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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.
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.
Book with American Lady Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by American Lady Cruises · Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa, hugs the western bank of the Mississippi River, a stretch of water rich with history and striking natural features. American Lady Cruises offers a standout way to experience this iconic river corridor: their Lunch Cruise. This two-hour journey is a low-key yet deeply engaging combination of regional sightseeing and satisfying dining, suitable for all ages and interests.
Departing from Dubuque’s Yacht Basin, the cruise heads upriver toward Lock and Dam 11, a functional piece of engineering that manages river flow and navigation while providing unique views of the waterway’s changing character. Along this route, passengers get a close-up look at the river’s steady movement and the riverbanks’ mix of forested bluffs and subtle human industry.
One highlight is the Julien Dubuque Monument, perched on a bluff in the Mines of Spain State Park. This historic landmark commemorates Julien Dubuque, one of Iowa’s earliest European settlers, and offers panoramic views that frame the intersection of culture and landscape in the region. The park itself is known for its sandstone bluffs carved by the river and patches of native hardwood forest.
Complementing the scenery is the onboard meal—a buffet featuring roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and pasta salad. This hearty lunch is prepared fresh daily and allows cruisers to refuel while soaking in the river’s rhythm. Soft drinks are included, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
American Lady Cruises combines comfortable seating, knowledgeable captains, and a welcoming atmosphere to make this outing feel leisurely yet memorable. It’s a meaningful way to pause, enjoy mid-day river life, and glimpse Iowa’s natural and historical richness. Whether you’re a local or a visitor seeking a gentle river adventure, this lunch cruise offers a unique vantage point on Dubuque’s riverside story.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels including children and seniors, as the cruise involves no strenuous activity.
Yes, the cruise includes a buffet-style lunch featuring roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and pasta salad.
No outside food or beverages are allowed; soft drinks and water are included with your ticket, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard.
The cruise lasts approximately two hours from departure to return.
Yes, it's designed for all ages and requires no physical exertion, making it accessible and enjoyable for families and older adults.
All cruises depart from the Dubuque Yacht Basin located at 1630 E 16th St, Dubuque, Iowa.
Key highlights include Lock and Dam 11 on the Mississippi River and the Julien Dubuque Monument overlooking Mines of Spain State Park.
The Julien Dubuque Monument honors the 18th-century settler who mined lead ore in the area, an integral part of Dubuque’s early development.
American Lady Cruises emphasizes sustainable tourism by minimizing waste onboard and respecting the river’s ecosystem during every journey.
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.
Book with American Lady Cruises