THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with American Lady Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by American Lady Cruises · Dubuque, Iowa
Set sail on the Lock 11 Northern Excursion, a 6.5-hour river cruise along the mighty Mississippi River between Dubuque, Iowa, and Cassville, Wisconsin. This journey offers an immersive waterborne experience that combines scenic vistas, regional history, and the unique engineering feat of Lock 11. Departing from American Lady Cruises' dock in Dubuque, passengers are treated to a day that balances relaxation with lively entertainment aboard a comfortable riverboat.
The Mississippi River here carves through steep limestone bluffs and lush riverbanks, providing a captivating backdrop as the boat navigates northward. Lock 11, situated near Dubuque, is a critical structure allowing vessels to bypass rapids and navigate varying water levels safely. Passing through this lock is a highlight of the cruise, offering guests an up-close view of the hydraulic lock operation—an impressive display of river engineering and a memorable moment to capture.
Throughout the trip, a freshly prepared Continental breakfast starts your morning, with a buffet-style lunch featuring fall-inspired dishes like seasonal vegetables, meats, potatoes, and dessert. Live music elevates the mood, delivering a friendly and inviting atmosphere perfect for all ages. Adults 21 and over receive two drink tickets redeemable at the boat's bar for beer, wine, or cocktails, complementing the unlimited soft drinks and water available.
The cruise’s round-trip route includes passage through Lock 11 twice—once heading north toward Cassville and again returning. Those moments give a distinct perspective on river traffic and river management. On rare occasions when lock passage is not possible due to maintenance or water levels, the itinerary pivots south to Bellevue, Iowa, ensuring a rich scenic experience regardless.
Dubuque is a charming river town with a rich history tied to river commerce and navigation. This cruise not only connects passengers to the waterways but also reflects the area's longstanding relationship with the Mississippi. American Lady Cruises operates this excursion, playing an essential role in local recreational boating and river tourism, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and engineering heritage.
The Lock 11 Northern Excursion is ideal for travelers looking to unwind, enjoy accessible outdoor sightseeing on the water, and experience the rhythms of river life combined with great food and live music. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or exploring the area, this cruise offers a unique vantage point on one of America’s most important rivers, making it an unparalleled adventure in the Midwest.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as this is a relaxed river cruise with minimal physical activity required.
American Lady Cruises accommodates guests with mobility challenges; please contact them for specific accessibility details.
A Continental breakfast and a buffet lunch featuring seasonal ingredients are included.
No, alcoholic beverages are only available to guests 21 and older with drink tickets.
If Lock 11 is unavailable, the cruise will reroute south to Bellevue, Iowa, providing alternate scenic views.
Cellular service can be spotty on the river, and Wi-Fi is typically not provided; plan accordingly.
Pets are generally not permitted except for service animals; please verify with American Lady Cruises.
Lock 11 is part of a 29-lock system completed mid-20th century to facilitate safe commercial navigation on the Upper Mississippi.
American Lady Cruises supports river conservation by adhering to no-discharge policies and educating guests on responsible river use.
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.
Book with American Lady Cruises