hiawatha paddlewheel riverboat tours

• Group Tours
• Travel & Tourism Grant
• Bootlegger Tour
• Visitors Guide

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat Facebook Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor

Category: Amusement & Games Heritage & Museums

Phone: 570-326-1221

Website: http://www.ridehiawatha.com

2205 Hiawatha Blvd, Williamsport

One of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania, the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat offers six days a week of public cruising May through October. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of early days along the river. The Hiawatha has a climate controlled lower deck, snack bar, full beverage service, open seating, restrooms, and is handicap accessible.

Gallery here

Social Icons

Cruising the Susquehanna River on Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat

There’s little that’s better than cruising along a major waterway, the wind blowing through your hair, as you look at the beauty surrounding you. However, unless you have your own boat or want to go through the expense of renting one, it can often be difficult to experience a destination from the water.

Fortunately, there are several great public boat cruises in the state, including Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat.

The Hiawatha boat departs from the banks of the Susquehanna from Susquehanna State Park. The park occupies a small spit of land in the southwestern corner of the city and features little more than a parking lot, pavilion, and boat launch to ride the Hiawatha. 

The Hiawatha Riverboat has been cruising on the Susquehanna River in Williamsport since 1991. It was named after another paddlewheel riverboat that was destroyed during the spring ice thaw in 1914. That boat was named after an Iroquois Indian chief named Hiawatha who was instrumental in bringing together the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy and lived in Pre-Columbian America.

The Hiawatha runs a variety of cruises, and I had the chance to ride one of their sightseeing cruises thanks to a ticket supplied to me by the boat. The hour-long cruise departs several times a day on cruise days (see below).

Boarding starts about 10 minutes before the cruise leaves. However, getting there earlier is recommended, especially if you want to get your choice of seats. While I looked at both the enclosed bottom deck and the open-air top deck, I opted for a seat on the bow of the boat.

As the boat pushed away from the dock, I have to be honest that I was a bit surprised. Instead of heading east towards downtown Williamsport, we turned upstream and headed west.

I had assumed that the trip would be traveling through the city, as the Pride of the Susquehanna in Harrisburg and the Gateway Clipper in Pittsburgh do. However, any disappointment I had quickly vanished as we made our way along a very beautiful part of the Susquehanna River.

As we rode, jet skis, speedboats, and even water skiers flew past our slow-moving riverboat. Despite the slow speed, the pace that we traveled was perfect for an enjoyable ride on a beautiful day. Seeing the Susquehanna River in a way that few visitors to the area experience was quite special.

Shortly after leaving the dock, a narration came over the loudspeaker. While it covers a few other topics of local history, it focuses mostly on the area’s rich lumber history, and the important role that the Susquehanna River played. The narration lasts for about a third of the trip, with music being played for the remainder of the trip.

Whether you are interested in the history or not, riding Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat along the Susquehanna offers a great chance to see the beauty of the river. I doubt there’s a more relaxing way to see the region than on the Hiawatha.

Cruising on the Hiawatha Riverboat

The Hiawatha Riverboat runs from May through October. In May, September, and October, the boat runs sightseeing cruises on weekends only. During June, July, and August, the boat runs Tuesday through Sunday. Hour-long sightseeing cruises run three to four times a day, depending on the day of the week and the month.

The Hiawatha Riverboat also runs a variety of special cruises, including Family Nights, Wing Nights, and Concert Cruises. The full schedule for those special cruises can be found on their website .

The Hiawatha offers an onboard snack bar that sells simple food, non-alcoholic drinks, draft beer, and even some cocktails, all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Note: My rides on the Hiawatha Riverboat was hosted by the boat. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Looking for more things to do in Williamsport, PA ? Reptiland  is nearby in Allenwood, PA. Fan of museums? Also nearby is the World of Little League Museum , the   Taber Museum , and the story of the Fair Play Men .

See map below for other area attractions.

Great places to stay in williamsport.

• Hampton Inn - Rated one of the best values in Williamsport on Trip Advisor.
• Genetti HOtel - A historic hotel in downtown Williamsport.
• Residence Inn - A great value located minutes from local attractions.
• City Hall Grand Hotel - A historic city landmark in the heart of downtown Williamsport.
• Find more great places to stay on Airbnb!

