Illinois and Mississippi River Cruises
The Spirit of Peoria offers many different types of cruises, as well as many different lengths.
Overnights
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Peoria to Hannibal Excursion
5-day, 4-night
Do we have an adventure for you!!! This five day trip takes you from Peoria, IL to the riverfront town of Hannibal, MO. Best known for being the boyhood home of author Mark Twain. Included with the cruise are meals, entertainment and some shore excursions.
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Peoria to St. Louis Excursion
3-day, 2-night
Cruise from Peoria, IL to St. Louis, MO on this relaxing three-day, two-night trip. Trip includes all-you-can-eat buffet meals—including the chef’s prime rib dinner—and live entertainment, such as singing, guitar, banjo, ragtime piano, storytelling, calliope playing, historical information, and wildlife sightings. Lodging is provided at various points along the river. A two-hour self-guided tour of the President Abraham Lincoln Museum is included with your ticket. Experience the slower pace of life with three peaceful days of cruising the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers!
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Peoria to Starved Rock Excursion
2-day, 1-night
This wonderful overnight trip includes two relaxing days of cruising down the river. All-you-can-eat buffet meals—including the chef’s prime rib dinner—are served throughout the day. Entertainment includes live singing, guitar, banjo, and ragtime piano, storytelling, historical information at various spots, wildlife sightings, and an optional hike to the Starved Rock Historic Site. Lodging provided by the Starved Rock Lodge. Enjoy the slower pace of life on this unique paddleboat!
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Peoria to Starved Rock Excursion
3-day, 2-night
This three-day, two-night trip includes relaxing days of cruising down the river, all-you-can-eat buffet meals—including the chef’s prime rib dinner—and more. Entertainment includes live singing, guitar, banjo, and ragtime piano, storytelling, historical information at various spots, wildlife sightings, and a tour of Starved Rock. Lodging provided by the Starved Rock Lodge. Enjoy the slower pace of life on this unique paddleboat!
Themed Cruises
Join the Captain and crew for one of our spectacular themed cruises. Relax, dine and cruise as you listen to local musicians. Food and beverage will be themed towards the music of each cruise. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are complimentary. Remember advanced reservation and payment is necessary for all cruises, as only advance paid reservations have guaranteed seating!
Remember, all themed cruises depart from and return to the riverfront dock in Peoria, IL!
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Blues & BBQ Dinner
Bringing Beale Street to Water Street! The Smoker's Blues Band will be performing live. Smoked brisket, Pulled pork, Roasted corn grits, Macaroni & cheese and more
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Dixieland Dinner Cruise
Join us for an evening on the Spirit of Peoria with Dixieland music by Chuck & C-notes and a Southern inspired dinner!
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Dixieland Lunch Cruise
Take the afternoon off for a Dixieland lunch cruise! The ever popular band Chuck & The C-Notes will be aboard to entertain.
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Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise
Are you a “leaf peeper?” Do you know one? Sit back while the Spirit of Peoria cruises between river valley bluffs brimming with fall color in Peoria, IL. Our 2 hour cruise features a hot lunch buffet, live entertainment and the best view of Illinois’ fall color.
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Father's Day
Dixieland Breakfast Cruise
Tell him to put down the tongs—we’re doing the grilling on our dock! The cookout features all the trimmings along with a cruise and live music from Chuck & the C-Notes.
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Father's Day
Dixieland Lunch Cruise
Tell him to put down the tongs—we’re doing the grilling on our dock! The cookout features all the trimmings along with a cruise and live music from Chuck & the C-Notes.
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Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Dinner, Music, Fireworks and a Cruise! What better way to start off the 4th of July holiday. Bring the family for a unique view of the Peoria skyline as folks on both sides of the river launch their personal firework displays. This 2 hour cruise includes a buffet dinner, sundae bar. Music is brought to you by Chuck and the C-Notes. Reservations are required; don't miss out on this no-hassle firework celebration.
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Grafton Cruise
Join us for a sightseeing, brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise in historic Grafton, IL where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet.
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Moonlight Cruise
Enjoy Peoria’s evening skyline by the light of the moon. Live entertainment is included with your ticket for this 2 hour cruise. A cash bar is available. Dinner is not served, but concessions are available. Ask about private deck rental at reduced rates—perfect for rehearsal dinners or class reunions!
Tickets available at the dock. No reservations required. -
Mother's Day
Dixieland Breakfast Cruise
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Mother's Day
Dixieland Lunch Cruise
Doesn’t she deserve a day off, too? Take mom on a relaxing 2 hour lunch cruise this year! Ticket includes cruise, hot lunch buffet, live music from a live Dixieland Band, taxes, and port fees..
