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Cruising the Susquehanna River on Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat

There’s little that’s better than cruising along a major waterway, the wind blowing through your hair, as you look at the beauty surrounding you. However, unless you have your own boat or want to go through the expense of renting one, it can often be difficult to experience a destination from the water.

Fortunately, there are several great public boat cruises in the state, including Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat.

The Hiawatha boat departs from the banks of the Susquehanna from Susquehanna State Park. The park occupies a small spit of land in the southwestern corner of the city and features little more than a parking lot, pavilion, and boat launch to ride the Hiawatha. 

The Hiawatha Riverboat has been cruising on the Susquehanna River in Williamsport since 1991. It was named after another paddlewheel riverboat that was destroyed during the spring ice thaw in 1914. That boat was named after an Iroquois Indian chief named Hiawatha who was instrumental in bringing together the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy and lived in Pre-Columbian America.

The Hiawatha runs a variety of cruises, and I had the chance to ride one of their sightseeing cruises thanks to a ticket supplied to me by the boat. The hour-long cruise departs several times a day on cruise days (see below).

Boarding starts about 10 minutes before the cruise leaves. However, getting there earlier is recommended, especially if you want to get your choice of seats. While I looked at both the enclosed bottom deck and the open-air top deck, I opted for a seat on the bow of the boat.

As the boat pushed away from the dock, I have to be honest that I was a bit surprised. Instead of heading east towards downtown Williamsport, we turned upstream and headed west.

I had assumed that the trip would be traveling through the city, as the Pride of the Susquehanna in Harrisburg and the Gateway Clipper in Pittsburgh do. However, any disappointment I had quickly vanished as we made our way along a very beautiful part of the Susquehanna River.

As we rode, jet skis, speedboats, and even water skiers flew past our slow-moving riverboat. Despite the slow speed, the pace that we traveled was perfect for an enjoyable ride on a beautiful day. Seeing the Susquehanna River in a way that few visitors to the area experience was quite special.

Shortly after leaving the dock, a narration came over the loudspeaker. While it covers a few other topics of local history, it focuses mostly on the area’s rich lumber history, and the important role that the Susquehanna River played. The narration lasts for about a third of the trip, with music being played for the remainder of the trip.

Whether you are interested in the history or not, riding Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat along the Susquehanna offers a great chance to see the beauty of the river. I doubt there’s a more relaxing way to see the region than on the Hiawatha.

Cruising on the Hiawatha Riverboat

The Hiawatha Riverboat runs from May through October. In May, September, and October, the boat runs sightseeing cruises on weekends only. During June, July, and August, the boat runs Tuesday through Sunday. Hour-long sightseeing cruises run three to four times a day, depending on the day of the week and the month.

The Hiawatha Riverboat also runs a variety of special cruises, including Family Nights, Wing Nights, and Concert Cruises. The full schedule for those special cruises can be found on their website .

The Hiawatha offers an onboard snack bar that sells simple food, non-alcoholic drinks, draft beer, and even some cocktails, all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Note: My rides on the Hiawatha Riverboat was hosted by the boat. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Looking for more things to do in Williamsport, PA ? Reptiland  is nearby in Allenwood, PA. Fan of museums? Also nearby is the World of Little League Museum , the   Taber Museum , and the story of the Fair Play Men .

See map below for other area attractions.

Great places to stay in williamsport.

• Hampton Inn - Rated one of the best values in Williamsport on Trip Advisor.
• Genetti HOtel - A historic hotel in downtown Williamsport.
• Residence Inn - A great value located minutes from local attractions.
• City Hall Grand Hotel - A historic city landmark in the heart of downtown Williamsport.
• Find more great places to stay on Airbnb!

More nearby places worth exploring

Visiting the Covered Bridge of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Hiking in Little Buffalo State Park to Discover its Beauty and History

Visiting Rusty Rail Brewing Company in Mifflinburg: One of PA’s Best Breweries

Learning Local History at the Muncy Historical Society Museum

Find more things to do in the susquehanna region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

6 thoughts on “Cruising the Susquehanna River on Williamsport’s Hiawatha Riverboat”

Nice article! I’ve riden the Hiawatha several times, and have thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely view of the river bank and our beautiful river.

Took a Concert Cruise a couple years ago; was a great time with friends. The sunset on the river was totally spectacular.

