Life is better on the water—especially in the summer. And with Wisconsin’s wide array of rivers, waterways and lakes, locals and visitors alike can easily take to the waters via a boat tour for a refreshing (and often, even educational) outdoor excursion. Here are some of Wisconsin’s best boat tours to venture out on this summer.
Dells Boat Tours
Wisconsin Dells
According to the company website, 17 tour boats carry over half a million passengers each year through the passages of the Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin destination is a hotspot for lush wildlife, towering cliffsides and burgeoning greenery. Whether you’re hopping aboard for a ride on an Upper or Lower Dell tour, or you’re looking to enjoy a more romantic excursion via a sunset dinner cruise, there’s truly a tour boat experience for everyone to try and enjoy in the heart of Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.dellsboats.com.
Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours
Door County
With its 69-passenger charter, this partly open tour boat offers daily narrated tours to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park, Millionaire’s Row, Eagle Cave, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, as well as a number of beaches surrounding Door County. On board the boat, passengers can enjoy a small cooler of refreshments. And during the company’s beloved daily sunset cruise, travelers will also get the chance to take in the miraculous sights of Door County to the tune of free live music, too. For more information, visit www.fishcreekscenicboattours.com.
Original Wisconsin Ducks
Wisconsin Dells
With a reputation that includes thrilling, entertaining and even captivating the attention of locals and tourists alike for over 75 years, it’s no wonder why Original Wisconsin Ducks is considered one of Wisconsin’s best boat tours. This particular boat ride is all about adventure—taking travelers through the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton, all while providing a pristine glimpse into the state’s most scenic sandbars and lush forestry, too. For more information, visit www.wisconsinducktours.com.
Jet Boat Adventures
Wisconsin Dells
Adventure is quite literally in the name—so you know a journey on board this boat is sure to provide some adrenaline-inducing memories. Jet Boat Adventures certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. While these boat tours take passengers on a secluded journey through some of Wisconsin’s most scenic and lush landscapes, they also provide some serious fun too—with the jet boats featuring 496 Chevy big block engines that can give the power-thrust combo the ability to hit speeds of 40 miles per hour. For more information, visit www.jetboatadv.com.
Shoreline Scenic Cruises & Charters
Door County
Door County is far more than a Wisconsin treasure—it’s a fabled vacation destination that attracts people from all over who are hoping to get a glimpse of the area’s picturesque landscapes and water-centric scenery. With the help of Shoreline Scenic Cruises and Charters, the company hopes to help people build an even deeper appreciation for the area—with boat tours that take passengers on journeys around the Peninsula, its islands, coastlines, lighthouses and so much more. For more information, visit www.shorelinecharters.net.
Lake Geneva Boat Rides & Cruises
Lake Geneva
When it comes to hosting truly unique tours, few do it better than the boating team at Lake Geneva Boat Rides and Cruises. From basic sightseeing tours to more after-hours affairs like cocktail river cruises, kiddo-friendly ice cream social tours and even opportunities for private events, there’s much opportunity to make unbelievable memories—and all on the lush waters of Lake Geneva. For more information, visit www.cruiselakegeneva.com.
Edelweiss Cruises & Boat Tours
Milwaukee
Hailed as Milwaukee’s premier boating company, Edelweiss Cruises and Boat Tours offers the largest variety of public cruises and private charters in the entire city. Perhaps best of all: it gives locals and tourists alike the chance to see one of America’s greatest and most cultured cities by water—navigating Milwaukee’s downtown area by boat and learning about some of the state’s most iconic destinations along the way. Book your cruise on the right day, and you could even score on some trivia game night fun! For more information, visit www.edelweissboats.com.
St. Croix River Cruises
Hudson
St. Croix River Cruises may have a reputation for being the go-to boat tour group for private charters and weddings (yes, you can in fact get married right on Wisconsin’s gorgeous waters), but the company also boasts a wide array of public cruises all throughout the boating season that cover everything from brunch luncheons and comedy dinners to fireworks cruises, fall color escapes and so much more. Browse the wide selection of tour offerings for a closer look and book the outdoor water excursion that’s just perfect for you. For more information, visit www.stcroixrivercruises.com.
Apostle Islands Cruises
Bayfield
It doesn’t take much to convince us to visit the Apostle Islands this summer—they are one of Wisconsin’s most popular water destinations, after all. But getting the opportunity to take in the beauty of the area by water? That’s a whole other spectacle that can’t quite be appreciated fully unless its via one of the many Apostle Islands Cruises. The company offers some of Wisconsin’s best boat tours via three different tours which guide visitors through the 21-island archipelago and its wondrous sea caves, historic lighthouses and so much more (abundant wildlife, included). For more information, visit www.apostleisland.com.
Lake Lawn Queen
Delavan
Climb aboard Lake Lawn Queen, Delavan Lake’s two-level 76-ft. cruise boat with an open-air top. A perfect setting for an intimate wedding, private groups and bachelor and bachelorette parties, The Queen–with the capability to host full catering, bar service and live entertainment–will take you on a scenic tour of Delavan Lake and its shores, which has five Frank Lloyd Wright homes and other historical landmarks. For more information, visit www.lakelawnresort.com.