More nearby places worth exploring

How to Get to Dutchman Run Falls in the McIntrye Wild Area

Touring the Fascinating Mifflinburg Buggy Museum

Pennsylvania Waterfalls: How to Get to Hounds Run Falls in the McIntyre Wild Area

Visiting the Incredible Lebo Vista in Lycoming County

Find more things to do in the susquehanna region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

6 thoughts on “Cruising the Susquehanna River on Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat”

Nice article! I’ve riden the Hiawatha several times, and have thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely view of the river bank and our beautiful river.

Took a Concert Cruise a couple years ago; was a great time with friends. The sunset on the river was totally spectacular.

The reason the Hiawatha didn’t head East on the river toward Williamsport is because of the Hepburn Street Dam, which still exists.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise with us! I grew up on the river, as a boater, when my parents bought their first boat in 1964…..I was only 4 years old. We had a River Lot/Dock right where the Hiawatha turns around on our one hour cruise. We do offer two and three hour cruises/special events that go farther west above the railroad bridge. Our goal is to assure every rider a good time by answering questions and sharing our experiences on the river. All of our Staff Members and Captains enjoy what we have to offer the public. When you are having a great time we are having a great time, Captain Mike.

What are the prices

Their website has that information (It’s linked near the bottom of the article). Since it varies by cruise, I didn’t include it in the article.

Very interesting information to use as we travel around Pennsylvania.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

"Waterfalls of Pennsylvania" by Jim Cheney

If you love PA waterfalls, you won't want to miss this waterfall book from Jim Cheney, author of Uncovering PA, featuring more than 180 great waterfalls. Order it now on Bookshop.org or Amazon .

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

HIAWATHA PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOAT - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

The Hiawatha – A Story of Lore, Lumberjacks & Local History

The Hiawatha, built nearly a century ago after its namesake, is a paddlewheel excursion boat that cruises up and down the Susquehanna River. It is a tribute to hundreds of Lycoming County businesses and private citizens who supplied the monies, labor and materials to create her. It is just one more way in which area residents, and visitors, too, can recall the remarkable heritage surrounding the Susquehanna River.

The original Hiawatha was a steam-driven stern-wheeler that was one of the delights of the summer season. Under the command of Captain Jack English, the shallow draft craft would take Sunday picnickers to Sylvan Dell Park on the south side of the river about 3  miles below Williamsport. With an 80-foot length, an 18-foot beam and 2 decks, the original Hiawatha carried several hundred passengers from Market Street downstream to Sylvan Dell in 20 to 25 minutes. The return trip upstream against the current took 30 to 35 minutes. Once aboard the new Hiawatha, one can easily imagine the swish of long skirts, the tap-tap of high-buttoned shoes on deck and the excited squeals of children as families climbed aboard for Sunday outings. Unfortunately, in the winter of 1914 the Hiawatha was caught in ice at its Market Street mooring. During the break-up of the ice the following spring, it was heaved and crushed and finally carried away in the flood.

The body of water that both the original Hiawatha and the new Hiawatha call home is the beautiful west branch of the Susquehanna River. It joins the north branch of the Susquehanna around 40 miles downstream at Sunbury. It then flows south to Harrisburg and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Chesapeake Bay.

The name Susquehanna comes from the Susquehannock Indians who lived along the river from before 1500 until after the Revolutionary War. In their native language, Susquehannock means “from the smooth-flowing stream.” Many Indian arrowheads and artifacts can still be found in the fields along both sides of the river.

The Indian heritage of the Susquehanna Valley has its somber side as well. During the American Revolution Indians in this area were encouraged by the British to fight against the Colonists. They were given rewards in return for the settlers scalps. On July 3, 1778, the worst massacre of the revolution occurred at Plum Tree Thicket. The site of the massacre is now the corner of West Fourth Street and Cemetery Streets in Williamsport. On that day around sunset, Indians attacked a party of 16 men, women and children. Twelve were killed and scalped. Only their leader, Peter Smith, one other man and 2 children escaped.

