Top Milwaukee River Cruises for Unforgettable Experiences

On a warm evening in downtown Milwaukee, it’s not uncommon to see river boats float along the Milwaukee River, accompanied by the sounds of laughter and music. On board, cocktails are flowing, and the vibe might as well be Key West, Fla., or the Caribbean. Over the past few years, specialty cruises have really taken off, catering to niche audiences in music, food, cocktails, or wine. Whether you want to indulge in a brunch cruise over the weekend or celebrate TGIF with a booze cruise, there’s definitely an option just for you almost every night of the week.

Architecture

This narrated tour from Milwaukee Boat Line—on a 90-minute sail on board “Voyageur,” with departures daily at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.—educates you on the various architectural styles that are prevalent in downtown Milwaukee and even highlights notable buildings along the river. Moreover, if you want to bring your dog, that’s totally okay as the cruise is dog-friendly. Drinks (both sodas and beer/cocktails) are served on board, and there’s an option to purchase lunch (brats, hot dogs, and other snacks) as well.

Pub Crawl

Instead of a typical pub crawl, this option offers a 4.5-hour pub sail with Riverwalk Boat Tours on board either the Milwaukee Maiden II or Brew City Queen II, with three stops at local watering holes. Drink tickets are included in the price, making it a convenient choice for savoring local brews. Saturday stops include MOTOR Bar & Restaurant (at the Harley-Davidson Museum), The Twisted Fisherman, and The Hotwater Warehouse.

Tiki Drinks

Can’t get to the tropics? No problem, just hop onto Riverwalk Boats’ “Tiki Tuesdays Cruise” on Tuesday evenings. This experience goes beyond merely sipping fruity drinks laced with rum—the cruise price also includes light bites like Pacific-inspired salsa. The duration of the cruise is 1.5 hours, departing at either 5:30 p.m. or 7:15 p.m., thus leaving you ample time to enjoy a local spot for dinner after.

Rock Concerts

Rock out to local bands as they perform a two-hour concert on the top deck of this yacht (powered by Milwaukee Boat Line) on select Friday and Saturday evenings. What’s exciting about this cruise is the diversity of music styles represented each week, from punk rock to R&B. Check out the schedule via the provided link. Since many concerts sell out quickly, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to save, as buying a week in advance costs $19.99, or $22.99 the week of the show. Your first drink is complimentary.

Surf-and-Turf Dinner Cruise

If you often face the dilemma of choosing between steak and fish, the “surf ‘n turf” dinner cruise presents a solution. Hosted on Saturday nights by Edelweiss Boats, this popular cruise can sell out, so it’s wise to secure your slot in advance. Guests can revel in stunning views of Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee’s skyline at dusk—be sure to bring your camera!

Champagne Brunch

Champagne at brunch is nearly a must, and Edelweiss Boats understands that, which is why they launched their “Champagne Brunch Cruise” offered on Sundays aboard the “Harbor Lady.” The two-hour cruise departs at noon. This offering is a fantastic deal, as it includes a brunch buffet featuring items like bagels and lox, fresh fruit, egg frittatas, French toast, bacon, and dessert. Additionally, Champagne is included in the buffet, and a cash bar is open during the sail.

Historical Milwaukee

If you are a history enthusiast eager to learn about Milwaukee’s architectural heritage and its most significant buildings, you will find the “Historical Milwaukee Boat Tour” from Edelweiss Boats highly informative. This cruise travels along the Milwaukee River and into Lake Michigan, departing Sundays at 3 p.m. and returning 80 minutes later while narrating the history of various structures, including yacht clubs, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and Discovery World, as well as upcoming architectural projects. This cruise is one of the most affordable options available, perfect for budget-conscious individuals who wish to enjoy the water.

Booze Cruise

Reggae music sets the vibe for your weekend, enhanced with refreshing rum punch served on board the 1.5-hour “Thirsty Thursdays Cruise” with Riverwalk Boats. Light appetizers are included in the ticket price. There are three departure times each Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9 p.m.