetizer options and curated bites from local restaurants, along with an unmatched view of the Starved Rock Country sunset. Seating for these events is on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to mingle on both the upper and lower decks to enjoy the views.

The Sainte Genevieve’s cabin is complete with heaters, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience regardless of the outside temperature. The owners of Sainte Genevieve hope to run the riverboat cruises through the middle of December, so Chris Kringle Market guests can enjoy a convenient winter excursion along the river.

Upcoming events include partnerships with local restaurants, offering themed dining nights, dessert cruises, murder mystery events, brunch cruises and special Halloween activities. The riverboat also will play host to special private events and functions. Bookings for weddings and private sightseeing tours already have begun to roll in.

The Sainte Genevieve tours currently operate Wednesday through Sunday in October, and are taking reservations on the website at www.stegenriverboat.com . The 2022 fares for evening cruises are $20 for children (3-12) and $30 for adults. Weekend sightseeing cruises cost $27 for children (3-12) and $37, respectively. Prices will vary for buffet cruises and special events.

For more information on the Sainte Genevieve, visit www.stegenriverboat.com

For updated details on fall colors, be sure to follow Starved Rock Country on Facebook and Instagram .

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At first glance, those familiar with riverboats will notice that the Sainte Genevieve is a refreshing departure from the traditional red and white painted paddlewheels. With her deep green coloring and hand-crafted interiors, The Sainte Genevieve greets guests looking for a fresh riverboating experience. Aboard is an enclosed dining area serving catered food curated from local restaurants, a stocked cocktail bar, and an expansive top deck with a 360 view of the Illinois River.

Information

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat is located in Ottawa, IL, and is on the I&M Canal.

Contact Details

• Address: 231 Albin Stevens Dr, Ottawa IL 61350
• Phone: (815) 200-4781 +1 815-200-4781
• Website: Visit Website

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat Online Reservations

Concierge or booking agent, buy gift certificates online, reservation / cancellation policy.

All purchases are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchanged for any like-kind cruises as long as the exchange is more than 48 hours prior to original cruise. Within 48 hours of departure, we are unable to offer exchanges. No refunds will be given to no-shows.

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Alcohol Tobacco Policy No outside alcohol can be brought onto the boat or the dock site. Smoking must be downwind while on the boat - please be courteous to other passengers.  Thanks for your understanding!

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231 Albin Stevens Dr

Ottawa, IL 61350

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I cannot rave enough about the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat! I went on the riverboat for my friend's 40th birthday this fall and it was the BEST experience ever! We did the unlimited mimosas and brunch from 10:30-12:30. The mimosas were fantastic and the food was delicious! They had so much to offer from donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownies, croissants, cheeses, bacon and sausage sandwiches, etc. We were over the moon with what they offered on the brunch cruise. The service was quick and friendly. The boat itself had dining options inside and outside. We sat on the upper deck and it was the perfect spot to take in all of the beautiful fall colors and views. We also saw so many bald eagles on our boat tour as well. If you haven't been on this riverboat tour, you're missing out. I cannot wait to go again!!

See all photos from Lisa M. for Sainte Genevieve Riverboat

We just went on the Sunday morning brunch cruise yesterday and absolutely loved it! All the staff on board were kind and welcoming and appeared to all truly love what they do. The buffet brunch was catered by the Lone Buffalo and it was huge and delicious - veggie quiche, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, and a variety of baked goods. Our party had a mimosa and tasty Tangled Roots beers as well. The riverboat, especially the bar and bathrooms, is beautifully remodeled. I think we were just a little early to catch the fall leaves, but we saw some bald eagles and other great scenery. I would definitely take this cruise again!

This was a beautiful evening on a cute little paddle boat. The staff was very friendly. We enjoyed the entertainment and the bar offerings were delicious and priced well. I will recommend this experience to friends and can't wait to visit again.

We spotted the riverboat from the road on the way to Starved Rock and booked the Sunday cruise. It was the perfect way to unwind after hiking. We had a wonderful evening ride down the River watching the sun set and hearing some local history. Light snacks provided and drinks are available for a good price. The crew couldn't have been nicer!! Highly recommend you come support this small local business!!

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Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa sails down the Illinois post-ribbon cutting

Boat will offer sightseeing tours, dinner cruises.