After the Plum Tree Thicket massacre, the marauding continued throughout the Valley. Finally Colonel Samuel Hunter, Commander of Fort Augusta in Sunbury, ordered settlers to evacuate the West Branch Valley. Then a fearless scout and Indian fighter named Robert Convenhoven rode through the valley to Lock Haven warning the settlers to leave. His journey was much like Paul Reveres ride, only under more dangerous circumstances! The resulting mass exodus that followed is now known as the “Great Runaway,” and it took place on the Susquehanna River. Imagine, if you can, hundreds of people floating down the river on boats, rafts, hog troughs, washtubs, and practically anything that would float. With them they carried as many of their possessions as they could. The settlers did not return to their homes and fields until years later when the Indian uprisings were ended.

The Pennsylvania Railroad which ran from Harrisburg to Buffalo was once located on the south shore of the Susquehanna River. It is now Conrail and, although it hauls only freight, it is still a major railroad line.

South of Williamsport is the Bald Eagle chain of mountains. The mountains were appropriately named since they were once home to numerous bald eagles. Today much of this range is State Forest land and is inhabited by wildlife, including deer and bear. Occasionally, bald eagles can still be seen.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the flood control dike on the north shore in 1953. During the Agnes Flood of 1972, the river rose to within one foot of the top of the dike. Also on the north shore of the river is the dry bed of the former West Branch Canal which ran from Harrisburg to Lock Haven. Built by hand, the canal prospered from 1834 to 1889 when railroads put it out of business. Mules or horses that walked along the side of the canal towed the canal boats. In addition to freight boats, there were several huge packet boats that could carry up to 100 passengers. It took two weeks to travel from Williamsport to Harrisburg on the packet boats, but this was not a hardship since they were furnished as luxuriously as the finest hotels.

The Susquehanna Valley was once densely forested with beautiful hardwood and softwood trees. That’s why raw timber and, later, lumber played such an important part in the history of Williamsport and Lycoming County.

The first lumbering enterprise that took place on the Susquehanna River was rafting which began as early as 1796. Rafts made of huge tree trunks were bound together and floated downriver to the markets in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Some rafts were 100 feet long and were steered by oars. A primitive cabin on board provided a place for the rafts men to eat and sleep. These men were colorful characters with their red wool shirts, high boots and coonskin caps.

The spar rafts were very important. They were made up of straight, round Susquehanna pine trees that were eventually used as masts for ships. In the days of wooden ships and iron men, many U. S. Navy warships were built of timber that passed from the Susquehanna Valley to the Chesapeake Bay.

Today piles of stones, like small islands in the water, can still be seen at regular intervals. These are cribs the remains of the famous Susquehanna Boom. What exactly was the Boom? Well, it was really a floating fence in the river used to catch and store logs. The man who started it was calico tycoon, James Perkins. When Perkins came to the Susquehanna Valley in 1845 he noticed the gentle fall of the river in the section known as the Long Reach. At the same time lumber companies needed a fast and cost-efficient way to transport logs downriver to their mills. To prevent the logs from floating away, Perkins built something similar to a giant catcher’s mitt. It was a series of square wooden cribs that were filled with stones and sunk to the river bottom. Logs were chained end-to-end between the cribs to make the “webbing” which would catch the floating logs.

Of course, log catching wasn’t free. Lumber companies had to pay a toll to use this huge floating fence called a Boom. After convincing local Williamsport businessmen of the potential success of his idea, James Perkins’s Susquehanna Boom Company gradually came into being. It was incorporated in 1846.

The Susquehanna Boom became an overwhelming success. Lumber companies were well served, but much had to be accomplished before the lumber reached the Boom. First of all, the trees, mostly white pine and hemlock, were cut in the forests upriver. Then the sawmill companies branded their logs with a particular company mark. Usually cut in the wintertime, the trees were then skidded or hauled over the ice and snow to the banks of the smaller streams that fed the Susquehanna River. They were stacked there until spring. When the waters rose with the spring thaw, the logs were then floated downstream to the Susquehanna River and finally to the Boom.

