Hop aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat in Williamsport for a charming ice cream social cruise. Create your own sundaes while enjoying scenic river views in this fun, family-friendly outing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Wildlife
History
Williamsport grew as a significant port town along the Susquehanna River, with the riverboat tradition reflecting its rich maritime heritage.
Conservation
Efforts along the Susquehanna focus on improving water quality and preserving natural habitats, keeping the river a thriving ecosystem for future generations.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
Hop aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat in Williamsport for a charming ice cream social cruise. Create your own sundaes while enjoying scenic river views in this fun, family-friendly outing.
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 Best Seating
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures you get your preferred spot on the riverboat, especially on busy evenings.
Bring a Light Jacket
Even summer evenings on the Susquehanna can be cool on the water, so pack an extra layer to stay comfortable.
Check Weather Before Booking
The cruise runs rain or shine, but severe weather could cause delays or cancellations, so check forecasts ahead of time.
Allergen-Friendly Options Available
If you have dairy or nut allergies, notify the staff when booking for alternative topping options on your sundae.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm during cool river breezes and evening chill.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sunny afternoon embarkation and river views.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic river views and your delicious sundae creations.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm weather before or after the cruise.
summer