Peoria to St. Louis (3-day, 2-night)

What do you get when you mix one part history and one part scenery with some great food, music, relaxation, and adventure? You get a wonderful three-day Illinois and Mississippi River getaway on the Spirit of Peoria riverboat!

Step back in time aboard the Midwest’s most unique and historic riverboat as it travels the Illinois River valley between Peoria and the “Gateway to the West,”—Saint Louis, MO. The Spirit of Peoria is a full-blown replica of the nineteenth century riverboats that inhabited the nation’s waterways. Decorated in the “wedding cake” style, the Spirit mirrors a Mark Twain era riverboat, complete with an enormous 21-foot diameter paddle wheel, which believe it or not, is the only source of propulsion!

Day one will take you through two locks & dams, the first being just 1/2 hour into your cruise. The second lock & dam is just south of Beardstown, IL. The boat will land in Meredosia, IL. Established in the 1890s, Meredosia boasted 4 button factories. The pearl button business dried up in 1948. Your first evening will be in Jacksonville, IL.

From Meredosia, the cruise will continue south to Grafton, IL and the Père Marquette Lodge. Situated 5 miles north of Grafton, Illinois, Père Marquette State Park is comprised of 8,050 acres making it Illinois’ largest state park.

From Grafton, the cruise will continue to St. Louis. The Spirit of Peoria will soon enter the Mississippi River and travel through two more locks on the Mississippi before landing at the Gateway Arch.

A motor coach will provide transportation back to Peoria.

In these times of jet airplanes and super trains, the Spirit of Peoria offers a more classic and somewhat classier, alternative. If you’re ready to put relaxation back in your vacation, consider a St. Louis trip on an amazing riverboat. It may just be what you’re looking for!

• All-inclusive ticket pricing
• Overnight lodging
• Sumptuous Meals including prime rib dinner
• Professional riverlore / storytelling
• Tour of destination
• Old-fashioned hospitality
• Unlimited complimentary drinks
• Historical information
• Wildlife sightings
• Indoor comfort
• Outdoor relaxation
• Live entertainment
• Old-time banjo
• Ragtime piano
• Baggage handling
• Round-trip transportation
• Tax and gratuity