The chain link of logs called the Susquehanna Boom started on the south side of the river and ran upriver for 7 miles to the north side. There were 352 cribs in all, each 22 feet high. At the upper end of the boom was a device called a sheer boom. It was 1,000 feet long and was operated by a hand-powered windlass. Its job was to gather the logs into the main boom which could hold 300 million board feet of logs.

At the lower end of the boom, the logs were sorted so that each mill would receive its own branded logs. As needed, they were moved into the holding ponds of the 35 sawmills that lined the riverfront in Williamsport. From there, West Branch Valley lumber went all over the world to make chairs, tables, desks and houses.

During the lumber companies’ three best decades, 1861 to 1891, the Susquehanna Boom prospered. So did Williamsport. More than 30 million logs were floated into the boom and delivered to sawmills. The sawmills produced five and a half billion board feet of lumber –enough to construct 650,000 average houses of today.

Williamsport had 35 sawmills in operation at the peak of activity. The owners of the sawmills were called lumber barons, and no wonder! They became rich and built opulent, Victorian-style homes along what is now Williamsport’s Fourth Street. Today it is still called “Millionaires Row.” It has been said that the Williamsport sawmills put the “mill” into “Millionaire.” These lumber magnets competed with each other in building their rambling, multi-winged houses. They strived to duplicate the grandeur of European villas. In fact, the section of West Fourth Street, from the 400 block to the 1000 block, claimed to have more millionaires living on it than any other such street in the world.

The Boom era’s most flamboyant entrepreneur was lumber baron, Peter Herdic. He undertook one of the biggest financial ventures of the time. He built one of the grandest hotels on the eastern seaboard, the Herdic House. It’s construction cost was $225,000 a tremendous sum for those days. This magnificent structure could accommodate 700 guests in luxurious comfort. The main entrance to the Herdic House was a beautiful deer park in which guests could see deer roaming about. With its lavish furnishings and sparkling chandeliers, Peter Herdic’s beautiful hotel was a showplace for visiting luminaries for many years. Today, with two of its original four floors remaining, Herdic House can be seen at 800 West Fourth Street. It was last known as the Park Home.

Not everyone lived as comfortably as those in the Herdic House and on Millionaire’s Row. During the lumber era, mill hands worked 12-hour days, six days a week, at $1.50 per day. Due to the low wages and long workdays, in 1872 there was a workers’ strike called the “Sawdust War.” The mill workers wanted 10-hour days with no cut in pay. Martial law was declared, the strikers were arrested and their leaders were jailed. Lumber baron, Peter Herdic, bailed them out. Interestingly enough, one of the strikes ringleaders was Thomas Greevey, a great uncle of Williamsport’s retired, and quite honorable, Judge Charles F. Greevey.

Of course, Williamsport was a lively place during the Lumber Era, too. Just like an Old West Gold Rush town, there were saloons on many street corners to accommodate the boisterous lumberjacks and mill hands. One of the most memorable characters of the boom era was a big, strong lumberjack named “Cherry Tree” Joe McCreary. The Susquehanna Valley’s own Paul Bunyan, Cherry Tree Joe was born near Muncy, probably with an ax in his hand! One story tells of how he single handedly broke up a 7-mile logjam on the Chess Creek. There’s another tale about how Cherry Tree Joe actually backed down the world-champion prizefighter, John L. Sullivan, after the two of them exchanged angry words in a Renovo saloon.

Naturally, there were other forms of entertainment. Lavish balls and soirees were held in the stately homes of the wealthy. There were beautiful ornate opera house, The Ulman, the Lycoming and the Academy of Music–that attracted the likes of Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell.

The workingmen and the wealthy may not have socialized together, but they came together when it was time to get the timber to market. The lumberjacks chopped it, the lumber barons sold it, and everybody was happy because they all made money.

Life in a logging camp was not easy. These camps were located upriver from Williamsport. High on the mountainsides, the camps were limited

to hardy souls only. A typical camp included 100 to 150 men who went into the forests late in the fall and, with the exception of Christmas, did not emerge until spring. The loggers earned as high as $2.50 a day, which was considered good pay. Food and supplies were imported for the winter. The camp cook prepared simple, yet abundant food. The workday at the lumber camps began before dawn and ended after dusk. Each man was trained to do particular job. “Choppers” used axes to notch the tree to direct the fall. “Fellers” used a two-man cross cut saw to remove the bark from the tree. “Sawyers” cut the tree into various length logs. “Scalers” determined the amount of board feet in each log. “Haulers” transported the logs to the nearest stream for the float downstream to the boom.

