The Best Seat in St. Louis is on the Water: Your One-Hour Riverboat Cruise

In St. Louis, the Mississippi River is not just a boundary; it is the original highway, the birthplace of the city’s identity. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer the only cruises right here in downtown St. Louis, and there is no better way to understand the city than from the deck of the replica 19th-century riverboat, the Tom Sawyer. In just one hour, you trade the hustle of the city for a fascinating, relaxing perspective on over 200 years of history, industry, and skyline views. All you have to do is step aboard. 

Your experience begins as you line up to board, pausing briefly to have your ticket scanned and a quick, fun souvenir photo taken, a memento of your trip that will be available for purchase later. Once aboard the beautiful Tom Sawyer, you will find a comfortable seat on the open-air deck or in the climate-controlled cabins. 

The cruise quickly becomes a captivating lesson, as our captain or a narrator guides you through the St. Louis riverfront’s rich past, detailing the pivotal role this spot played in the expansion of the United States. You will learn the stories behind the bridges that span the water, including the revolutionary Eads Bridge, a 19^th century engineering marvel that shifted the very course of American commerce. 

The Mississippi is anything but static. As the boat gently moves along, the narrative shifts to the river of today. This is where you see the sheer scale of the nation’s freight system in action. Keep your eyes peeled for the powerful towboats and their dedicated, hard-working crews, maneuvering enormous barges loaded with coal, grain, and other goods. It is a striking visual contrast: our historic vessel set against the raw, modern machinery of the American supply chain. 

One of the cruise’s most surprising delights is a feature you simply cannot experience from the shore: the unconventional art gallery lining the river. As the boat turns, you gain an exclusive vantage point of the massive concrete floodwalls that protect the city. These functional structures have been transformed into a canvas for local artists. You will see large-scale graffiti and murals, bold splashes of color, and imaginative works of art that are constantly evolving. It is a dynamic, gritty, and vibrant counterpoint to the city’s historic landmarks, showcasing the living, creative pulse of downtown St. Louis. 

This mid-cruise moment is the perfect time to visit the onboard concession stand. Grab a hot dog, a bucket of popcorn, or a refreshing cold drink for the adults or children. Find a comfortable seat on the deck, relax, and take in the view of the water and the city as you float by. 

As the boat makes its return, you approach the ultimate visual reward. This cruise offers a completely unparalleled perspective of the St. Louis skyline, culminating in the iconic sight of the Gateway Arch. 

You have seen the Arch from the ground, and perhaps you have experienced the view from the top. But seeing this 630-foot stainless steel marvel rise from the heart of the city, perfectly framed by the mighty Mississippi River, this is the complete, quintessential St. Louis picture. The view from the water offers depth, context, and a sense of scale that you cannot get anywhere else. It is the perfect photo opportunity to capture the city in its entirety. 

In just 60 minutes, the cruise delivers history, an engineering lesson, a unique outdoor art exhibition, and the city’s most breathtaking panoramic view. It is an efficient, relaxing, and unforgettable adventure. 

The experience is waiting. Book your ticket today and step aboard the Tom Sawyer to see St. Louis from the angle that matters most: the heart of the Mississippi River. 

Book Your Tickets Today!