Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Announce 2026 Season Opening

First cruise of the 2026 season sets sail Thursday, March 5.

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 23, 2026) — The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are ready to make a splash as the 2026 season opens for cruises. From skyline views to the rhythmic roll of the Mississippi, the ultimate St. Louis experience returns, with reservations opening to the public today.

Starting Thursday, March 5, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch will kick off the season with the daily St. Louis Riverfront Cruise. The Ag Coast of America Cruise, which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, and the MO History Riverfront Takeover Cruise, which happens on select Thursdays, also kick off in March. In addition, the National Park Service Ranger-Led Cruises will return on the weekends beginning March 14. As part of these cruises, kids can complete an activity book about the Mississippi River and earn a special Junior Ranger badge. These cruises are part of the St. Louis Riverfront Cruise offering, but provide enhanced, tailored narrations.

The popular Skyline Dinner Cruise returns Friday, March 20, with departures on select Friday and Saturday evenings. Additionally, tickets are now available for the Blues Cruise and Sunday Brunch Cruise.

The Paddlewheel Café, St. Louis’ only waterfront dining destination, will open to the public on Friday, April 3. Open Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until the final St. Louis Riverfront Cruise departs for the day, the café features delicious food and beverage options. Visitors will once again be able to pair sunset views with specialty cocktails at the return of the cafe’s Thursday happy hours in May.

“We are excited to kick off another season on the St. Louis Riverfront with cruises for everyone to enjoy,” said Mary Lamie, executive vice president of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. “There is no better way to see St. Louis, and we invite locals and visitors alike to join us on the water this season to create unforgettable memories with their friends and family.”

Below are details on the 2026 cruise lineup. For more information, including cruise dates and times, visit gatewayarch.com/riverboats or call (877) 982-1410.

St. Louis Riverfront Cruise (daily)Narrated by the captain, these sightseeing cruises highlight the Mississippi River’s important role in St. Louis’ history and its significance as a working river today.

COST: $26/adults; $16/kids 3-15; $24/seniors (ages 60+); kids under age 3 are free (infants boarding the cruise must have a ticket)

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Ag Coast of America Cruise (first Wednesday of every month)

Learn how the St. Louis region lies at the heart of America’s inland Marine Highway system, as the narration for this one-hour cruise focuses on the transportation of freight up and down the Mississippi River.

COST: $26/adults; $16/kids 3-15; $24/seniors (ages 60+); kids under age 3 are free (infants boarding the cruise must have a ticket)

MO History Riverboat Takeover Cruise (Thursdays)

Amanda Clark, manager of community tours and the See STL tour program with the Missouri Historical Society, will lead an engaging, conversational tour aboard select Riverfront Cruises.

COST: $26/adults; $16/kids 3-15; $24/seniors (ages 60+); kids under age 3 are free (infants boarding the cruise must have a ticket)

Skyline Dinner Cruise (dates vary)

Make any night special! Featuring a chef-inspired menu, captivating views of St. Louis and live music or a DJ, this two-hour cruise is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic night out or just relaxing on the water. Take a stroll around the top deck to see the city from new angles as it lights up the night sky.

COST: $64/adults; $28/kids 3-12; kids under age 3 are free

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About the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are a short walk from the Laclede’s Landing MetroLink Station and offer breathtaking views of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, including the popular daily St. Louis Riverfront Cruise as well as the unique Skyline Dinner Cruise. A complete cruise schedule can be found at gatewayarch.com/riverboats.