The haulers were generally recognized as having the toughest job: getting the logs to the closest stream. Split log chutes, some of which were four miles long, were constructed for this purpose. If not frozen, the chutes were greased in order for the logs to slide down. In the lower elevations, oxen or horses could be used to drag the logs to the stream bank. In winter sleds were sometimes used. The hauling continued all winter long so that logs would be ready to float away with the high waters in the spring.

When the waters rose with the spring thaw, thousands of waiting logs were pushed down the mountain streams and into the Susquehanna River. An aerial view of the Susquehanna Boom at this time would have had the appearance of millions of floating matchsticks. Naturally, serious logjams developed. Men called jam crackers would then try to extricate the key log in the jam with long, pointed poles known as pikes and cant hooks. Once the logs were loosened, the men leaped to safety for fear of being crushed by an avalanche of logs.

The colorful men who worked the boom, from the lumberjacks in the logging camps to the jam crackers like Cherry Tree Joe, were collectively called boom rats. The actual tools they used can be seen at the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society, located at 858 West Fourth Street in Williamsport. On display are pile poles, cant hooks, peaveys, cross cut saws, the brands used to mark the lumber and much more. The museum features dioramas that included the operation of the lumber mill, a log slide, a log railroad, and the infamous Plum Tree Thicket Massacre. There is also a replica of what started it all, the mighty Susquehanna Boom.

Susquehanna Boom days couldn’t last forever, and eventually it was the forces of nature that combined to bring this magnificent era to a close. The Susquehanna Boom survived numerous floods, but the flood of 1894 marked the beginning of the end. After the devastation of that flood, may owners chose not to rebuild their sawmills, and the mills that stayed in operation began to use the railroad rather than the river to transport their lumber. In 1909 the last log drives went down Kettle Creek and Little Pine Creek, and the boom stood empty with the closing of the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company in December 1919.

Another factor in the closing of the boom was the diminishing of its natural resources’ the forests themselves. Hundreds of thousands of acres of forestland were stripped; so much so that the countryside around Williamsport had the appearance of a barren desert. In the late 1870’s, the State legislature bought much of the barren land for a dollar an acre, and this acreage now stands as State Game Lands and recreational parks. Pennsylvania also enacted rebate offers to farmers to plant trees in order to prevent erosion. Today, lush, green forests once again surround the people of the Susquehanna Valley.

In addition to Williamsport’s place in history as the one-time “Lumber Capital of the World,” it has many other things about which to boast. For example, Williamsport is the home of the oldest musical organization of its kind in the United States’ the Repasz-Elks Band, formed in 1831.

An official band of the National Guard, the Repasz Band played at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, when Lee surrendered to Grant. It played during the inauguration of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. The famous conductor, John Phillips Sousa, visited Williamsport and told the Repasz Band director, “You have what I cannot but, a loyalty and enthusiasm.”

Other musical accomplishments include those of James M. Black, a Williamsport Methodist lay revivalist, who wrote “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” as well as the religious and jazz favorite, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The Reverend J. H. Hopkins, a former rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, needed a carol for his annual Christmas pageant and wrote “We Three Kings of Orient Are!”

Peter Herdic was enterprising in other areas besides lumber and grand hotels. He introduced a delicacy to gourmet chefs that was first prepared by lumber camp cooks. It was called planked shad. Peter Herdic also invented the horse drawn taxicab. His idea was later copied in the metropolitan areas. In fact, the word “Herdic” is listed in Webster’s Dictionary as “a 19th century American horse drawn cab.”

Today, Williamsport’s newest millionaires are the members of the Williamsport Area High School “Millionaire” Marching Band. This is just one reminder of the community’s pride in its lumbering heritage.