The reason the Hiawatha didn’t head East on the river toward Williamsport is because of the Hepburn Street Dam, which still exists.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise with us! I grew up on the river, as a boater, when my parents bought their first boat in 1964…..I was only 4 years old. We had a River Lot/Dock right where the Hiawatha turns around on our one hour cruise. We do offer two and three hour cruises/special events that go farther west above the railroad bridge. Our goal is to assure every rider a good time by answering questions and sharing our experiences on the river. All of our Staff Members and Captains enjoy what we have to offer the public. When you are having a great time we are having a great time, Captain Mike.

What are the prices

Their website has that information (It’s linked near the bottom of the article). Since it varies by cruise, I didn’t include it in the article.

Very interesting information to use as we travel around Pennsylvania.

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2205 Hiawatha Blvd, Williamsport

One of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania, the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat offers six days a week of public cruising May through October. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of early days along the river. The Hiawatha has a climate controlled lower deck, snack bar, full beverage service, open seating, restrooms, and is handicap accessible.

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Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

The Hiawatha – A Story of Lore, Lumberjacks & Local History

The Hiawatha, built nearly a century ago after its namesake, is a paddlewheel excursion boat that cruises up and down the Susquehanna River. It is a tribute to hundreds of Lycoming County businesses and private citizens who supplied the monies, labor and materials to create her. It is just one more way in which area residents, and visitors, too, can recall the remarkable heritage surrounding the Susquehanna River.

The original Hiawatha was a steam-driven stern-wheeler that was one of the delights of the summer season. Under the command of Captain Jack English, the shallow draft craft would take Sunday picnickers to Sylvan Dell Park on the south side of the river about 3  miles below Williamsport. With an 80-foot length, an 18-foot beam and 2 decks, the original Hiawatha carried several hundred passengers from Market Street downstream to Sylvan Dell in 20 to 25 minutes. The return trip upstream against the current took 30 to 35 minutes. Once aboard the new Hiawatha, one can easily imagine the swish of long skirts, the tap-tap of high-buttoned shoes on deck and the excited squeals of children as families climbed aboard for Sunday outings. Unfortunately, in the winter of 1914 the Hiawatha was caught in ice at its Market Street mooring. During the break-up of the ice the following spring, it was heaved and crushed and finally carried away in the flood.

The body of water that both the original Hiawatha and the new Hiawatha call home is the beautiful west branch of the Susquehanna River. It joins the north branch of the Susquehanna around 40 miles downstream at Sunbury. It then flows south to Harrisburg and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Chesapeake Bay.

The name Susquehanna comes from the Susquehannock Indians who lived along the river from before 1500 until after the Revolutionary War. In their native language, Susquehannock means “from the smooth-flowing stream.” Many Indian arrowheads and artifacts can still be found in the fields along both sides of the river.

The Indian heritage of the Susquehanna Valley has its somber side as well. During the American Revolution Indians in this area were encouraged by the British to fight against the Colonists. They were given rewards in return for the settlers scalps. On July 3, 1778, the worst massacre of the revolution occurred at Plum Tree Thicket. The site of the massacre is now the corner of West Fourth Street and Cemetery Streets in Williamsport. On that day around sunset, Indians attacked a party of 16 men, women and children. Twelve were killed and scalped. Only their leader, Peter Smith, one other man and 2 children escaped.

After the Plum Tree Thicket massacre, the marauding continued throughout the Valley. Finally Colonel Samuel Hunter, Commander of Fort Augusta in Sunbury, ordered settlers to evacuate the West Branch Valley. Then a fearless scout and Indian fighter named Robert Convenhoven rode through the valley to Lock Haven warning the settlers to leave. His journey was much like Paul Reveres ride, only under more dangerous circumstances! The resulting mass exodus that followed is now known as the “Great Runaway,” and it took place on the Susquehanna River. Imagine, if you can, hundreds of people floating down the river on boats, rafts, hog troughs, washtubs, and practically anything that would float. With them they carried as many of their possessions as they could. The settlers did not return to their homes and fields until years later when the Indian uprisings were ended.

The Pennsylvania Railroad which ran from Harrisburg to Buffalo was once located on the south shore of the Susquehanna River. It is now Conrail and, although it hauls only freight, it is still a major railroad line.

