the becky thatcher riverboat

Rolling on the River: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises

No visit to the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis is complete without a riverboat tour of the Mississippi! Step back in time as you board the Becky Thatcher or Tom Sawyer and take a tranquil tour of the riverfront.

Before interstate highways crisscrossed the nation, people did their luxury traveling by train and steamboat. St. Louis was a bustling river town in the 1800’s with hundreds of steam powered paddlewheelers docked on riverfront! There’s a cool display of what St. Louis looked like back then at the Arch’s new museum –be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Riverboat Cruise at the Arch

The riverboats can take your family on a hour long tour of the riverfront –there’s a sightseeing cruise running every day from March to November.

But if you want to make it really special–book a dinner or brunch cruise! The Becky Thatcher is set up with a double decker dining room and takes visitors on a two-hour tour of the riverfront while you dine on a delicious buffet.

Brunch on the Riverboat Becky Thatcher

Sunday Brunch Cruises are a great way to celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Of course you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the Arch with your family! There’s one or two brunch cruises scheduled every month the boats operates. Check out their current schedule under “specialty cruises” here.   There’s also dinner cruises, dancing cruises, and a couple cruises up to see the lock and dam where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers meet!

What’s included with my ticket?

Your brunch ticket includes a buffet full of scrambled eggs, blintzes, French toast, sausage, prime rib, stuffed chicken, veggies, pasta, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. Soft drinks, beer and cocktails are available at the bar for an extra charge.

What to Expect on your Riverboat Brunch Cruise

First, you’ll want to reserve your spot early by getting tickets online . Tickets are $45 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12 and free for little ones under 2. 

The boats are docked at the foot of the Gateway Arch. Stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets by 12:30 — the boat leaves promptly at 1pm!

Then you’ll come aboard and be directed to your seat. Unlike the sightseeing tours, the Brunch Cruise has reserved indoor seating with white linen table clothes. Tables are located by the windows, so you can enjoy the whole cruise from the comfort of the cabin, or pop upstairs to watch from the observation deck. 

The food might be served buffet style, but you’ll also get a friendly waiter to serve your drinks and clear the plates. Don’t worry about standing in line either, the serving staff dismisses diners by table so the buffet isn’t overwhelmed.

And while you wait, enjoy a little Dixieland music!

Where do I park?

Best Photos of the Arch are Here

If you’re looking to get a postcard photo of the Gateway Arch, a riverboat cruise is where to be! You can also get a pretty cool one from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park over on the East Side, but you don’t need to worry about pesky power lines messing up your shot here. ( Here’s a few more ideas for great photos with the Arch! )

Becky Thatcher

(formerly Marietta, OH)

The Becky Thatcher was originally built as Mississippi (III), an inspection boat of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in 1926. Her steel hull and machinery were new but the cabins came from her predecessor, the Mississippi (II). Although she was primarily a workboat she was outfitted with comfortable accommodations for 65 passengers. Because of her Texas deck she resembles more a packet boat than a workboat.

On April 19, 1961, she was retired and in 1963 sold to Mark Twain Enterprises of St. Louis, MO. In 1964 she was towed to Hannibal, MO, to serve as a restaurant and museum. In 1965 she was purchased by St. Louis Investment Co. and towed back to St. Louis. She was renamed to Becky Thatcher and extensivley restorated between June 1968 and February 1969. The boilers were removed and in 1973 also the engines which were sold to the New Orleans Steamboat Company. The Becky Thatcher broke her mooring lines in 1969 during a storm and was swept downstream. With 100 people aboard she passed two bridges but didn´t suffer any severe damages. The restaurant closed in 1974.

In 1975 the boat was purchased by a group of intersted citizens of Marietta, OH. They planned to bring her to Marietta as part of the Bicentennial project. Those citizens formed a not-for-profit corporation, the Ohio Showboat Drama Inc.. In September 1975 the Becky Thatcher was towed to Marietta, OH. In 1976 the production “Showboat” was performed by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players on the decks and an adjacent barge with 3,000 people watching from the shore.