Williamsport is also famous as the birthplace of Little League Baseball. Founded in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League has grown to international proportions. Its headquarters and the Little League Museum are located on Route 15 in South Williamsport. The Little League campus includes Lamade Field, the site of the annual Little League World Series Championship which is held each August. Now Williamsport is the epicenter for American Energy Independence being situated in the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas formation. With the new gas economy,  Williamsport & Lycoming County entered a new era of opportunity.

From Indians to Millionaires! From logging camps and boom rats to Little League Baseball! From Peter Herdic to the Hiawatha! Williamsport and the Susquehanna Valley have enjoyed a rich and colorful history–one in which both back-breaking labor and ingenuity brought fame and fortune to a community that still lies nestled in one of the nation’s most lush river valleys. The Susquehanna River still flows smoothly on its way to the Atlantic. And, oh! What stories she could tell: Of Indians on the rampage and frightened settlers floating downstream in the Great Runaway! Of colorful rafts men singing lusty ballads on the river at dusk! Of brawny jam crackers jumping for their lives just ahead of an unloosened logjam! The river could tell us stories about traveling aboard a gaily-painted paddlewheel excursions boat, called the Hiawatha!

Hiawatha Paddlewheeler

Review Highlights

“ We spent most of the ride on the bottom level in the front part of the boat where we could feel the cool breezes and occasional splash of water. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Williamsport, PA 17701

You Might Also Consider

Triglide Travel

Established in 2023, Triglide Travel, based in Southampton, serves Montgomery County, PA, Chester County, PA, as well as surrounding areas, acting as the trusted travel advisor for people who seek extraordinary journeys. Our travel… read more

in Travel Agents

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Hiawatha Paddlewheeler .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We enjoyed a one hour river cruise aboard the Hiawatha on a sunny afternoon. It was great weather for it. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. There are two levels to the boat, and we headed up to the open air top level. There are a variety of tables and chairs available for seating. The lower level offers the concessions, though there was a friendly staff person who came around and offered to take orders and bring things to your table for you. They showed a movie that was about 20 minutes or so long that reviewed the history of the boat and the area, and then the remainder of the time you could enjoy the river and area. It was interesting to hear about the history and nature of the area, plus how the community all came together to not only raise the funds for the recreation of the boat, but also spent hours putting the pieces together once they arrived. Restrooms area available both on board and in a small facility at the dock. There is a nicely sized parking lot available too. They also offer a variety of specialty cruises, which also sound fun!

Hiawatha at the dock

The Hiawatha was a pretty fun experience. Its a replica Paddlewheel boat that travels out along the river for a short 30 minute tour and returns to Susquehanna State Park. Tickets were 7.50 per adult and 3.50 per child, save .50 with a AAA discount or a 1.00 off printable coupon on their website. It was fun and funny at the same time, also riding at the same time as us was a tour group from the metro DC area, the captain kept giving away small trinkets like a shotglass, hat, coaster, etc, until he ran out of things. the next line we heard was "Next we're giving away a chance to buy me a round of golf." It was okay, but I really liked the captains humor!

See all photos from Dan R. for Hiawatha Paddlewheeler

Had an awesome time on Hiawatha! The tour was great! Provided a relaxing and beautiful tour thru the West Branch Susquehanna River. They even show a video of the history of the river and area on the boat. The staff was very friendly! The boat is well kept and clean. There is an upper covered deck with beautiful views and a lower deck indoor that is air conditioned. You can't beat the prices!! Ticket was $8.50 and they even have food and drinks ( yes, alcoholic!) that are really well priced! Overall could not have had a better time! Great and affordable activity to do with the family or group of friends. Have been twice and will definitely be back!

