Step aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat in Williamsport for themed cruises that blend riverside beauty with lively events. From murder mysteries to family teas, this unique Susquehanna River experience offers adventure with a distinctive local touch.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all physical fitness levels—minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Susquehanna River has long served as a critical transport route during Pennsylvania's early industrial era, shaping Williamsport’s growth.
Conservation
The Hiawatha supports sustainable boating practices and promotes awareness of river ecosystem health among its passengers.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
Step aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat in Williamsport for themed cruises that blend riverside beauty with lively events. From murder mysteries to family teas, this unique Susquehanna River experience offers adventure with a distinctive local touch.
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.
Pre-book Your Tickets
Reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee seating, especially for themed cruises and weekend trips.
Dress in Layers
River temperatures can vary quickly; bring light outerwear for cooler evenings or breezy conditions on deck.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure to secure a good spot, especially if you want outdoor seating and views.
Bring a Camera with Stabilization
The gentle rocking of the boat means steady shots can be tricky; image stabilization helps capture the best river scenes.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Protects against cool breeze and springtime river chills during outdoor portions.
spring
Sunglasses and Sunhat
Useful for sun protection while enjoying the upper deck during sunny river cruises.
summer
Camera with Stabilization
Helps capture sharp photos despite gentle movement of the boat.
Comfortable Footwear
Necessary for safe, casual movement on the boat decks and boarding ramps.