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Celebration River Cruises

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What Next For The Mississippi Belle Riverboat Casino?

In 1994 The Robert Kehl family spent $14million on building a floating casino named the Mississippi Belle riverboat casino. This was to replace a former riverboat that they owned with the same name.

In 2006, continuing to operate on the Clinton riverfront, the Mississippi riverboat casino was sold on to Wild Rose Entertainment, however it's stay with the new owners would only be a brief one compared to the 22 years it had enjoyed with the Kehl family.

Come October 2007 the floating casino made its final cruise before ceasing operations with Wild Rose Entertainment opting for setting up a land-based operation on the west side of Clinton.

What now for the Mississippi Belle Riverboat Casino? In 2008, the Schadler family entered the scene. With its future looking uncertain, they acquired the boat for their family's Celebration River Cruises fleet and the riverboat was moved to Moline.

After 2 years with the Schadlers and their Celebration River Cruises the boat attracted interest from Cl Travel of Norfolk Va. Heading up a group of investors with a vision to pump new life into the boat with a makeover and change of identity, they bought the boat from the Schadlers with the expressed purpose to sink $3 million of their capital in to making various renovations. Their new little jewel would be given a new lease of life as a dinner cruise boat and renamed the Philadelphia Belle dinner cruise boat.

Whether they did significant research is questionable. The new operation got underway in the early part of 2011 with the Delaware River to be its new home. Gambling was now no longer the pleasure it offered its public, but a dining experience whilst cruising the river in an eight mile loop.

It took just a handful of months the writing was on the wall, the envisaged throngs of hungry dinners never materialised and in July 2011, Cl travel pulled the plug on their enterprise with the boat returned to the Schadlers who then put it on the market for $4.5 Million. What now awaits its future we wonder? We shall have to wait and see.

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Celebration River Cruises

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Hop aboard the family-owned Celebration Belle riverboat that cruises the mighty Mississippi River. Operating April through October, the 750-passenger riverboat offers a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing tours to theme cruises such as Big Band and fall foliage, captain's dinner and dance cruises, and overnight excursions. Check out our website for a complete schedule of cruises and pricing.

Information

Our 750 passenger paddlewheel boat, the "Celebration Belle" is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the mighty Mississippi River. We offer a variety of cruises and delicious food and fun entertainment. The views are amazing!

Contact Details

• Address: 2501 River Drive Moline IL 61265
• Phone: (309) 764-1952 +1 309-764-1952
• Toll Free: (800) 297-0034 +1 800-297-0034
• Website: Visit Website

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 We are retracing  the wonderful journey that the   MISSISSIPPI Belle® steamboat embarked on, to bring to you the best that the heart of America has to offer

Our Product

Many of the MISSISSIPPI Belle® products are inspired from the original recipes commonly used by the first colonies. They are natural and wholesome and easy to prepare. 

 Our award winning recipes are very versatile, allowing home cooks around the world to be creative in their adaptation. 

Celebration Belle River Cruises

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) -

If you are ready to get “out” again---to do some fun things close to home, how about a fun Mississippi River cruise with the Quad Cities’ own, Celebration Belle ? The 38th cruising season is now underway. Susan Yarolem, Group Sales & Marketing with Celebration River Cruises , is the guest on PSL via Zoom with all the fun details.

It is a 750-passenger paddlewheel boat which is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the great Mississippi River, offering casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. They offer various cruises to meet any sailor’s enjoyment needs. SEE THE LIST OF CRUISE OPTIONS HERE! There are narrated cruises, dinner & dancing cruises, themed such as “Broadway & Movie Show Tunes” cruises or “Christian Music” cruises, as well as overnight or all-day cruises.

Celebration River Cruises is a family-owned (and operated) business. The Schadler family is involved in every aspect of the boat’s operations from cooking the food fresh daily, serving guests, keeping the engines in top running order, and even piloting the vessel.

Celebration Belle / 2501 River Drive, Moline, IL / (800) 297-0034 or (309) 764-1952 / [email protected]

We are cruising this weekend! Join us! Call 800-297-0034 or you can make reservations online at... Posted by Celebration Belle on  Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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This Three-Day Mississippi River Cruise Adventure Starting In Wisconsin Is A Unique Family Getaway

Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure on the water?

Let’s steer away from the usual and hop aboard a riverboat journey that’s brimming with charm, history, and good old family fun.