Has this boat been transformed since I was 10 years old......or was I just that blown away by the size of it as a kid but left wondering why I was so enthralled with it back then? I recently went on the Hiawatha with a large group of adults. There were close to 50 of us and not a single person stayed in the air conditioned bottom section, we wanted the great views at the top. After awhile on a 90 degree day, although the breeze was nice....I started to realize there was nothing wrong with hanging out downstairs along with the cheap food. The prices on everything easily earn five stars. A package of peanuts for 60 cents is a throwback. Slushies for just $2 and also soft pretzels for the same cost made this a super affordable visit. It was an early Sunday morning when we were there so I didn't booze it up but was blown away to see Sam Adams and Blue Moon on tap, I don't know the costs, however, of a pour. Frankly, I was bored most of the trip. There wasn't anyone on a loud speaker explaining history about the boat or anything we were seeing along the way. The sights aren't all that great, along the river there are rundown campgrounds with a bunch of trailers from the 60's and 70's. Although I'm ripping on the places, I may want to take my tent to one of these locations at some point to experience a night. I just wish it were more interactive, in general. The staff was friendly but didn't seem to offer up a question/answer session about the history. And the biggest disappointment of all is the fact that the boat is actually run by motors and not the paddlewheels themselves, they look like they are strictly for show.....or do very little in terms of propulsion. I loved the experience as a kid and I'm sure the few who were on the boat did this time as well but I'm not rushing back anytime soon in my adult life unless its for a booze cruise, which they do offer. It's clean and cheap....plus you can picnic after your visit but don't expect to be blown away like you're headed down the mighty Miss with Huck Finn in the 1800's.

Turned out to be a beautiful day when we got to the boat. The boat is very clean and relaxing while we looked around the area. They played music and would now and then say something about the sights. The cabin was very warm and had plenty of tables to sit at. They do have a concession stand that sold hot dogs, coffee/hot chocolate and they also had a semi bar also. The food prices were ok in price could be a little cheaper but that's just the way it is. The upper deck had a cover and plenty of tables to sit at also. If you want to relax I would recommend this. It takes about 1hr. This is located at the state park.

See all photos from Tammy C. for Hiawatha Paddlewheeler

This was a wonderful experience! Our daughter (2 years old) absolutely loved it. The staff was really friendly and the views are beautiful! They have alcoholic drinks and snacks on board. As soon as we left we planned our next trip back :) We went 3 times while visiting PA!

Wonderful experience. Kind people. Grandchildren loved it. A must do if you are in the area. Thank you

Pretty fun time. Friends had rented the paddle boat for a two hour period and had a performance on it as well. Drinks at the bar tend to be a lil pricey. Tours are typically 30 minutes and they do offer different things on different nights like wing night, mystery theater night, family night, etc. The cost to ride is about 8 bucks give or take but again is nice for a small outing.

It was really reasonably priced and very informational. We missed the ice cream family social on the Tuesday night ride. If you want to do that, book it way (weeks) ahead of time. The actual ride on the boat is fun.

We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day for the river tour! We got there a bit early, bought tickets, a frisbee, and ice cream cones, and then sat on one of the two bench swings by the river and just enjoyed the scenery...absolute perfection! The boat was smaller than anticipated and my husband was bummed that it wasn't a real paddle boat, but the kids thought it was cool. We spent most of the ride on the bottom level in the front part of the boat where we could feel the cool breezes and occasional splash of water. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices of the refreshments (soda for $1.50 and slushy for $2) and glad they had bathrooms on board, but besides the river itself there wasn't much to see and we were going pretty slow...after a speed boat sped by my son said, "I bet they're having WAY more fun than we are." Ughhh...I guess you can't please everybody.

Collections Including Hiawatha Paddlewheeler

Our Williamsport Visit 2023

By Rhonda D.

Williamsport Area Visit

People Also Viewed

Old Covered Wagon Tours

The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle

Peter Herdic House

Slate and Starlight Retreats

Hublersburg Inn

Pine Creek Inn

Arrive N Style Limousine

The Avenue Bed & Breakfast

Turbotville Hotel

Best of Williamsport

Things to do in Williamsport

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Hiawatha Paddlewheeler

People found Hiawatha Paddlewheeler by searching for…

Boat Cruise Williamsport

Best Fun Indoor Activities in Williamsport

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Campgrounds

Transportation

Mines Near Me

Tours Near Me

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

More by this Author

Everything is more fun on the water, wouldn’t you say? Dinner. Karaoke. An ice cream social. Or even just watching the scenery roll by. Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s waterways are brimming with cruising opportunities. Like this old-fashioned paddled boat cruise in Pennsylvania that offers a variety of cruises for visitors of all ages. So now the question becomes: Which cruise will you start with?

