Packages & Pricing
Celebrating a special occasion?
Birthday Parties ~ Anniversaries ~ Family Reunions ~ Rehearsal Dinners ~ Bridal/Baby Showers ~ Business/Group Outings ~ Team Building ~ Church Groups ~ Senior Outings ~ Civic Organization Events ~ Field Trips ~ Fundraisers ~ Private Scenic Tours
Paddlewheel riverboats offer an intimate unique setting for your party or event. Two levels offer great scenic views for everyone. Riverboats accommodate up to 90 passengers for sightseeing tours and up to 40 guests for a seated lunch or dinner event.
On Friday and Saturday evenings after 5:30pm, only 2- and 3-hour cruises lengths are available.
| Cruise Length | Fee per up to 30 guests | Fee per additional guest |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | $459 | $13 |
| 1.5 hours | $559 | $13 |
| 2 hours | $689 | $13 |
| 3 hours | $949 | $13 |
To view availability online and begin the private charter process: click here 2025 info coming soon
To view a virtual tour of the riverboats: click here
To view a private charter picture gallery: click here
Cruising Tips: click here
FAQs
Yes. For private charter rates: click here
When using the lower deck and upper deck of the Riverboats, the maximum capacity for a sightseeing charter is 90 guests.
The Riverboats can accommodate 36 guests for private seated lunch or dinner charter. Seated meals take place on the covered first level of the Riverboats. If using the outside deck area on the lower level of the Riverboat, 40 guests can be accomodated.
The Riverboats have built in wooden benches on both levels of the boat. This is perfect seating for private scenic tours of the Fox River. If the private charter includes a seated meal or if requested by the event host, staff offers eight rectangular 2’x4’ tables for seating, two 3’x6’ buffet tables and folding chairs. The tables and chairs are free of charge but need to be requested prior to the rental date. Table linens are not included.
Yes, event hosts have access to the Riverboats 30 minutes prior to the scheduled private charter rental. This time can be used to decorate the Riverboats.
Decorations are not to be stapled, nailed, glued or taped to any surfaces. Confetti, birdseeds, rice, loose glitter, candles and bubbles are not permitted.
Yes! To view the catering menu: click here
Yes, you may cater your event with outside vendors. A certificate of insurance will be needed when the food company is bringing aboard the food, setting up or serving. Proof of insurance needs to be provided 2 weeks prior to the scheduled private charter. If charterers bring food from a local restaurant and set up/serve it, an additional certificate of insurance is NOT needed.
Yes, alcohol is allowed aboard the Riverboats. A special use permit is required: click here
-If you self-serve the alcohol aboard the Riverboat, a liquor permit and Dram Shop liability insurance is needed. Proof of liquor permit and Dram Shop needs to be provided 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event rental. Here’s a recommended insurance provider by PDRMA, the park district’s risk management organization: click here
-If a catering business is hired to serve alcohol, they must show proof of a City of St. Charles liquor license and a certificate of insurance for $1 million per incident in liability listing the St. Charles Park District as “additionally insured” is needed. Proof of liquor license and insurance needs to be provided 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event rental. Hired bartender must show proof of a City of St. Charles liquor license.
Yes, a 50% deposit is due at the time of the booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the scheduled event.
-The event host and up to 5 helpers will have access to the riverboat 30 minutes before the departure time to set up for the private charter. Guests will be welcomed aboard the riverboat 10 minutes before departure time. If the departure time is 7pm, the event host and 5 helpers will be able to board at 6:30pm to set up. Guests will be welcome aboard at 6:50pm.
-You have the option to add on an additional 30 minutes of set up time for $50. We suggest adding on additional set up time if you are bringing in your own food, décor, entertainment, etc. Additional set up time must be arranged prior to the event date. If the departure time is 7pm, the event host and 5 helpers will be able to board at 6pm. Guests will be welcome aboard at 6:50pm.
Guests may begin boarding 10 minutes prior to departure time. For example, if your charter departure time is 7pm, guests can begin boarding at 6:50pm.
When the Riverboat is docked, staff will ask all guests to depart the boat. The event host is allowed up to 30 minutes to clean up after the scheduled private charter ends. If additional time is needed, there will be a charge of $50 per every 30 minutes.
The event host is responsible for the disposable of any food or items that are no longer wanted. Garbage and recycling cans are provided aboard the riverboat.
Yes, music is allowed on the boats. Both Riverboats are equipped with a sound system. Guests are welcome to connect a mobile device to play their own music. The City of St. Charles has a sound ordinance in effect daily from 10pm to 7am.
Yes, you may hire a DJ or a band to play aboard the riverboat.
-Hired entertainment must be able to supply their own battery power pack to support their equipment, as the riverboat has limited electrical power supply. Acoustic performers are a great alternative.
-Hired entertainment must provide their general liability insurance two weeks prior to the event.
Yes, there are two flushable restrooms located on the lower level of the Riverboats.
Private charters will cruise rain or shine. The Captain reserves the right to cancel a cruise due to inclement weather. Cancellations due to weather will not take place until the day of the event, 2 hours prior to departure time. In the event of a cancellation, the event host will be able to schedule the private charter to a different date or receive a full refund minus $100 from the security deposit.