In August 1977 the Becky Thatcher opened as a showboat after remodeling her first deck into a theatre. One month later the second and third deck opened as restaurant aera. The Becky Thatcher is moored near the W. P. Snyder Jr. on the Muskingum river.

The Becky Thatcher was entered into the National register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in October 1983.

In 1984 the boat sank during a spring flood with heavy damage to her hull and superstructure, but she was raised and returned after repairs for the 1985 season.

After having been out of service for a few years the Becky Thatcher has been sold and towed to a mooring near Pittsburgh, Pa., in October 2009. In February 2010 the Becky Thatcher sank at its mooring on Neville Island in the Ohio River, just north of Pittsburgh. She’s been considered a total loss.

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat adventure is perfect for large groups – a beautiful train ride to the docks of the Becky Thatcher riverboat to a relaxing cruise on the Connecticut River and a return train ride back to Essex Station (2.5 hours total time). 

2023 Schedule

May 13 – June 18:  Saturday & Sundays  AND Monday May 29

June 22 – August 28:  Thursday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

September 1 – September 25:  Friday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

September 28 – October 29:  Thursday – Mondays (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm = (1) Hour Train Excursion OR (2.5) Hour Train & Riverboat Excursion

Caboose Weekends : May 13 & 14, June 3 & 4, July 1 & 2, August 5 & 6, September 2 & 3, October 7 & 8

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Becky Thatcher - Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

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• Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

The outside speakers on this boat really need to be fixed and replaced. About 5 minutes into the... read more

As of December, 2023, the directions on how to get to parking area were confusing. They say don’t... read more

Becky Thatcher

The cruise was nice and the staff was friendly, the food presentation was very nice. It was a late night private party and the dance floor was nice. The boat is older but I had a great time.

We travelled a long way to experience a Dinner cruise aboard a paddle steamer on the Mississippi so to not have it moving by paddle was the first disappointment . We did enjoy our cruise even tho it is mainly industrial sights . Dinner ... We started off with a plate of lettuce & tiny bit of tomato + crouton. If they had splashed out and bought a cucumber & onion to add to it we could then have said it was a salad. The main course was ok even with the meat not being cooked properly. It is very rushed so the second you put your fork down they want to serve you dessert. We managed to wait a bit longer for the cheesecake which was nice. The bun is nice but there was not enough butter on board ! Having your coffee in a paper cup is disappointing when you spend good money for dinner . If you want wine with your dinner order 2 drinks at the start. I ordered a second drink to go with my meal but the waiter got busy with other people /

I had a grand romantic illusion of going for a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi with wonderful scenery on each side of the river. I guess it's my own fault for not doing my research on what is on either side of the river, but I figured if there was nothing to see there wouldn't be a riverboat cruise. How wrong was I?! While it was nice to go out in one of these old boats, the only noteworthy thing to see from the river was a different angle of the Arch and the Old Courthouse. Everything else is very industrial.... plus old bridges and half finished bridges. It was quite a disappointment.

Maybe I have been spoiled by a marvellous paddlewheeler trip out of New Orleans. I think the main problem is that this part of the Mississippi lacks attraction and the river is pretty workaday. Over on the east side is Illinois with absolutely nothing to recommend it. It is interesting to see the Arch from the river, and the new Lewis and Clark statue, but although those on the boat worked hard to make us comfortable, it fell a little flat. The paddlewheel didn't even touch the water - maybe it's too shallow here. But it's not a total write-off if you want to while away an hour on the water.

It was hot hot hot -- 102 degrees on the day we cruised. But the pro photographers moved us along so we were able to get aboard quickly to the air conditioned quarters. We had a guest narrator from one of the parks who did an outstanding job of telling us the history of the area, boating knowledge and even threw in some humor. We could hear him very clearly, and the hour was money well spent. We are still quoting some of the tidbits we learned! The view isn't all that scenic, but if you want scenery, go to the Grand Tetons for heavens sake.