South of Williamsport is the Bald Eagle chain of mountains. The mountains were appropriately named since they were once home to numerous bald eagles. Today much of this range is State Forest land and is inhabited by wildlife, including deer and bear. Occasionally, bald eagles can still be seen.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the flood control dike on the north shore in 1953. During the Agnes Flood of 1972, the river rose to within one foot of the top of the dike. Also on the north shore of the river is the dry bed of the former West Branch Canal which ran from Harrisburg to Lock Haven. Built by hand, the canal prospered from 1834 to 1889 when railroads put it out of business. Mules or horses that walked along the side of the canal towed the canal boats. In addition to freight boats, there were several huge packet boats that could carry up to 100 passengers. It took two weeks to travel from Williamsport to Harrisburg on the packet boats, but this was not a hardship since they were furnished as luxuriously as the finest hotels.

The Susquehanna Valley was once densely forested with beautiful hardwood and softwood trees. That’s why raw timber and, later, lumber played such an important part in the history of Williamsport and Lycoming County.

The first lumbering enterprise that took place on the Susquehanna River was rafting which began as early as 1796. Rafts made of huge tree trunks were bound together and floated downriver to the markets in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Some rafts were 100 feet long and were steered by oars. A primitive cabin on board provided a place for the rafts men to eat and sleep. These men were colorful characters with their red wool shirts, high boots and coonskin caps.

The spar rafts were very important. They were made up of straight, round Susquehanna pine trees that were eventually used as masts for ships. In the days of wooden ships and iron men, many U. S. Navy warships were built of timber that passed from the Susquehanna Valley to the Chesapeake Bay.

Today piles of stones, like small islands in the water, can still be seen at regular intervals. These are cribs the remains of the famous Susquehanna Boom. What exactly was the Boom? Well, it was really a floating fence in the river used to catch and store logs. The man who started it was calico tycoon, James Perkins. When Perkins came to the Susquehanna Valley in 1845 he noticed the gentle fall of the river in the section known as the Long Reach. At the same time lumber companies needed a fast and cost-efficient way to transport logs downriver to their mills. To prevent the logs from floating away, Perkins built something similar to a giant catcher’s mitt. It was a series of square wooden cribs that were filled with stones and sunk to the river bottom. Logs were chained end-to-end between the cribs to make the “webbing” which would catch the floating logs.

Of course, log catching wasn’t free. Lumber companies had to pay a toll to use this huge floating fence called a Boom. After convincing local Williamsport businessmen of the potential success of his idea, James Perkins’s Susquehanna Boom Company gradually came into being. It was incorporated in 1846.

The Susquehanna Boom became an overwhelming success. Lumber companies were well served, but much had to be accomplished before the lumber reached the Boom. First of all, the trees, mostly white pine and hemlock, were cut in the forests upriver. Then the sawmill companies branded their logs with a particular company mark. Usually cut in the wintertime, the trees were then skidded or hauled over the ice and snow to the banks of the smaller streams that fed the Susquehanna River. They were stacked there until spring. When the waters rose with the spring thaw, the logs were then floated downstream to the Susquehanna River and finally to the Boom.

The chain link of logs called the Susquehanna Boom started on the south side of the river and ran upriver for 7 miles to the north side. There were 352 cribs in all, each 22 feet high. At the upper end of the boom was a device called a sheer boom. It was 1,000 feet long and was operated by a hand-powered windlass. Its job was to gather the logs into the main boom which could hold 300 million board feet of logs.

At the lower end of the boom, the logs were sorted so that each mill would receive its own branded logs. As needed, they were moved into the holding ponds of the 35 sawmills that lined the riverfront in Williamsport. From there, West Branch Valley lumber went all over the world to make chairs, tables, desks and houses.

During the lumber companies’ three best decades, 1861 to 1891, the Susquehanna Boom prospered. So did Williamsport. More than 30 million logs were floated into the boom and delivered to sawmills. The sawmills produced five and a half billion board feet of lumber –enough to construct 650,000 average houses of today.

Williamsport had 35 sawmills in operation at the peak of activity. The owners of the sawmills were called lumber barons, and no wonder! They became rich and built opulent, Victorian-style homes along what is now Williamsport’s Fourth Street. Today it is still called “Millionaires Row.” It has been said that the Williamsport sawmills put the “mill” into “Millionaire.” These lumber magnets competed with each other in building their rambling, multi-winged houses. They strived to duplicate the grandeur of European villas. In fact, the section of West Fourth Street, from the 400 block to the 1000 block, claimed to have more millionaires living on it than any other such street in the world.

