Milwaukee Boat Tours
Milwaukee boat tours along the Milwaukee River and the shorelines of Lake Michigan are one of my favorite summertime activities! And they run the range from small pontoons that you can rent and operate independently, to large boats that cater to dinner parties, cocktail hour, special events and even music and dancing! Many of these events would make GREAT date opportunities... just an “fyi”... ;)
The following is a list of the more well-known companies in town, along with their websites for information on specifics. (Links below open new windows.) Most Milwaukee boat tours run from May through September. Make sure one makes it to your schedule this summer!
Riverwalk Boat Tours – These boat tours are held on varying sizes of pontoon boats. (I’m pretty sure they’re all pontoon boats here...) The larger boats conduct specialty party cruises every day/night of the week, Sunday through Saturday. You’ll find Margarita Cruises, Bloody Mary Cruises, Country Music Themed Cruises, or just straight up Social Cruises! You can even rent a boat for your very own private cruise like a professional event, wedding, birthday or whatever.
Want to “man your own vessel?” Rent your own pontoon boat! I’ve been on the “Party Barge” twice now and it has been F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C both times! This particular pontoon is designed for no more than 10 people. You get to cruise up and down the Milwaukee River, stop at popular restaurants, bars, and other locations along the way – like Discovery World – and even better, you get to bring your own food and beverages...so worth the trip! My friends took me on a cruise for my 40th birthday and we had the best time!! Managing – steering – driving – commandeering – or whatever you call it, is pretty straight forward. A 5 minute instruction session and you’re off!!
Milwaukee Boat Line – Pontoon boat not really your thing? Looking for something a bit larger and perhaps a bit fancier?? Try an “excursion vessel” at Milwaukee Boat Line! (“Excursion vessel”...now that sounds impressive, don’t you think?) These cruises require that you pay for your ticket to board the boat (generally $20 per person) and then separately for any drinks during the cruise.
The list of cruises available includes sight-seeing cruises, happy hour cruises, dinner cruises, concert cruises, and party cruises. Quite the impressive party on water if I do say so myself! The boat is nice and large and has a wonderful upper deck from which to view the sights along the river.
Edelweiss – Aaahhhh...the Edelweiss!! This is probably one of the more well-known boat tours in the city – famous for the dinner boat tour, and 2-hour cruise combined with a fancy-schmancy 3-course meal.

You will not be disappointed! Many have found the Edelweiss a terrific venue for date night! There are also specialty cruises like the beer and brat cruise and the margarita cruise. Personally, I’d recommend the dinner cruise if you opt to board the Edelweiss.
The Lake Express - Perhaps you’d prefer to travel ALL THE WAY across Lake Michigan! Consider the Milwaukee ferry, otherwise known as the Lake Express. These Milwaukee Boat tours are less than 3 hours, and before you know it, you’re in Michigan...how cool is that?
Whatever you choose, all of the Milwaukee boat tours are sure to give you some form of unique experience! A great, relaxing, affordable summertime activity. Check it out!
Thanks for visiting! Happy Sailing!
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