Lunch & Lock
Cruise

A Narrated River Cruise With Lunch

Climb aboard for a narrated riverboat dining cruise that carries you along the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Minneapolis and back to Harriet Island. Along the way, your boat passes through historic Lock and Dam No. 1, one of the most memorable stretches of the Upper Mississippi. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to spend a Saturday afternoon on the water, with a freshly plated meal and live narration that brings the river’s history and landmarks to life.

Departing from Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul, the Lunch & Lock Cruise is a favorite for locals, visitors, families, and groups looking for a memorable outing on the Twin Cities’ iconic river.

What's Included on Your Lunch & Lock Cruise

Take in the beautiful sites along this narrated riverboat dining cruise, which travels through the Lock and Dam No. 1, from St. Paul to Minneapolis, and returning to Harriet Island. Feast on a plated meal that includes:

  • Pulled pork GF, DF
  • House-brined and grilled chicken with house made BBQ sauce   GF*
  • Cheddar green chili cornbread.  VG
  • Potato salad. VG, GF, DF
  • BBQ sauce on side VG, GF*
  • Cookies  VG
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
    • Pepsi products, juice, regular coffee, Bubly and Gatorades Only

DF = Dairy Free     VG = Vegetarian     VN = Vegan
GF = Gluten Free    GF* = Gluten Free except for Worcestershire Sauce

**While we make every reasonable effort to accommodate allergies in advance of the cruise, our kitchen is not allergen free, and those with severe allergies are encouraged to contact the office about precautions they may take.

If a dinner is sold out, the system will bump you to the next available date, so PLEASE make sure to check your date BEFORE paying. 

Cruise Details

When:

11 a.m.–3 p.m. on every other Saturday
Starting June 6th through October 24th

Boarding begins 30 minutes before cruise.

Cost:

$52 for Adults
$28.76 for Children 3–12

Reservations required.
Price includes cruise and meal, tax, port fee, facility charge and gratuity.
*Automatic 10% of the meal portion of the ticket is added as a gratuity charge that goes directly to the crew on board

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Why Take the Lunch & Lock Cruise in St. Paul

There’s no better way to experience the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities than from the deck of a Padelford riverboat. Here’s what makes this cruise stand out:

  • Pass through historic Lock and Dam No. 1, watching the boat rise and lower right before your eyes
  • Cruise between St. Paul and Minneapolis, taking in skyline views, bluffs, and river landmarks
  • Enjoy a full plated lunch while you relax on the water, no cooking or cleanup required
  • Learn as you go with live narration covering the river’s history, wildlife, and local sights
  • Depart from Harriet Island Regional Park, just minutes from downtown St. Paul
  • Great for all occasions, from family outings and birthdays to date days and visits with out-of-town guests

Plan Your Trip to Harriet Island

Padelford Riverboats departs from Harriet Island Regional Park, located just across the river from downtown St. Paul. The park offers convenient parking and easy access, making it a simple destination whether you’re coming from Minneapolis, the eastern suburbs, or elsewhere in the Twin Cities metro. Arrive early to enjoy the riverfront and be sure to board at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Padelford Riverboats
205 Doctor Justus Ohage Blvd.
Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN 55107

Ready to Set Sail? Book Your Lunch & Lock Cruise Today

Seats fill up fast on these every-other-Saturday cruises, and sold-out dates bump you to the next available cruise. Reserve your spot now to lock in the date you want on the Mississippi River.

Book Online Now or call us at 651-370-9179.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Our Lunch & Lock Cruise

The cruise departs from Harriet Island Regional Park at 205 Doctor Justus Ohage Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55107, just across the river from downtown St. Paul.

The cruise runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive early.

Lock and Dam No. 1 is a historic navigation lock on the Mississippi River between St. Paul and Minneapolis. During the cruise, your boat passes through it, rising or lowering with the water level, one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Tickets are $52 for adults and $28.76 for children ages 3 to 12. The price includes the cruise, meal, tax, port fee, facility charge, and gratuity.

Yes. Every ticket includes a plated lunch served on board, along with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

We make every reasonable effort to accommodate allergies in advance, but our kitchen is not allergen free. Guests with severe allergies should contact the office before the cruise to discuss precautions.

Yes, reservations are required. Because dates can sell out, we recommend booking early and double-checking your date before paying.

The cruise runs every other Saturday from June 6th through October 24th.

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