Big River Journey Science Cruises

In addition to the popular historically narrated cruises a new Science trip was added recently. Aboard the Padelford riverboats study areas are designated with instructors from the Science Museum of Minnesota, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and Padelford Riverboats. Students examine tiny living organisms under microscopes, scan the skies with binoculars for birds, test river water samples, discuss ecology and environmental issues, and learn how to operate a big riverboat. These special cruises are offered only on a limited basis. Cost is $15 adults/ $7.50 children (12 and under).  For additional information visit the Big River Journey* website at the Mississippi National Park & Recreation Area

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.