Ahoy, there’s something new on the St. Louis Riverfront Becky Thatcher
She’s docked, she’s dazzling, and she’s almost ready to cruise. The Becky Thatcher has officially docked under the Gateway Arch and will soon be welcoming passengers aboard for unforgettable cruises on the St. Louis riverfront.
Becky Thatcher Fast Facts
- 19th-century replica constructed in 1987
- Carries up to 400 passengers across three decks
- Cruising speed of approximately 5 mph along the Mississippi River
- Total length of 132 feet from gangway to paddle wheel
- Paddlewheel weighs 2100 pounds
History of the Becky Thatcher in St. Louis
Our Becky Thatcher is now the 4th generation of replica 19th century paddlewheel riverboats to bear her name.
Becky Thatcher I
She lived many lives. First as the U.S. Snagboat C. B. Reese, in 1879. Then repurposed to construct the towboat I. A. Shaughnessy in 1942. She was renamed the Wood River, before her final transformation into the Becky Thatcher in 1947.
Becky Thatcher II
This Becky was first an inspection boat of the United Stated Army Corps of Engineers in 1926. She retired and was towed to Hannibal, MO to serve as a restaurant and museum in the early 1960s. Then in 1965, she was purchased by St. Louis Investment Co renamed Becky Thatcher and extensively restored between June 1968 – Feb 1969.
Becky Thatcher III
This riverboat was built in 1963 as the Showboat and arrived in St. Louis on 1987. She was leased to President Riverboat Casino’s-Missouri, Inc. in 1987 and subsequently renamed Becky Thatcher.
Becky Thatcher IV
Our newest Becky first cruised the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Fl., as the Capt. JP and was built in 1987. She underwent repairs and renovations at a shipyard near Mobile, Ala. before taking the 1,000-mile journey to St. Louis. Her story continues with a new era on the St. Louis riverfront.
Come Aboard for DiningDancingCelebratingRelaxing
Skyline Dinner Cruise
St. Louis’ most unique dining experience is getting a stunning new setting. The Becky Thatcher will host our flagship evening cruises with delicious dining, live entertainment, and stunning views of an illuminated downtown skyline.
Live Entertainment
A tradition of music on the Mississippi continues. The Becky Thatcher will host a lineup of live entertainment cruises, from the historic Blues Cruise to DJs and musical acts that keep the party going all night long.
Sunday Brunch Cruise
Slow down and savor Sunday on the river. The Becky Thatcher will offer Sunday Brunch Cruises filled with a buffet of flavors, relaxing views of the St. Louis skyline, and bottomless mimosas to toast the weekend.
Private Charters
Celebrate in a setting unlike anywhere else in St. Louis. The Becky Thatcher will be available for corporate outings, milestone celebrations, and unforgettable nights on the river.
Journey to St. Louis:
How long did it take the new Becky Thatcher to travel from Mobile, Ala. to St. Louis?
The nearly 1,000-mile journey from Mobile, Ala. to St. Louis took approximately 9 days.
What route did the boat take to reach St. Louis?
The Becky Thatcher traveled through a series of inland waterways, including:
- Mobile Bay and the Mobile and Tombigbee Rivers
- The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, navigating a 10‑lock system
- The Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake
- The Ohio River near Cairo, Ill.
- The Mississippi River north to St. Louis
How Do I Take a Cruise on the New Becky Thatcher?
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