Related Stories

The Sidecar Tour That Will Whisk You Through The Pennsylvania Countryside

This Moonlight Horseback Tour In Pennsylvania Is Like Nothing You've Experienced Before

Watch Boats Come In At This Charming Dockside Restaurant In Pennsylvania

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat 2205 Hiawatha Boulevard Williamsport, PA 17701 570-326-2500 Click here for more information.

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, a paddle boat cruise in Pennsylvania, promises an old-fashioned experience. Looking for something a little more, well, heart stopping? Then, you might want to board this Pirate-themed cruise .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Pennsylvania in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Pennsylvania!

Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.

An error occured.

Related Articles

• The Unique Tour That Will Take You Deep Into Pennsylvania Amish Country Like Never Before
• You'll Love Everything About This Boathouse Restaurant In Pennsylvania That's Right On The Water
• 8 Yummy Food Factory Tours In Pennsylvania You'll Gobble Right Up
• This Santa-Themed Train Ride Through Pennsylvania Will Put You In The Holiday Spirit
• The Awesome Store Every Pennsylvanian Should Tour At Least Once
• The One Of A Kind Ferry Boat Adventure You Can Take In Pennsylvania
• The Pennsylvania Town That's Perfect For A Train-Themed Day Trip
• The Epic Park In Pennsylvania Where You Can Take Home 395-Million-Year-Old Fossils

Explore Pennsylvania

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

Raise the Region is fast approaching! Support the trails you love by making a donation to the Susquehanna Greenway on March 13 & 14. LEARN MORE

• News & Stories |
• Land Trails
• Water Trails
• River Towns
• Interactive Map
• Mini-Grant Program
• Susquehanna Sojourn Series
• Cleanup Month
• Trails Designation Program
• River Towns Program
• West Branch Paddle Club
• Annual Photo Contest
• North Branch
• West Branch
• Middle Section
• Lower Section
• Board of Directors
• Publications
• Sponsorship
• News & Stories

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat – Cruises

• Williamsport
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Hiawatha Dinner Cruise - Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

• United States    
• Pennsylvania (PA)    
• Williamsport    
• Williamsport - Things to Do    
• Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

lived in the area for my whole life and never had the opportunity to go on a cruise.. until I ask... read more

We were in town for the Little League World Series and, since this was our first trip to PA, we... read more

Hiawatha Dinner Cruise

We went on the Hiawatha Dinner Cruise. Dinner was catered by Hillside Catering. From the charcuterie cones and the caprese skewers appetizers, berries and feta salad to the chicken picata and the carved bistro tenderloin, everything was top shelf quality and so delicious. The crew of the Hiawatha were personable, funny, and extremely accommodating. After dinner we ventured to the upper level and experienced beautiful scenery and a gorgeous sunset. We highly recommend cruising on the Hiawatha. You will not be disappointed.

It was an hour long boat ride. They had food and drinks. Lots of people constantly lining up to get food and drinks. It was definitely a lot of people crowded into one little area. If you’re concerned about covid, definitely don’t do this. There were nice views, but we wouldn’t do it again.

The Hiawatha was a nice leisurely 1 hour ride on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. We sat on the top deck and had great views of Susquehanna state park and there were 2 TV's in the back of the boat that gave a nice overview of the history of the Williamsport area and the importance of the lumber industry. They need to put one TV towards the front of the boat also. You can see remnants of the lumber trade still today and boaters and swimmers were out in force in these shallow areas though the main channel we were on had depths of 17 to 28 feet. One can only image the scene on the river 150 years ago when Williamsport was the most important lumber city in the country. The staff was great and the Hiawatha has many cruises, such as Craft Beer, Wine, kid's night, bingo, and dinner cruises.

Boatride was serene, staff were very accomodating & bus tour was worth remembering on my bday. Funtastic day out. Williamsport is a beautiful place to visit.

Had a wonderful time, the staff the captain every one we encountered was remarkable especially Kim she was great.

My family really enjoyed this slow trip up and back along the Susquehanna River. I learned some interesting facts about the area's history from the video (may 15 minutes?). The staff members are friendly and helpful. Basically this is a low-impact, low-tech, relaxing hour on the river.