There is no better way to see the Gateway Arch than from the deck of a paddle-wheel riverboat gliding along the Mississippi. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch carry passengers aboard the Tom Sawyer, a replica 19th-century paddle-wheel riverboat, for narrated cruises that combine skyline views, river history and the unmistakable romance of the mighty Mississippi.
The signature experience is the one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise, departing from the historic cobblestone levee on the St. Louis Riverfront. From the water, downtown unfolds in a panorama you simply cannot get on land: the Arch rising over the city, the river traffic that made St. Louis a commercial powerhouse, and the working levee where river history is still being written.
Why travelers love it
- An authentic paddle-wheel riverboat — the Tom Sawyer keeps the great riverboat tradition alive, complete with a captain and crew who know the Mississippi by heart.
- The best view of the Gateway Arch — the riverboats are the only ones in St. Louis, and the Arch is at its most dramatic from the water.
- Narrated by experts — select cruises feature narration by National Park Service rangers and the captain; special themed narrations highlight the “Ag Coast of America” freight system and the history of the Eads Bridge.
- Something for everyone — indoor climate-controlled seating and open-air decks, plus a Junior Ranger program for kids, with an activity book guided by a national park ranger and a badge at the end.
Evening and specialty cruises
- Skyline Dinner Cruise — a two-hour evening cruise with live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu and the city lights of St. Louis as the backdrop. Reservations required.
- Sunday Brunch Cruise — St. Louis’s one-and-only floating brunch: two hours of live entertainment, chef-inspired cuisine and river views.
- Blues Cruise and themed parties — the Mississippi and the blues are a match made in heaven, with the region’s best blues artists on board.
Happy City News recommends booking tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines, and arriving early to enjoy the riverfront before boarding. Whether it is your first trip to St. Louis or your fiftieth, a Mississippi riverboat cruise is the classic St. Louis experience that never gets old. Book your Gateway Arch riverboat cruise here
Planning something special? The riverboats are available for private charters — from birthday celebrations to business outings — with options for plated dinners or buffets, bar service and entertainment. For details and reservations, call 877-982-1410 or visit the official site. The Mississippi has been flowing past St. Louis for far longer than the city itself; a cruise with the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch is the happiest way to meet it.
