Join the Hero Cruise on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat for a fun-filled, superhero-themed adventure in Williamsport! Enjoy activities, snacks, and story-time on a scenic one-hour river cruise.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise is seated and low-impact.
Wildlife
History
The Hiawatha Riverboat has been a fixture on the Susquehanna River, celebrating Williamsport’s rich river heritage since the late 20th century.
Conservation
Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact on the Susquehanna River by promoting sustainable boating practices and supporting local waterway preservation.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
Join the Hero Cruise on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat for a fun-filled, superhero-themed adventure in Williamsport! Enjoy activities, snacks, and story-time on a scenic one-hour river cruise.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat operates public and themed excursions from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, along the scenic Susquehanna River. The Hiawatha offers a seasonal lineup that includes one-hour family-focused sails and 1.5-hour catered brunch and dinner cruises.
Scheduled themed cruises include the Hero Cruise and Toy Story Cruise—one-hour experiences with character meet-and-greets, crafts, story time, snacks, and interactive onboard programming. Family favorites also include the Ice Cream Social, which blends nostalgic sundaes with river views, and special events such as the Murder Mystery Cruise produced with Amore Mortem.
Catered dining options run as 1.5-hour cruises and feature local partners: UpTop Catering for July Dinner Cruise and September Brunch, Hillside Catering for Brunch on the Hiawatha and Grandparents Brunch on September 7, and Tag's for select dinner cruise dates. Menus listed for these trips include items such as Southern Shrimp & Grits, Four Cheese Frittata, French toast casserole, fresh fruit, grilled chicken tenders, and chocolate chip cookies. Many brunch and dinner sailings offer full bar service and themed drink specials.
Several experiences note limited seating with capacity for up to 48 guests to preserve an intimate atmosphere. A seasonal Mother's Day promotion runs May 11, 2025, with Moms riding free on scheduled daily cruises (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM). Reservations are recommended due to themed-date scheduling and limited capacity. As a featured experience on The Adventure Collective, Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat provides curated entertainment, catered meals, and scenic river outings for families and groups visiting Williamsport.
Guests per Cruise
Up to 48
Intimate, limited seating
Cruise Durations
1–1.5 hours
Short, scenic trips
River Route
Susquehanna River
Scenic Williamsport views
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Highlighted travel resource
Reserve limited seats for family-friendly sails, brunches, and specialty dinner cruises — spots fill fast on themed dates.
Arrive Early for Mask-Making
Get to the dock early to fully enjoy the mask-making activity before the cruise sets off.
Dress for the Weather
The cruise takes place on an open deck, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and layers suitable for the weather.
Bring a Camera
Capture the fun with photos of the river, costumes, and characters, but be mindful of other guests’ experience.
Snacks Are Provided, But Hydrate
Enjoy provided snacks during the cruise, but bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm against the cooler spring breeze on the river.
spring
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Protects you from the strong summer sun during the open-deck cruise.
summer
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Helpful for boarding and disembarking, especially for kids and seniors.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the cruise and supports sustainability.