Gentry Nordstrom and Nathan Weiss show ribbon cutting attendees the top deck of the Sainte Genevieve in Ottawa on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (Michael Urbanec)

Some of the best views of the Illinois Valley can be had only on a boat and now more people will have access to them, with the opening of the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat in Ottawa on Tuesday evening.

Owners Gentry Nordstrom and Nathan Weiss purchased the riverboat in December of 2021 with the intention of making the river more accessible to locals and tourists.

“We want to give them the chance to experience the river right down the middle of the channel as opposed to being stuck along the shore,” Nordstrom said. “We’re offering sightseeing tours going both up and down the river and then dinner cruises, where we’ll have heavy appetizer buffets and a bar on-board.”

The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry ambassadors cut the ceremonial ribbon Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, on the St. Genevieve Riverboat with Gentry Nordstrom, Nathan Weiss and their families. (Michael Urbanec)

The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry ambassadors and Executive Director Jeff Hettrick cut the ribbon with Weiss, Nordstrom and their families along with city officials on the top deck of the St. Genevieve on Tuesday.

Hettrick said Nordstrom and Weiss worked hard all summer and he’s happy to welcome them to the chamber and to Ottawa’s downtown.

“This has been a culmination of just a tone of incredibly hard work, way more than we ever expected,” Nordstrom said. “There’ve been very stressful days and very painful points but also some fun. It’s been the biggest adventure of our lives.”

Weiss said on top of riverboat tours, he wants to eventually have rides that go down to Starved Rock and conduct tours there before bringing customers back to Ottawa.

The Sainte Genevieve Riverboat floats Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, on the Illinois River south of the Jordan block stage in Ottawa. (Michael Urbanec)

Nordstrom thanked the city of Ottawa and Mayor Dan Aussem, who were helpful in obtaining all the licensing needed to operate as a business on the river.

Nordstrom said the plan is to offer tours through October, November and December depending on the weather. As long as the river doesn’t have ice in it, the boat can travel.

For more information on the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat, go to stegenriverboat.com .

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River Cruises

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note, effective January 1, 2023, promotional punch cards are no longer valid for future punches or additional stays at no charge.

Trolley Tours & Boat Rides

Choose a River Cruise, Land & Water Cruise with lunch or a “Visit a Canyon with a Boat Ride.” Attendees meet outside of the Great Hall and board a Starved Rock Trolley to travel to the Eagle I for a leisurely cruise on the Illinois River. Reservations are required. Book online, call (815) 220-7386 or stop by our Front Desk. *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Lock and Lunch

Aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat as it passes through the starved rock lock.

Experience something new and fun aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation included. Passangers can choose between two Itinerates.

• May-October
• Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Departs at 9AM in Ottawa & 11AM at Starved Rock Lodge
• June 27th departs at 10AM in Ottawa & 12PM at Starved Rock Lodge
• $77 adults, $67 children (10 and under)
• *Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Sunset Cruise

Cruise down the beautiful illinois river aboard the sainte genevieve riverboat.

Enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Illinois River aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat. You will board the trolley at the Lodge and head over to beautiful Ottawa, IL for your cruise. After the cruise, the trolley will bring you back to the Lodge. Reservations required.

• May: Thursdays, departs at 4:45PM, $50 adults, $40 children
• June-August: Thursdays, departs at 5:15PM, Except 7/4 departs at 4:45, $50 adults, $40 children
• September (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 4:15pm, $75 adults, $65 children
• October (Sunset Cruise & Dinner): Thursdays, departs at 3:45pm, $75 adults, $65 children

Land & Water Cruises

Illinois river cruise with lunch.

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock’s history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible.  Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• Runs June – September
• Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
• Departs at 11am (ends at 3pm)
• $60 adults, $55 Children (10 and under)

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride

Illinois river & ottawa canyon hike.

Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included. Canyon chosen may vary, depending on weather, river and trail conditions. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June – September
• Saturdays and Sundays
• 11AM to 1:30PM
• October – Sundays 11AM to 1:30PM
• $55 adult, $50 Children 10 and under

Waterfowl Cruises

One-hour boat ride on the illinois river.

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to Lone Point Shelter to enjoy an hour long boat ride on The Eagle I. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations are required. Capacity is limited.

• June-September
• Saturdays & Sundays
• Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• October – Sundays Departures at 1PM & 2PM
• $37 per person

Autumn on the River Cruises

Illinois river boat ride.

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, “The Eagle I” where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved. Reservations are required. Capacity is limted.

• Runs in October
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• $60 adults, $55 children 10 and under

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