It’s time to uncover a hidden gem of the Midwest—a three-day Mississippi River cruise that’s nothing short of a unique family getaway !

Embarking on this leisurely voyage, you’ll find yourself aboard the Celebration Belle, a vessel that’s a throwback to another era with its classic paddlewheel design, yet with the comfort of modern amenities.

Crafted in 1986, this riverboat was born from the skilled hands of Patti Shipbuilding in Pensacola, and it’s ready to transport you through time and water.

Departing from the historic river town of Dubuque, the Celebration Belle sets a course for Prairie du Chien, about 60 miles upriver.

With every meal included, you won’t have to fret about where to grab a bite—you can sit back, relax, and savor the flavors while the Mississippi’s landscapes unfurl around you.

As the Celebration Belle chugs along the mighty Mississippi, you’re in for more than just a scenic jaunt—you’re on a floating feast!

It’s like your favorite family dinner, only with ever-changing waterfront views.

No squabbles over who picks the restaurant—here, the only debate is window seat or aisle.

And trust me, with the sights you’ll see, you’ll want to snag that window seat faster than a seagull on a French fry.

It’s a relaxing, belly-filling journey that will have the whole family beaming brighter than a lighthouse on a dark night.

All aboard for good eats and grand times!

Entertainment on board?

Absolutely!

From toe-tapping tunes to captivating storytelling, there’s something to keep everyone in high spirits as the paddlewheel churns through the mighty Mississippi.

And let’s not forget the magic of the mighty Mississippi itself.

It’s like a floating block party where the guest of honor is the river.

There’s a banjo plucker that could give any string a run for its money and stories so rich, you’d think Mark Twain himself was whispering in your ear.

Between the belly laughs and the soft sway of the boat, you’ll find yourself bonding with your family and making friends with folks you’ve just met.

It’s like summer camp for all ages, except the campfire is a grand old river, and the s’mores are, well, still s’mores because who can pass up on those?

Arriving in Prairie du Chien, there’s no need to stress about logistics.

The boat company has it all figured out—they’ll whisk you off to a cozy hotel with a shuttle arranged for your convenience.

Once you’re nestled in that hotel, you’re not just a guest—you’re family.

And in Prairie du Chien, the pillows are fluffier than a marshmallow convention.

There’s no fuss here—it’s all about kicking back, maybe with a local treat in hand.

Tomorrow’s adventures can wait.

Tonight, we feast on hospitality!

Related: Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wisconsin

Related: Places to Visit in the Badger State

Related: Travel Guide for Wisconsin

Your second day is an immersion into Prairie du Chien’s rich tapestry of history.

The Fort Crawford Museum is a treasure trove, revealing tales of the fort that loyally stood watch over the city from 1816 to 1856.

As you wander through Fort Crawford Museum, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine—minus the futuristic gadgets and the risk of altering history with an ill-timed sneeze.

Here, the past doesn’t just whisper—it tells stories louder than my Aunt Ida at a family reunion.

Each exhibit is like a chapter of a page-turner, except here, the characters are real, and the battles don’t need any CGI enhancements.

It’s a place where kids can play soldier without turning the living room into a no-go zone, and parents can marvel without spending a fortune.

Cruising back downriver is where the magic happens.

This eight-hour journey offers a tranquil escape through breathtaking stretches of river country.

It’s a chance to let time slow down and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As you meander back down the river, think of it as nature’s lazy river ride—without the plastic tubes and the splash fights, unless you’re into that, which, by the way, is totally fine!

This is the kind of place where eagles soar overhead like they’re part of a top-notch airshow, just for you, and the trees along the banks wave as if they’re old friends cheering you on in the slowest race ever.

And the best part?

There’s no Wi-Fi, which means you’ll actually have to talk to your family—and you’ll want to because this scenic route is the ultimate conversation starter.

Travelers come from near and far, some journeying over 1,000 miles for this experience.

The Celebration Belle’s reputation even caught the attention of Swedish royalty—yes, the king and queen themselves have graced its decks!

This Wisconsin excursion, along with other Mississippi River adventures offered by the Celebration Belle, is more than just a trip—it’s a lasting memory for the whole family.

Discover the wonders of Wisconsin and dive into the adventures that await along the mighty Mississippi with just a click on their website .

Curious about where the Celebration Belle is?

This handy map will show you the spot.

