Set sail on the Mississippi with American Lady Cruises' Lunch Cruise, a relaxing 2-hour journey combining scenic river views and a hearty meal. Discover Lock and Dam 11 and historic landmarks beneath the open sky.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including children and seniors, as the cruise involves no strenuous activity.
Wildlife
History
The Julien Dubuque Monument honors the 18th-century settler who mined lead ore in the area, an integral part of Dubuque’s early development.
Conservation
American Lady Cruises emphasizes sustainable tourism by minimizing waste onboard and respecting the river’s ecosystem during every journey.
American Lady Cruises
Set sail on the Mississippi with American Lady Cruises' Lunch Cruise, a relaxing 2-hour journey combining scenic river views and a hearty meal. Discover Lock and Dam 11 and historic landmarks beneath the open sky.
American Lady Cruises, based in Dubuque, Iowa, operates scheduled and private excursions on the Mississippi River aboard the American Lady.
Its public offerings include a Sightseeing Cruise — a scenic two-hour boat ride led by the Captain that visits Lock and Dam 11, the Julien Dubuque Monument, and passes the Mines of Spain State Park. The Lunch Cruise combines sightseeing with a meal while traveling past the same river landmarks. The Evening Dinner Cruise features a two-hour dinner service with food from Catfish Charlie's and operates four nights a week, offering sunset river views. The Happy Hour Cruise serves lighter fare and local drinks from Catfish Creek Brew Pub, with a rotating selection of draft beers and margaritas. For longer trips, the Lock 11 Northern Excursion is a 6.5-hour cruise from Dubuque to Cassville that includes a Continental breakfast, buffet lunch, live music, and drink tickets for guests 21 and over. Private Cruise options are available for weddings and special events, with choices including a cocktail party or a four-course dinner; inquiries are handled through a private event form.
American Lady Cruises focuses on memorable river experiences in the heart of Dubuque, highlighting local food and drink partners, regional landmarks, and a variety of cruise formats for families, couples, and groups. All descriptions reflect the company’s publicly listed trips and amenities. Schedules, boarding locations, ticketing policies, seasonal dates, and accessibility details are published on the company’s public listings and should be consulted before booking to confirm current availability and policies.
Tours Offered
6
Public and private cruise options available
Location
Dubuque, IA
Mississippi River waterfront base
Trip Length
2–6.5 hours
Short cruises to full-day excursion
Event Venue
Private Cruises
Weddings and special events accommodated
Select a sightseeing, dining, or private cruise and confirm dates and details through the listed booking or inquiry channels.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Check in inside the Ticket Office 45 minutes before departure to secure your boarding pass and settle in comfortably.
Bring a Camera
The monument views and river landscapes offer great photo ops—keep your camera or smartphone handy.
Dress in Layers
River temperatures can vary, so wear layered clothing to stay comfortable during the cruise.
No Outside Food or Beverages
All food and drinks are provided on board; outside snacks and beverages, including alcohol, are not permitted.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the scenic views and historic landmarks from the boat.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Spring temperatures on the river can be cool, especially on the water.
spring
Sun Hat
Protect yourself from direct sun while on the open deck.
summer
Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months—water is available onboard.
summer