The Birding Boat

Bird watching cruises can be scheduled in cooperation with the U.S. National Park Service's Mississippi National River & Recreation Area. These unique riverboat cruises depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul with a school group of 100 students or more. Cost is $7.50 with 10% of the price going to the National Park Service for environmental programs. One adult chaperone rides free with each 15 students; additional adults are $7.50. Reservations must be made through the Padelford Packet Boat Co., by calling 651-227-1100. The same type of trip is offered as a public cruise call 651-227-1100 for dates. For more information about the Birding Boat log onto the National Park Service* website.

School Field Trips

More than 700,000 students have learned about the Mississippi River and the history of the St. Paul area aboard one of the Padelford Riverboats since 1970. The 90-minute narrated cruise travels through the heavily wooded Great River National Park where wildlife abundant. Students depart from Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul and travel up river past the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye’s Cave, Pike Island and Fort Snelling.

School Field Trips are available with advance, prepaid reservations at 10 a.m., 12-noon and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday from April 1 through October 24, 2008. The special student rate is $6 with one free adult chaperone or teacher for every 15 students. All additional adults are $6. No coupons or discounts apply. The School Field Trip rate is available to all public and private schools, home school organizations, licensed daycare facilities and recognized youth organizations.

We require a minimum of 50 students to start a trip on a day when a cruise is not scheduled. The riverboats can accommodate up to 700 students on a single cruise. On some dates smaller school groups will be combined or a school group may ride on a public cruise during the summer months.

A School Lunch Special is available when ordered at least seven days in advance. The $5 special lunch special includes a hot dog, potato chips and soft drink.

To make reservations and additional information call 651-227-1100 or 1-800-543-3908 or email: Julie@RiverRides.com.

All trips depart from Harriet Island Park Saint Paul

You will see the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig's Eye's Cave, Pike Island, Fort Snelling, and the timeless splendor of the mighty Mississippi River.