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America's Authentic Mississippi River Experience
2-day cruise, our signature cruise.
IHJ Exploring History: Riverboat Twilight — An essential American experience on the Mississippi River from LeClaire to Dubuque
The Riverboat Twilight on the Mississippi River. From May through October the Twilight cruises the river between its ports in LeClaire and Dubuque. For more information about the Twilight visit riverboattwilight.com. Photo courtesy of Peter Mulac
May/June 2024 (Volume 16, Issue 3)
By Emily Stier
Mark Twain once said, “Along the Upper Mississippi River every hour brings something new.” No doubt the thousands of passengers who have travelled the Upper Mississippi River aboard the Riverboat Twilight have found that to be true as they have experienced the mighty river and witnessed portions of Eastern Iowa from the unique perspective of riverboat luxury.
The Riverboat Twilight is a 140-passenger riverboat that provides one-day, two-day and sightseeing cruises from May through October on the Upper Mississippi River. For 116 days out of the year, its passengers are given the opportunity to engage in an essential American experience; travel on one of the world’s most storied waters, the Mississippi River.
The Twilight’s signature two-day cruise departs from the historic river town of LeClaire for the overnight destination of Iowa’s oldest city, Dubuque. During the two-day cruise, passengers are encouraged to step back from their daily routine and immerse themselves in the relaxation, pace and elegance of days gone by.
The Twilight offers unmatched access and views of the Upper Mississippi River. The captain provides historical, cultural and ecological narration to showcase the various sites. The route weaves through two locks and dams, several river towns, a drawbridge, a 240,000-acre National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and more.
Along with the physical points of interest, the Upper Mississippi River is home to an array of wildlife. During each cruise the Twilight offers travelers views of bald eagles, great blue herons, pelicans and gulls, as well as land-fairing animals like beavers, otters and even a swimming deer on occasion.
The Twilight’s Victorian-style design transports guests back to the time of steamboat luxury. The Twilight is a riverboat with traditional sconces and gingerbread woodwork. It is quaint enough to get to know your neighbor, yet big enough to enjoy privacy with your travel companion(s). There are three decks with ample indoor and outdoor seating as well as wrap-around windows.
Fresh meals are prepared in the galley onboard, and the full-service bar and gift shop provide just the right indulgences one would want from a vacation.
The Twilight’s voyages have continually improved over the past 37 years, but it all began with a vision from its founder, Captain Dennis Trone.
TO READ THE ENTIRE STORY AND OTHER FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal .
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Riverboat Twilight
Most of us have a mental picture of the Mississippi that has been formed from our view from the shore and bridges. Nothing prepares you for the experience of seeing the valley from the river side. This vast wilderness is hidden smack in the center of the densely populated center of our country. Who knew? A romantic could expound on the size, the commerce, the wildlife, the hidden qualities and the fact that the area is not much changed from the early explorer’s times. This is the river Mark Twain knew, not the one from our school geography books.
The great Upper Mississippi River Valley can only be experienced by boat. Fly-over’s won’t do, there are few roads along the shore and small boats are too limited in range and too low in the water to appreciate the true majesty of the many islands, marshlands and palisades along the Upper Mississippi River.
The Riverboat Twilight delivers one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, to relaxation and ultimately renewal. Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience.
Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries. The Riverboat Twilight delivers one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest.
If you haven’t seen the river from the Twilight, you haven’t seen it.
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