Savor a riverfront dinner and sunset views on the Mississippi with American Lady Cruises. This two-hour evening cruise in Dubuque combines scenic calm with a meal from Catfish Charlie’s.
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, no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Dubuque is one of Iowa’s oldest cities with roots dating back to early French fur traders in the late 18th century, and the city’s riverfront played a key role in Mississippi commerce.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to maintain the Mississippi River’s water quality and shoreline habitats, with American Lady Cruises supporting local sustainable tourism initiatives.
American Lady Cruises
Savor a riverfront dinner and sunset views on the Mississippi with American Lady Cruises. This two-hour evening cruise in Dubuque combines scenic calm with a meal from Catfish Charlie’s.
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 Check-in
Plan to check in at the Ticket Office at least 30 minutes before departure to get your boarding pass and guarantee a smooth boarding experience.
Dress in Layers
Evenings on the river can get cool quickly, especially after sunset—bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable.
No Outside Food or Drinks
Food and beverages onboard come from Catfish Charlie’s, with soft drinks included; liquor and beer are available for purchase.
Bring a Camera
Sunset light over the river offers excellent photo opportunities—ensure your device is charged and ready.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Stay warm as temperatures drop during the evening on the river.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the early part of the cruise before sunset.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic river views and twilight hues from the deck.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes suitable for flat decks and walking short distances during boarding.