My hubby and I visited St. Louis and purchased the All Access Pass which included an hour long sightseeing cruise. Went with another couple and had a 12 noon boarding time. A suggestion would be this: In the summertime or when the temp reaches high 90's and beyond offer the guest waiting to board the boat some shelter from the sun! Guest are let into a boarding area that is outside by how many people are in your group(this is done so your photo can be taken to purchase later), so while photos are being taken of every single guest, other guest are standing under the blazing sun with no shelter. We stood outside for approx. 15-20 minutes while we patiently waited for all pictures to be taken. Once you board the boat you have the option of sitting outside or inside which is air-conditioned. Once the sightseeing cruise begins the narration starts(the microphone used is very low and so its seems as if the guy speaking is muffled)..10 minutes into the cruise you will realize that whatever the guy is saying doesn't matter because for the ENTIRE cruise there is nothing to see but old abandoned warehouses, former steel companies, un-used buildings and lots of graffiti. There is really nothing to see. Spent the entire hour laughing and talking with friends inside the boat.

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Timeless. Beautiful. Captivating. This year, step back in time to historic 1892 Essex Station and embark on an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. A steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches on a narrated round-trip through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester.

It's fun for everyone... with all the bells and whistles. 

Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an onboard eco-excursion. Don’t forget your camera. When you arrive at Deep River Landing, your steam train & riverboat excursion continues aboard the multi-deck, Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing 1-1/4-hour cruise along the Connecticut River before returning to Essex Station via steam locomotive.

Essex Station is more than a family railroad attraction with a train-themed gift shop. We’re a destination for your special events, weddings, and other facility rentals with plenty of parking. Need your event catered? We do that, too. Visit our website for details. 

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1 Railroad Ave. Historic Essex Station Essex , CT 06426 United States

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A virtual port of call for all those who love the sea , hosted by nautical novelist rick spilman.

Historic riverboat, Becky Thatcher, sinks in Ohio River

Historic riverboat sinks in Ohio River The Becky Thatcher had a long and lustrous history. Built in 1926 in Jefferson, Ind., as The Mississippi (III) by the Army Corps of Engineers, the stern-wheeler originally was used for inspecting and surveying rivers. Despite being a workboat, it was outfitted with comfortable accommodations for 65 passengers.

The boat was retired in 1961 and in 1963 was sold to Mark Twain Enterprises, which set it up as a restaurant and museum in Hannibal, Mo. In the late 1960s, it was towed to St. Louis, where it was renamed the Becky Thatcher and extensively restored.

In the years that followed, the boat was used as a floating dinner theater and a bar and restaurant. In 1975, it was purchased by a group of citizens in Marietta as part of that town’s bicentennial celebration. Moored along Front Street on the Muskingum River, the first production performed aboard it by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players in 1976 was “Showboat.”

The National Park Service entered the boat into the National Register of Historic Places in October 1983.

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View Thousands of Swallows From the Decks of the Becky Thatcher Riverboat

• Board Train at Essex Station at 4:30 p.m. for a 5:00 p.m. departure
• 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat
• Train brings you back to Essex Station between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (depending upon time of Swallow event)
• Food and bar service available at the fully stocked bar (Due to our liquor permit, no BYOB allowed)
• Due to time and length of excursion, the Swallow Cruise is not recommended for children under the age of 10 

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat

• September 22, 2017

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R.I.P. Becky Thatcher, Historic Steamboat with Ties to St. Louis Sinks Outside Pittsburgh

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Sunset Cruise

September 9, 2016 @ 8:30 pm - september 30, 2016 @ 8:30 pm.