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Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise
Who done it? And why? This interactive cruise is more than a shot in the dark. The cast of the Champaign Urbana Theatre Co will dine and mingle with you as the mystery unfolds! Price includes a Prime Rib buffet, entertainment and the cruise. Cash bar available. Vegetarian meal available upon request. Ask about our group rates. Boarding: 6pm Dinner 6:30pm Cruise: 7-9pm
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New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance
Join the Captain and crew for our first New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance event! We will have a prime rib buffet with all the trimmings. Chuck & the C-Notes will be performing big band dance music. There will be a cruise if the weather is fair.
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Patriot Sundae Cruise
Come celebrate Patriot Day, honor our veterans on the Spirit of Peoria. This all-American cruise will feature a hot dog bar, build your own sundaes, cash bar, and live band. Proceeds go toward Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
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Riverlife Gospel Dinner Cruise
Celebrating their 26th year, RiverLife gospel music dinner cruises combine quality family-oriented entertainment with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. RiverLife cruises are sponsored by Hands of Love Ministry and hosted by The Kramers.
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Riverlife Gospel Lunch Cruise
Celebrating their 26th year, RiverLife gospel music lunch cruises combine quality family-oriented entertainment with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. RiverLife cruises are sponsored by Hands of Love Ministry and hosted by The Kramers.
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Sundae Cruise
These incredible cruises feature some of the best talent the country has to offer and compliments it with wonderful ice cream and scenery.
Build your own sundae featuring live music! -
Tasting Cruise
Beer, Wine & Whiskey
This cruise features local beer, wine, and whiskey samples along with some light appetizers.The cruise is for adults 21 and over only!
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Tropical Rock & Roll for Your Soul
A tropical themed Dinner Cruise is a perennial SELL-OUT! Get your advance tickets early. There will be cheeseburgers grilled on the dock at 6pm, the Boat leaves promptly at 7:15pm
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Zombie Cruise
Are you a fan of the Walking Dead or just Halloween in general? Well we have a treat for you! Dress up as your favorite zombie or Halloween character for a hauntingly good time on the Illinois. River Phat Kitti will be performing. Appetizer buffet is included.
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Zombie Cruise for Kids!!
Bring your little ghouls and goblins for a fun and family friendly cruise on the river!! Kid friendly dinner and trick or treating along with games and a treat bag for every child!!
Sightseeing Cruises
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Early Sightseeing Cruise
Departure time: 11am These cruises are1.5 hours-long and generally run once a week. They begin and end at the riverfront dock in downtown Peoria, with the Spirit cruising up and down the Illinois River.
Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the boat’s tall fluted stacks and gigantic candy-apple red paddlewheel churning through the water. It’s great entertainment for all ages. Trip includes Captain’s Commentary. Gift shop and concessions are available -
Grafton Cruise
Join us for a sightseeing, brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise in historic Grafton, IL where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet.
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Moonlight Cruise
Enjoy Peoria’s evening skyline by the light of the moon. Live entertainment is included with your ticket for this 2 hour cruise. A cash bar is available. Dinner is not served, but concessions are available. Ask about private deck rental at reduced rates—perfect for rehearsal dinners or class reunions!
Tickets available at the dock. No reservations required. -
Sightseeing Cruise
Departure time: 2pm These cruises are1.5 hours-long and run 2 to 5 times a week. They begin and end at the riverfront dock in downtown Peoria, with the Spirit cruising up and down the Illinois River.
Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the boat’s tall fluted stacks and gigantic candy-apple red paddlewheel churning through the water. It’s great entertainment for all ages. Trip includes Captain’s Commentary. Gift shop and concessions are available.
Single Day Trips
These are single-day versions of our overnight cruises.
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Grafton, IL to Florence, IL
1-day only
Our single-day cruises are essentially abbreviated versions of our multiple-day trips, just without the overnight lodging. Entertainment includes live singing, guitar, banjo, and ragtime piano, storytelling, historical information at various spots, wildlife sightings, and more. Enjoy the slower pace of life on this unique paddleboat!
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Hannibal, MO to Grafton, IL
1-day only
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St. Louis, MO to Grafton, IL
1-day only
Join us for a trip from the historic Saint Louis levee to Grafton, IL. This day long excursion includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment. We also shuttle you back to Saint Louis.
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Starved Rock to Peoria
1-day only
Private Charters & Rentals
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No Cruises
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Private Charter
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Private Charters & Rentals
The Spirit of Peoria is available for private parties to rent, either for an actual private cruise, or just for the use of its beautiful facilities. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and more!
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Travel Day
out of town
We have to get the boat back to Peoria which means a "down" day! This could be a whole 24 hour day or just part of the day blocked out.