The Boom era’s most flamboyant entrepreneur was lumber baron, Peter Herdic. He undertook one of the biggest financial ventures of the time. He built one of the grandest hotels on the eastern seaboard, the Herdic House. It’s construction cost was $225,000 a tremendous sum for those days. This magnificent structure could accommodate 700 guests in luxurious comfort. The main entrance to the Herdic House was a beautiful deer park in which guests could see deer roaming about. With its lavish furnishings and sparkling chandeliers, Peter Herdic’s beautiful hotel was a showplace for visiting luminaries for many years. Today, with two of its original four floors remaining, Herdic House can be seen at 800 West Fourth Street. It was last known as the Park Home.

Not everyone lived as comfortably as those in the Herdic House and on Millionaire’s Row. During the lumber era, mill hands worked 12-hour days, six days a week, at $1.50 per day. Due to the low wages and long workdays, in 1872 there was a workers’ strike called the “Sawdust War.” The mill workers wanted 10-hour days with no cut in pay. Martial law was declared, the strikers were arrested and their leaders were jailed. Lumber baron, Peter Herdic, bailed them out. Interestingly enough, one of the strikes ringleaders was Thomas Greevey, a great uncle of Williamsport’s retired, and quite honorable, Judge Charles F. Greevey.

Of course, Williamsport was a lively place during the Lumber Era, too. Just like an Old West Gold Rush town, there were saloons on many street corners to accommodate the boisterous lumberjacks and mill hands. One of the most memorable characters of the boom era was a big, strong lumberjack named “Cherry Tree” Joe McCreary. The Susquehanna Valley’s own Paul Bunyan, Cherry Tree Joe was born near Muncy, probably with an ax in his hand! One story tells of how he single handedly broke up a 7-mile logjam on the Chess Creek. There’s another tale about how Cherry Tree Joe actually backed down the world-champion prizefighter, John L. Sullivan, after the two of them exchanged angry words in a Renovo saloon.

Naturally, there were other forms of entertainment. Lavish balls and soirees were held in the stately homes of the wealthy. There were beautiful ornate opera house, The Ulman, the Lycoming and the Academy of Music–that attracted the likes of Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell.

The workingmen and the wealthy may not have socialized together, but they came together when it was time to get the timber to market. The lumberjacks chopped it, the lumber barons sold it, and everybody was happy because they all made money.

Life in a logging camp was not easy. These camps were located upriver from Williamsport. High on the mountainsides, the camps were limited

to hardy souls only. A typical camp included 100 to 150 men who went into the forests late in the fall and, with the exception of Christmas, did not emerge until spring. The loggers earned as high as $2.50 a day, which was considered good pay. Food and supplies were imported for the winter. The camp cook prepared simple, yet abundant food. The workday at the lumber camps began before dawn and ended after dusk. Each man was trained to do particular job. “Choppers” used axes to notch the tree to direct the fall. “Fellers” used a two-man cross cut saw to remove the bark from the tree. “Sawyers” cut the tree into various length logs. “Scalers” determined the amount of board feet in each log. “Haulers” transported the logs to the nearest stream for the float downstream to the boom.

The haulers were generally recognized as having the toughest job: getting the logs to the closest stream. Split log chutes, some of which were four miles long, were constructed for this purpose. If not frozen, the chutes were greased in order for the logs to slide down. In the lower elevations, oxen or horses could be used to drag the logs to the stream bank. In winter sleds were sometimes used. The hauling continued all winter long so that logs would be ready to float away with the high waters in the spring.

When the waters rose with the spring thaw, thousands of waiting logs were pushed down the mountain streams and into the Susquehanna River. An aerial view of the Susquehanna Boom at this time would have had the appearance of millions of floating matchsticks. Naturally, serious logjams developed. Men called jam crackers would then try to extricate the key log in the jam with long, pointed poles known as pikes and cant hooks. Once the logs were loosened, the men leaped to safety for fear of being crushed by an avalanche of logs.

The colorful men who worked the boom, from the lumberjacks in the logging camps to the jam crackers like Cherry Tree Joe, were collectively called boom rats. The actual tools they used can be seen at the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society, located at 858 West Fourth Street in Williamsport. On display are pile poles, cant hooks, peaveys, cross cut saws, the brands used to mark the lumber and much more. The museum features dioramas that included the operation of the lumber mill, a log slide, a log railroad, and the infamous Plum Tree Thicket Massacre. There is also a replica of what started it all, the mighty Susquehanna Boom.

Susquehanna Boom days couldn’t last forever, and eventually it was the forces of nature that combined to bring this magnificent era to a close. The Susquehanna Boom survived numerous floods, but the flood of 1894 marked the beginning of the end. After the devastation of that flood, may owners chose not to rebuild their sawmills, and the mills that stayed in operation began to use the railroad rather than the river to transport their lumber. In 1909 the last log drives went down Kettle Creek and Little Pine Creek, and the boom stood empty with the closing of the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company in December 1919.

Another factor in the closing of the boom was the diminishing of its natural resources’ the forests themselves. Hundreds of thousands of acres of forestland were stripped; so much so that the countryside around Williamsport had the appearance of a barren desert. In the late 1870’s, the State legislature bought much of the barren land for a dollar an acre, and this acreage now stands as State Game Lands and recreational parks. Pennsylvania also enacted rebate offers to farmers to plant trees in order to prevent erosion. Today, lush, green forests once again surround the people of the Susquehanna Valley.

In addition to Williamsport’s place in history as the one-time “Lumber Capital of the World,” it has many other things about which to boast. For example, Williamsport is the home of the oldest musical organization of its kind in the United States’ the Repasz-Elks Band, formed in 1831.

An official band of the National Guard, the Repasz Band played at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, when Lee surrendered to Grant. It played during the inauguration of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. The famous conductor, John Phillips Sousa, visited Williamsport and told the Repasz Band director, “You have what I cannot but, a loyalty and enthusiasm.”

Other musical accomplishments include those of James M. Black, a Williamsport Methodist lay revivalist, who wrote “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” as well as the religious and jazz favorite, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The Reverend J. H. Hopkins, a former rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, needed a carol for his annual Christmas pageant and wrote “We Three Kings of Orient Are!”

Peter Herdic was enterprising in other areas besides lumber and grand hotels. He introduced a delicacy to gourmet chefs that was first prepared by lumber camp cooks. It was called planked shad. Peter Herdic also invented the horse drawn taxicab. His idea was later copied in the metropolitan areas. In fact, the word “Herdic” is listed in Webster’s Dictionary as “a 19th century American horse drawn cab.”

Today, Williamsport’s newest millionaires are the members of the Williamsport Area High School “Millionaire” Marching Band. This is just one reminder of the community’s pride in its lumbering heritage.

Williamsport is also famous as the birthplace of Little League Baseball. Founded in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League has grown to international proportions. Its headquarters and the Little League Museum are located on Route 15 in South Williamsport. The Little League campus includes Lamade Field, the site of the annual Little League World Series Championship which is held each August. Now Williamsport is the epicenter for American Energy Independence being situated in the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas formation. With the new gas economy,  Williamsport & Lycoming County entered a new era of opportunity.

From Indians to Millionaires! From logging camps and boom rats to Little League Baseball! From Peter Herdic to the Hiawatha! Williamsport and the Susquehanna Valley have enjoyed a rich and colorful history–one in which both back-breaking labor and ingenuity brought fame and fortune to a community that still lies nestled in one of the nation’s most lush river valleys. The Susquehanna River still flows smoothly on its way to the Atlantic. And, oh! What stories she could tell: Of Indians on the rampage and frightened settlers floating downstream in the Great Runaway! Of colorful rafts men singing lusty ballads on the river at dusk! Of brawny jam crackers jumping for their lives just ahead of an unloosened logjam! The river could tell us stories about traveling aboard a gaily-painted paddlewheel excursions boat, called the Hiawatha!

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

More by this Author

Everything is more fun on the water, wouldn’t you say? Dinner. Karaoke. An ice cream social. Or even just watching the scenery roll by. Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s waterways are brimming with cruising opportunities. Like this old-fashioned paddled boat cruise in Pennsylvania that offers a variety of cruises for visitors of all ages. So now the question becomes: Which cruise will you start with?

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Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat 2205 Hiawatha Boulevard Williamsport, PA 17701 570-326-2500 Click here for more information.

Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, a paddle boat cruise in Pennsylvania, promises an old-fashioned experience. Looking for something a little more, well, heart stopping? Then, you might want to board this Pirate-themed cruise .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Upcoming events, welcome to the 2023 season on board the hiawatha, river cruise.

Enjoy a relaxing 1 hour cruise on the Susquehanna River, view the beautiful natural scenery and listen to an audio narration of the rich history of the lumber era. Rates - Adults - $12.00 (Age 13 - 59) - Seniors - $11 (Age 60+) - Children - $8.00 (Age 3 - 12) -...

Brunch Cruise

Enjoy Brunch on the River! Board the Hiawatha for a 10 a.m. - 11:30a.m. cruise on the Susquehanna River while you enjoy a delicious buffet in our climate controlled main deck. Our Buffet, catered by Eat and Run Catering, includes: Assorted Mini Bagels Fresh...

Princess Party Cruise

Princess Party Cruises include 2 characters per cruise and crafts! Come one, come all, and join your favorite princesses for an adventure on the Susquehanna River you won’t soon forget! Join The Frost Sisters, Rapunzel & Cinderella, Tiana & The Beauty...

Craft Beer Cruise

Craft Beer Cruises Featuring Pennsylvania Breweries These cruises are strictly 21 years and older, no one under 21 may be admitted. $25 Per Person 1.5-Hour Cruise: 6-7:30 p.m. Ticket includes: Welcome Beer, $3 12oz Tap Takeover- Choose from a variety of beers...

Hiawatha Adult Halloween Cruise

#Saturday, October 28, 2023 8-10 p.m. Tickets- $25 Must be at least 21 years old with valid ID Hiawatha Adult Halloween Cruise - Prizes for Costumes- Most Unique, Scariest, Prettiest, Best Group. - Enjoy this 2-hour adult-only cruise with our DJ for a night...

Kid's Halloween Costume Cruise

Kid's Halloween Costume Cruise Join us for this spooky and fun 1.5 -hour kid's Halloween Costume Cruise on Saturday, October 28 at 3 p.m. Activities include crafts, games, music, snacks and candy! Kids 12 and under who come in costume will receive treat bags!...

Dinner Cruise with B & C Catering

October 13, 2023 6:00-7:30PM Adults - 35 Children -$25 Under 5 - Free Menu: Appetizers: Tuscan Stuffed Colossal Shrimp Antipasto Platter Zucchini Friti w/ Lemon-Calabrian Chili Aioli Dinner: Chopped Garden Salad w/Lemon Parmesan Vianaigrette Rustic...

Hiawatha Cruise Certificates

#*Give the gift of a Hiawatha cruise Please note, gift certificates purchased on this site can only be used for ticket purchases. If you would like to purchase a gift certificate that can be used for souvenirs or refreshments please contact Hiawatha Inc., at...

Italian Nite Dinner Cruise

Murder mystery cruise.

Come onboard for our first Murder Mystery cruise in 4 years! Amore Mortem Murder Mysteries LLC will be performing "Murder at the Mad Hatters Tea Party". Full of the silliness of Alice in Wonderland-except Murder is afoot. Audience participation is involved...

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Visit the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania!

Enjoy a relaxing hour-long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through narration and music, hear the story of the Hiawatha and learn the rich history of the early days along the river.

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About the hiawatha, nautical miles, seasonal hours, eyewitness news, destination pa: hiawatha riverboat.

She’s known as the queen of the Susquehanna. The Hiawatha Paddlewheel riverboat is one of the most popular attractions in Central Pennsylvania.

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The Hiawatha, Inc. is a 501 C 3 not for profit organization and relies on community sponsors for each and every cruising season. We thank the many businesses for their financial support!

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• Hiawatha Dock Address 2205 Hiawatha Blvd Williamsport, PA 17701
• Mailing Address Hiawatha, Inc. 950 Broad Street Montoursville, PA 17754
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Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

2205 Hiawatha Blvd, Williamsport , Pennsylvania 17701 USA

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“a tribute to hundreds of Lycoming County citizens”

The Hiawatha, built nearly a century after its namesake, is a paddlewheel excursion boat that cruises up and down the Susquehanna River. It is a tribute to hundreds of Lycoming County businesses and private citizens who supplied monies, labor and materials to create her.The Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat is just one way in which area residents and visitors can recall the remarkable heritage surrounding the Susquehanna River. Lycoming County is on the beautiful west branch of the Susquehanna. It joins the north branch around 40 miles downstream at Sunbury. It then flows south to Harrisburg and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Chesapeake Bay.

Reviewed by lance.philip.1

A fun inexpensive riverboat ride. Great views of the river from every spot on the boat.

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Top 20 Facts about the City of Moscow

Moscow Metro- by A.Savin - Wikimedia Commons

Read Next →

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20 facts about the city of moscow, 1. moscow’s oldest surviving building is more than 550 years old.

Assumption Cathedral – Wikimedia Commons

2. The world’s largest medieval fortress is found in Moscow

Moscow Kremlin on foreground- by Pavel Kazachkov- Wikimedia Commons

3. Moscow hosts Russia’s largest zoo

Moscow Zoo entrance- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

4. Trains with the most frequency in the world are found in Moscow

Moscow Metro- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

 5. The City of Moscow hosts the World’s second-largest library

Russian State Library main building interior- by A.Savin – Wikimedia Commons

6. The City of Moscow is home of the Babushka doll

Babushka dolls variety- by Ph. Saget – Wikimedia Commons

7. The City of Moscow hosts the world’s largest university building

Moscow State University- by Dmitry A. Mottl- Wikimedia Commons

8. The City of Moscow hosts one of the largest urban parks in the world

Visitor at Izmailovo Park- by Kristy2906 -Wikimedia Commons

9. Europe’s largest botanical garden is found in Moscow

Moscow’s Botanical Garden- by AlixSaz- Wikimedia Commons

10. The City of Moscow boasts 7 identical skyscrapers

Seven Sisters side by side pictures- by okruz- Wikimedia Commons

11. The City of Moscow FBI buildings were once torture chambers

Peasants tortured by Saltykova- by P. V. Kurdyumov – Wikimedia Commons

12. The first man in space was buried in Moscow

Yuri Gagrin- by P. V. Kurdyumov- Wikimedia Commons

13. Victory Obelisk is Moscow’s highest Monument

Victory Obelisk- by GAlexandrova- Wikimedia Commons

14. Moscow has an underground river

15. moscow’s stray dogs can navigate the metro, 16. lenin’s corpse is preserved in a mausoleum in moscow’s red square.

Lenin Mausoleum at the Red Square- by NVO- Wikimedia Commons

17. The largest bell in the world is found in the City of Moscow

Tsar Bell- by W. Bulach- Wikimedia Commons

18. The City of Moscow has billionaire residents

19. old moscow was segregated, 20. the city of moscow and england share an insignia.

St. George on Horseback slaying the dragon- by W. Bulach- Wikimedia Commons

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Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Hiawatha Dinner Cruise - Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

• United States    
• Pennsylvania (PA)    
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• Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat

lived in the area for my whole life and never had the opportunity to go on a cruise.. until I ask... read more

We were in town for the Little League World Series and, since this was our first trip to PA, we... read more

Hiawatha Dinner Cruise

We went on the Hiawatha Dinner Cruise. Dinner was catered by Hillside Catering. From the charcuterie cones and the caprese skewers appetizers, berries and feta salad to the chicken picata and the carved bistro tenderloin, everything was top shelf quality and so delicious. The crew of the Hiawatha were personable, funny, and extremely accommodating. After dinner we ventured to the upper level and experienced beautiful scenery and a gorgeous sunset. We highly recommend cruising on the Hiawatha. You will not be disappointed.

It was an hour long boat ride. They had food and drinks. Lots of people constantly lining up to get food and drinks. It was definitely a lot of people crowded into one little area. If you’re concerned about covid, definitely don’t do this. There were nice views, but we wouldn’t do it again.

The Hiawatha was a nice leisurely 1 hour ride on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. We sat on the top deck and had great views of Susquehanna state park and there were 2 TV's in the back of the boat that gave a nice overview of the history of the Williamsport area and the importance of the lumber industry. They need to put one TV towards the front of the boat also. You can see remnants of the lumber trade still today and boaters and swimmers were out in force in these shallow areas though the main channel we were on had depths of 17 to 28 feet. One can only image the scene on the river 150 years ago when Williamsport was the most important lumber city in the country. The staff was great and the Hiawatha has many cruises, such as Craft Beer, Wine, kid's night, bingo, and dinner cruises.

Boatride was serene, staff were very accomodating & bus tour was worth remembering on my bday. Funtastic day out. Williamsport is a beautiful place to visit.

Had a wonderful time, the staff the captain every one we encountered was remarkable especially Kim she was great.

My family really enjoyed this slow trip up and back along the Susquehanna River. I learned some interesting facts about the area's history from the video (may 15 minutes?). The staff members are friendly and helpful. Basically this is a low-impact, low-tech, relaxing hour on the river.

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Idaho Trails and Maps

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Explore the best rated trails in Idaho, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Route of the Hiawatha and Coeur d'Alene Trail . With more than 36 trails covering 4291 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

City Trails and Maps in Idaho

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Ashton-Tetonia Trail

Boise River Greenbelt

Coeur d'Alene Trail

Crown Point Railroad Grade Trail

Great American Rail-Trail

Idaho Falls Greenbelt

Latah Trail

Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail

North Idaho Centennial Trail

North Valley Rail Trail

Paradise Path

Portneuf Greenway

Prairie Trail (ID)

Route of the Hiawatha

Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

Stoddard Pathway

Weiser River National Recreation Trail

Wood River Trail

Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

Ed Corkill Memorial River Trail

Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail (Pearson to Calder)

NorPac Trail

Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail

Railroad Right-of-Way Trail

Victor to Driggs Rail-Trail

Indian Creek Greenbelt

Long Bridge Trail

Sandpoint Byway Trail

US-95 Trail

Boulder Creek Trail

Driggs Pathways

Guffey Railroad Bridge Trail

Idaho Falls Canal Trail

Sandpoint-Dover Community Trail

Wilson Pathway

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Be sure to plan around wildfire smoke in the late summer.

Could be better marked

Very busy trail on Sunday afternoon. Was a beautiful afternoon. Trail along the lakeshore is nicely paved but shares the road. Not a main road and traffic moved slowly. Started the trail at Cheamkwet Park and rode east. Trail is marked but not that well. Stopped a number of times to check our route. Part of the trail travels along a residential street with a fair amount of traffic. We only rode a few miles and returned to parking and then went west for a couple miles. Fewer users that direction. Wide paved path. Would be worthy of another ride next time in area.

September ride

Wrote this trail from the city of Coeur d’Alene to the Washington border in early September. Some nice sections along the lake, but also some rather boring very exposed sections closer to the Washington border.

gorgeous September rides

Rode this trail in three segments with the Road Scholar group in early September. Beautifully maintained

I wrote this gorgeous gravel tunnel and trestle trail with Road Scholar group early on a September morning. No crowds, probably because it was after Labor Day and early in the day.

Flat, smooth.

Flat and smooth, not exactly scenic - but it was a pleasant little ride.

A Potential Jewel

Road 8 miles from Tetonia to Ashton where we were finally forced to turn around. The trail is gravel, yes, but variable sized rock which push tires sideways as well as rough. It’s also a two-track. I ride a recumbent trike which meant I always had a tire in the overgrown median. We turned around after we were overwhelmed by the thistles which hit us in the face and shoulders. On our return to Tetonia we met two groups. One was a family with 3 under 8 years. I thought how unfriendly the trail is to someone with a child trailer.

Pretty Nice….. but

The trail from the Clearwater bridge to Hells Gate SP is my review area. The State Park reminded me that all the fees they charge for upkeep on their beautiful park. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Goatheads ( puncture vine, ground weed with yellow flowers ) that will ruin most a bicyclist day and the trail gets considerably narrower in the SP. Just wish the Rangers @ the State Park rode bicycles too!

September WRT plus Donnelly

Rode from Donnelly over the west mountains, then did new meadows to council same day (Great food at Sprockets in council). Rode from council to Weiser second day (Breakfast at OH Honey was awesome), would recommend 2" or larger tires, lots of chicken head rock on the trail and some moderately sandy sections. Super fun ride, lots of wild life, Owls, herons, egrets, deer, coyote, massive piles of bear scat on the trail. Section from midvale was hot and exposed, bring lots of water and sunscreen!

If you want smaller crowds, come in September and be at the trail at 8:30am. This way I was pretty much the first to ride and third in the line for the shuttle at the bottom. First shuttle is at 11:45 so you don’t have to hurry. Do bring lights and warm jacket, it is chilly in the mountains and even colder in Tuft tunnel. I am disappointed that someone gave the trail one star. Seriously, pave it for “experienced riders” so “they can ride on road bikes”? It is a mountain wilderness trail, that’s the beauty of it. And yes, families also have rights to enjoy it. Besides, get hybrid bike and ride up, I have seen quite a few people doing it. If you want paved, CDA trail is like 10 miles away, all 90 miles of it.

Lovely Lakeside Trail

What a pleasant surprise. We were camping along Cascade Lake and found this trail. We rode our bikes leisurely along the old train bed through the woods which often emerged with grand lake views. The grade rose slowly along then you notice the land dropped off on both sides of the trail—like a land bridge. Lots of wildflowers. Just wonderful.

While camping at Lake Cascade we were looking for someplace to ride our bikes and found this trail. It starts out on top of what appears to be a levee along the Payette River. It’s fairly level so and easy hike or ride. We went along some trailer homes then the trail opened up into the wilderness. We rode along the river then came to some rapids that were part of a white water park. Not crowded.

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