Friday Night Swallow Cruise

  In September, take the Becky Thatcher to a spectacular natural phenomenon as hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows converge on the lower Connecticut River and swarm as a beautifully choreographed flock over Goose Island before settling in on a giant communal roost each evening at sunset. The birds come from as far as 30 miles away and in such number that they show up on weather radar.

September 9 – 30

• Board the train at Essex Station for a 5:00 pm departure
• 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat
• Train brings you back to Essex Station between 8:30 and 9:00 pm (depending upon time of Swallow event)
• Food and beverage service are available at the fully stocked bar (Due to our liquor permit, no BYOB permitted)
• Due to the time of day and duration of the cruise, Swallow Cruise is not recommended for children under 10
• Tickets are $35, advanced tickets recommended – purchase online
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Riverboat Charters

Breathtaking views from the Becky Thatcher riverboat set the stage for a memorable party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, family reunion or corporate event. Our riverboat – a Connecticut River Valley fixture – is available for evening charter from May – October.

The MV Becky Thatcher is a 70′ Mississippi-style riverboat that comfortably holds 150 passengers for sightseeing cruises. Inquire about a cocktail reception or sit-down dinner. This classic vessel includes 3 decks:

Cocktail bar forward, restrooms and stairwell located aft. Moveable seating; windows roll down for inclement weather.

Second Deck

Stairwell to top deck located aft. Moveable seating and windows. Third Deck: Open promenade deck with a view of the stars.

*Saturday Evening charters carry an additional fee

Weekday and Weeknight Charters can be reduced to 2 hours on boat for $500.00 discount.

Menu Options

Multiple Buffet Options Cash Bar, Tab Bar, Open Bar available DJ’s and Small Bands Welcome

For additional information, questions, or to arrange your event, please contact Meredith Redway (Private Event & Wedding Coordinator) at (860) 767-0103 x 221

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You are here: Home » Travel Logs » St Louis, Missouri » Mississippi Riverboat Cruise on the Becky Thatcher

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise on the Becky Thatcher

The last major thing that we did during our St. Louis trip was to take a dinner cruise, on the Becky Thatcher, along the Mississippi River. Although it was raining profusely here at home in Kentucky (May 13, 2012) , we had a glorious, sunny day for our jaunt down the river.

Photo: Above, (Left): My mother at the riverboat dock Above, (Top, R) Our trusty Captain and Co-Captain, Above (Bottom, R): The talented musicians who entertained us with ragtime music.

You just wouldn’t believe the food that was provided on this dinner cruise: huge shrimp, salads of every type imaginable, prime rib, chicken cordon bleu, fruits, vegetables, and a sinful array of desserts. It’s going to take a while for me to drop the extra pounds I picked up over the course of this wonderful vacation, but at least it was totally worth it!

And, of course . . . I would be remiss if I didn’t remark on the fabulous views from the boat. Not only was the arch clearly visible, but much of the city of St. Louis, as well as all of the sights that go along with the river itself: barges, the brother boat to the Becky Thatcher (which is, of course . . . the Tom Sawyer), old manufacturing plants, beautiful bridges, etc. . . It was a lovely day, a lovely cruise, and one of the most relaxing experiences I have had in quite some time.

The end of the riverboat cruise also marked the end of our St. Louis adventure, but we all felt exhilarated by all of the wonderful things we had done and seen, so we were all ready to get back to our homes. We stopped in an out-of-the-way little spot for a bite of supper several hours into our drive home, and found this beautiful sunset (photo by my mother) . . . it was a lovely sight to behold, and a special way to end our wonderful vacation.

Connecticut's Taco And Tequila Cruise Makes For An Unforgettable Evening

Natalie Clunan

Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. Contact: [email protected]

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We recently gave you the map to Connecticut’s Margarita Marathon , a short walking tour taking you to fantastic Mexican eateries to sample flavorful cocktails. Today you’ll need to steady your sea legs because this Taco And Tequila Cruise is a spicy summer adventure you can’t refuse.

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