All Ages! • 6.5 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Experience a 6.5-hour cruise from Dubuque to Cassville on the Mississippi River, featuring scenic views, a lock passage, live music, and delicious meals. Perfect for all ages looking to relax and explore river culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as this is a relaxed river cruise with minimal physical activity required.
Wildlife
History
Lock 11 is part of a 29-lock system completed mid-20th century to facilitate safe commercial navigation on the Upper Mississippi.
Conservation
American Lady Cruises supports river conservation by adhering to no-discharge policies and educating guests on responsible river use.
American Lady Cruises
All Ages! • 6.5 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
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 Boarding
Check in up to 45 minutes before departure to secure boarding passes and a good seat.
Dress for Variable Weather
The river breeze can be cool, so layers are recommended, especially in the morning and evening.
Bring Your Camera
Lock 11 offers unique photo opportunities—capture the lock operation and river views.
Use Drink Tickets Wisely
Adults 21+ receive two drink tickets—consider enjoying them during the lunch service or while relaxing on deck.
Layered Clothing
Comfortable layers help adjust to changing temperatures on the water.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare reflecting off the river surface.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic views and the lock passing experience.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you warm from river breezes, especially in early spring or fall.
spring