Where : 2501 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265

So, aren’t you curious to see what all the fuss is about?

Why not join a tradition that’s been charming travelers for years?

What’s holding you back from setting sail on your next great family story?

Narrated Sightseeing Cruises

Information, wqad kids count, buy tickets.

Boarding out of Moline, IL

See the Quad City Area (Davenport & Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline & Rock Island, Illinois) from our point of view! Our Captain will point out and tell you about some of the rich history of the area and the Mighty Mississippi River. You’ll view the largest roller dam in the world at Lock and Dam #15 as well as the Rock Island Arsenal Island. This arsenal is still a working arsenal manufacturing items for our government. Our Captain will tell you about the people who live and work on the arsenal plus much more on this 1  hour 30 minute cruise

Sit back, take in the scenery and sights, enjoy a cool beverage, and relax while we cruise the Mississippi. You will learn about the rich history of the Quad Cities along with viewing and learning about:

• The Rock Island Arsenal
• Lock and Dam #15 and Roller Dam
• Colonel Davenport’s Home
• The location where the first bridge to cross the Mississippi River. (Note, a young Illiniois attorney defended that bridge and became our 16th President).
• See how he makes it look so easy to maneuver this 1080 ton vessel!

Last but not least be sure to visit our gift shop located on the 3rd deck.

WQAD IS BRINGING IT BACK!   Join us Saturday, August 19 th for a special Kids Count Cruise! 

Celebrate Summer with us! Bring your little Pirates and Princesses on the Kids Count Cruise on August 19th to enjoy Pirate and Princess-themed games & entertainment. Costumes are encouraged! Complete a treasure hunt, dance to live music, meet a pirate or princess or two, and enjoy the beautiful views of cruising the Mississippi River on the Celebration Belle.     A perfect family fun event before the new school year begins! 

Kids Count Cruise Saturday, August 19 th Boarding starts at 1:30pm Cruise 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Join us for a special cruise just for the kids on August 19, sponsored by WQAD!

Special rates this day: Adult: $15.00 Child ages 3-10: $10.00 Child ages 2 and under complimentary, but need counts for tickets

Adult: $20.00 Child: $14.00

Children’s prices are for ages 3 – 10 years; children under 3 years are free.

View our entire schedule

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• Narrated Sightseeing Cruise

Narrated Sightseeing Cruises Calendar

About celebration belle.

(800) 297-0034 (309) 764-1952

[email protected]

2501 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Group Sales and Marketing: Susan Yarolem (800) 297-0034 x 204 (309) 764-1952 x 204

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River Belle & River Queen

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The River Belle & River Queen are replicas of Mississippi Riverboats. With mahogany decks, varnished interior and a view to die for, they offer an unparalleled atmosphere for sightseeing, dining or dancing the day or night away. All cruises take place on the calm inland waters of the Manasquan and Metedeconk Rivers, the Point Pleasant Canal and the Barnegat Bay. Sightseeing cruises, luncheon, pizza and fireworks, brunch and Saturday evening dinner cruises with our DJ Paul. Tickets for public cruises are not always available the day of the trip, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Private charters are year round.

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Jack baker's lobster shanty, jack baker's wharfside restaurant, jenkinson's pavilion restaurant, martell's tiki bar, europa south, frankie's bar & grille, clarks landing dockside grill,  lodging, casa del mar, surfside motel, shore point motel, atlantic motel, broadway court motel, amethyst's beach motel, pelican point motel, the point beach motel,  activities, dauntless at broadway basin, norma-k fleet, point pleasant parasail, manasquan inlet, fisherman's cove conservation area, castaway cove mini golf,  events, marvel superheroes meet & greet, princess palooza, the little mermen, jenkinson’s boardwalk annual easter egg hunt, photos with the easter bunny, jenkinson's boardwalk easter parade, "so good" the neil diamond experience, chris pinnella's unchained melodies,   dining,   activities,   lodging, explore river belle & river queen.

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Belle of Louisville Riverboats

401 W. River Rd. Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: (502) 574-2992 Fax: (502) 574-3030

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Thunder Over Louisville Dockside Event 401 W. River Rd. Louisville, Kentucky 40202 Details   Open in Google Maps

Thunder Over Louisville Dockside Event

All aboard the Belle for dockside front-row seat viewing of the air show and fireworks display with Official Thunder Sound! Your come-and-go access ticket...

301 South 4th Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202

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