Where do tours depart and where do I check in?

Tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage dock; check in at the Zimmerman Center Welcome Desk up to 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour and what is the capacity?

The tour is one hour long and carries a maximum of 22 passengers.

Are there age or health restrictions?

Per US Coast Guard guidance, children must be at least six months old to board; passengers must be able to navigate the ramp, stairs, and ladder with assistance if needed.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is available at the Zimmerman Center.

Can I bring food or alcohol onboard?

No. Food, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Chief Uncas.

What happens if weather cancels a tour?

SNHA staff monitor weather and will notify you by email and phone if your tour is cancelled; check your booking contact details before arrival.

A Cruise Through Time: Chief Uncas River Discovery Tour on the Susquehanna

Board the Chief Uncas — River Discovery Tour — for a one-hour cruise on the Susquehanna River departing from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage at 1706 Long Level Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368, USA. The experience runs Thursday through Sunday and serves up compact history, close-up wildlife viewing, and the quietly elegant presence of a 1912 electric-powered motor yacht that first sailed Otsego Lake for beer tycoon Adolphus Busch. On this River Discovery Tour, SNHA guides narrate the Susquehanna’s cultural and natural story while the Chief Uncas slips a gentle wake downriver. The boat’s original lines and electric power make for a relaxed, low-vibration platform to watch river cliffs, tidal marsh bands, and stands of sycamore and river birch. The cruise covers a stretch of the river that connects local industry, Native lands, and 18th- and 19th-century settlement patterns; guides often point out anchorages and landmarks tied to regional lore. Practical details matter: tours are one hour long, accommodate a maximum of 22 passengers, and depart from the Zimmerman Center dock; check in at the Zimmerman Center Welcome Desk and arrive up to 30 minutes early. Boarding requires navigating three metal grated stairs and a three-step ladder into the boat with handrail assistance—SNHA crew and captain assist. Kids under five ride for $5; youth (ages 5–17) $12; adults $24; seniors $22. Per US Coast Guard guidance, children must be at least six months old to board. Why pick this trip? The Chief Uncas offers a rare combination of living history and low-impact river access: a century-old vessel with electric propulsion that highlights 400 miles of downstream connectivity from the Susquehanna’s headwaters at Otsego Lake. For families and photographers it’s a concise outing that delivers close encounters with raptors, herons, and shoreline ecology without the logistics of a longer paddle or full-day excursion. Bring a water bottle, rubber-soled shoes, sun protection, and binoculars for wildlife watching. Dress in layers—river temperatures and wind can feel cooler than onshore. The Zimmerman Center itself is worth a visit before or after your cruise: exhibits cover 275 years of local history, and visitors can pick up a National Park Service passport stamp or hike to nearby Native Lands County Park. Whether you’re scouting for birds, researching regional history, or simply looking to move quietly on the water, the Chief Uncas River Discovery Tour is an inviting, accessible way to read the Susquehanna’s edge from a storied vessel. Local staff emphasize stewardship: every ticket supports Chief Uncas maintenance and SNHA river programs, and on-board commentary highlights active conservation projects, invasive species prevention, and respectful viewing distances for nesting eagles and heron colonies along the banks while encouraging visitors to pack out trash and report hazards to staff.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1 hour.

Fitness level

Light mobility required for boarding stairs and ladder; participants should be comfortable standing or sitting on a small vessel for one hour.

Wildlife

Bald eagle
Great blue heron

History

Chief Uncas was built in 1912 for Adolphus Busch and originally cruised Otsego Lake; today it serves as SNHA’s flagship on the Susquehanna, connecting visitors with the river’s cultural history.

Conservation

Ticket revenue helps fund Chief Uncas maintenance and SNHA river programs; crew briefings emphasize invasive species prevention and respectful wildlife viewing.

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area in Columbia, Pennsylvania curates public programs and guided experiences that spotlight the Susquehanna River's cultural and natural heritage. Serving Columbia and the surrounding river corridor, the organization presents a mix of boat tours, seasonal festivals, author programs, guided walks, and historic-site tours designed for visitors of all ages. Signature offerings include heritage cruises aboard the historic Chief Uncas — a 112-year-old electric wooden launch — sunset and themed boat tours, and the River Discovery Boat Tour, all led by knowledgeable guides who interpret the river’s stories. Seasonal highlights include RIVERFEST events such as the “Paddle the Battle” kayak tour and the community-focused “Kindling Kickoff,” which features live music, hands-on activities, and family-friendly entertainment. The Susquehanna National Heritage Area also hosts cultural programs like Riverside Reads, an author talk series held in scenic, historic settings, and seasonal nature programs such as the Spring Bird Walk in Native Lands County Park. Public tours of the Mifflin House introduce visitors to a historic Underground Railroad site and provide an early look at the planned Susquehanna Discovery Center & Heritage Park. All programming emphasizes accurate historical interpretation and safe, accessible experiences on and along the Susquehanna River. Visitors are encouraged to review event details and reserve spots in advance, especially for small-capacity boat cruises and guided paddles.

Base locationWrightsville, Pennsylvania

Tours offered19+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace