See Southwest Illinois on a Riverboat Cruise
Great Rivers and Routes is pleased to have teamed up with Grafton River Adventures to offer scenic sightseeing and specialty cruises.
All Aboard!
Riverboats are floating pieces of history that let you see Southwest Illinois and a unique, nostalgic way. These iconic riverboats offer 360° sightseeing of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, dining, and live entertainment. Step aboard and experience this classic mode of travel for yourself!
Checkout the 2025 schedule from Grafton River Adventures and pick your perfect cruise. There are special, seasonal-themed cruises and classic options that repeat all summer long and into the fall. You can also book the Hakuna Matata riverboat for private events. Email or call 618-786-7678 to make your private reservation.
May Cruises
Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
May 16 | 6-8pm | $55/person
Nothing says Happy Hour like a cruise along the river and enjoying an appetizer buffet with Cajun tequila wings, toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and more!
Un-Wined Sunset Cruise
May 17 & 18 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sample five delicious wines while you sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the river.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
May 18 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Pirates of the Mississippi Cruise
May 24 & 25 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Ahoy mateys! Set sail on this pirate-themed cruise featuring cocktails, punch, and costume contests for adults, children, and couples.
Memorial Day Remembrance Cruise
May 27 | 1-2:30pm | $27/person
Guests are encouraged to bring flowers to add to the wreath placed on the river in remembrance of service men and women and loved ones who we have lost.
Coastal Cowboys & Cowgirls Cruise
May 31 - June 1 | Times Vary | $27/person
Grab your cowboy boots and hat, and get ready to dance to your favorite country tunes while sipping specialty-themed cocktails. Plus, there are prizes for dancing and costumes!
June Cruises
Hawaiian Luau Dinner Cruise
June 6-8 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Step aboard and be greeted with a lei before grabbing delicious tropical cocktails at the tiki bar. Get into the spirit with a hula hooping contest for couples, adults, and children.
Father's Day Sunset Cruise
June 13 | 6:30-8:30pm | $55/person
Dad will enjoy a free gift upon arrival, and the whole family can dig into a house salad, kabobs, mac and cheese, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
Father's Day Cruises
June 14 | Times Vary | Starting at $27
Choose from a brunch cruise with delicious food from Grafton Osyter Bar or an afternoon cruise to just enjoy the view and celebrate your old man.
Un-Wined Sunset Cruise
June 21-22 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sample five delicious wines while you sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the river.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
June 22 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Rock & Rolling in the USA Cruise
June 28 & 29 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Celebrate America on the river, enjoying American-made beer and a delicious appetizer buffet.
July Cruises
Rock & Rolling in the USA Cruise
July 4-6 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Celebrate America on the river, enjoying American-made beer and a delicious appetizer buffet.
Fireworks Sunset Cruise
July 5 | 6:30-8:30pm | $40/person
Watch the fireworks from the Hakuna Matata riverboat. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and purchase drinks from the tiki bar.
Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Cruise
July 12 & 13 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sip Harboritas and listen to your favorite Jimmy Buffett tunes with fellow Parrotheads as you cruise along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
July 13 & 27 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
July 18 | 6-8pm | $55/person
Nothing says Happy Hour like a cruise along the river and enjoying an appetizer buffet with Cajun tequila wings, toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and more!
Hakuna Moscato Cruise
July 19 & 20 | Times Vary | Starting at $27
It means no worries! Enjoy four flavor selections of delicious Moscato for $5 on this wine-themed river cruise.
Pirates of the Mississippi Cruise
July 26 & 27 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Ahoy mateys! Set sail on this pirate-themed cruise featuring cocktails, punch, and costume contests for adults, children, and couples.
August Cruises
Hawaiian Luau Dinner Cruise
August 2 & 3 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Step aboard and be greeted with a lei before grabbing delicious tropical cocktails at the tiki bar. Get into the spirit with a hula hooping contest for couples, adults, and children.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
August 3 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Hakuna Moscato Cruise
August 9 & 10 | Times Vary | Starting at $27
It means no worries! Enjoy four flavor selections of delicious Moscato for $5 on this wine-themed river cruise.
Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Cruise
August 15-17 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sip Harboritas and listen to your favorite Jimmy Buffett tunes with fellow Parrotheads as you cruise along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Coastal Cowboys & Cowgirls Cruise
August 23 & 24 | Times Vary | $27/person
Grab your cowboy boots and hat, and get ready to dance to your favorite country tunes while sipping specialty-themed cocktails. Plus, there are prizes for dancing and costumes!
Rock & Rolling in the USA Cruise
August 29-31 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Celebrate America on the river, enjoying American-made beer and a delicious appetizer buffet.
September Cruises
Hawaiian Luau Dinner Cruise
September 6 & 7 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Step aboard and be greeted with a lei before grabbing delicious tropical cocktails at the tiki bar. Get into the spirit with a hula hooping contest for couples, adults, and children.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
September 7 & 14 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Taste of Italy Cruise
September 12 | 5:15-7:15pm | $55/person
Enjoy a delicious menu of Italian favorites while you cruise along the river on a special date night or evening with friends.
Pirates of the Mississippi Cruise
September 13 & 14 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Ahoy mateys! Set sail on this pirate-themed cruise featuring cocktails, punch, and costume contests for adults, children, and couples.
Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Cruise
September 20 & 21 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sip Harboritas and listen to your favorite Jimmy Buffett tunes with fellow Parrotheads as you cruise along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
September 26 | 6-8pm | $55/person
Nothing says Happy Hour like a cruise along the river and enjoying an appetizer buffet with Cajun tequila wings, toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and more!
Un-Wined Sunset Cruise
September 27 & 28 | Times Vary | Starting at $27/person
Sample five delicious wines while you sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the river.
October Cruises
Wine and Dinner Sunset Cruise
October 3 | 4:30-6:30pm | $55/person
Book a ticket for your sweetheart or friends and enjoy a food and wine pairing from Grafton Oyster Bar, including salad, chicken modiga, cavatelli pasta, roasted green beans, and more.
1.5-Hour Fall Color Cruise
October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26 | 4:30-6:30pm | $27/person
Take in all of the beautiful fall color along the rivers while enjoying cocktails from the tiki bar, including options for the kiddos!
Fall Sunset Cruise
October 4, 11, 18, & 25 | Times vary | $27/person
Sip wine, bring a picnic basket, and enjoy breathtaking views of fall foliage as the sun sets along the Mississippi bluffs.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
October 5 | 11am-1pm | $55/person
Cruise the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and enjoy an award-winning brunch from Grafton Oyster Bar.
Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
October 10 | 6-8pm | $55/person
Nothing says Happy Hour like a cruise along the river and enjoying an appetizer buffet with Cajun tequila wings, toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and more!
Book Your Cruise
With various cruises available throughout the warmer months, there's no better time to book your riverboat excursion for a unique itinerary stop during your visit to Southwest Illinois.
Related Content:
Hakuna Matata215 W. Water St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037
Grafton Oyster Bar215 W. Water St.
Grafton, Illinois 62037