Peoria to Starved Rock (2-day, 1-night)

Special Cruise Themes

John Hartford Tribute

(Jun 28–29, 2010)

Come celebrate the legacy and music of River Pilot and Multiple Grammy award winner John Hartford and other river musicians as we journey up to Starved Rock State Park. John expressed his love for the river in song and story and on this two day overnight cruise, you’ll get to know the river from the deck of an authentic paddlewheeler, cruising the Illinois, just as John Hartford did. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Steamboatin’ and the Civil War

(August 16–17, 2010)

What was the role of riverboats in winning the war? Who were the riverboat captains who made a difference? How did U.S. Grant and other top generals use rivers and riverboats in developing winning strategies? To see firsthand the role of steamboats in the Western Campaign join us for this special themed cruise organized in anticipation of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. We will host lectures from leading scholars and play a wide range of period music. There will also be a special performance of “Civil War Ghosts and Legends” from Prairie Folklore Theatre. (Anyone who dresses in period clothing for one day of the trip can receive 10% off their reservations!)

Birding on the River

(September 13–14, 2010)

Just as the fall migration gets into high gear, join John James Audubon for a traditional riverboat cruise on the Illinois River. Brian “Fox” Ellis, nationally acclaimed Audubon impersonator will give two unique performances, “The Birds of Illinois” and “Following the Fall Migration.” There will be plenty of time on deck to see the Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, and scores of other birds winging their way south. There will be an early morning hike at Starved Rock State Park, one of the few old-growth forested bluffs in Illinois. With advanced registration and a small additional fee, we can even arrange an afternoon of canoeing at the Nature Conservancy’s newly restored wetland preserve, Emiquon. (Audubon Society members can either receive a discount or if you bring a group of ten or more we will donate 10% to your local chapter!)

Spirit of The Eagle

(October 25–26, 2010)

Every autumn hundreds of eagles from the frozen north come to roost here along the Illinois River. Because the riverboat is on their turf, you will see eagles up close and personal like you have never seen them before. There will also be performances of Native American Eagle Lore and Eagle Songs, a brief lecture on the demise and return of our national symbol, and a live bird of prey program where you can meet and greet eagles, hawks and owls. Join us for this special riverboat cruise as we migrate upstream with the eagles.