Crisp autumn air is the perfect time to snuggle with a loved one and catch the reflection of stars on the water as the St. Charles Park District Paddlewheel Riverboats continue to offer cruises into October.
Sunny fall days and cool autumn nights bring calm waters and cruising fun aboard the St. Charles Park District Paddlewheel Riverboats, said Tera Harvey, manager of cruise operations for the St. Charles Park District.
While the park district’s cruising schedule slows to weekends, it continues to host select weekday cruises and a few special Friday evening cruises too.
The popular Wine Down Wednesday Cruises will have its final cruise for the season at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 featuring live music by Jack Mack. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite bottle of wine aboard and enjoy the music on the deck or in the covered area.
For those who are looking to sample a new wine or find their favorite, Harvey said the Wine Exchange in downtown St. Charles offers cruise guests a discount on purchases if they show their boarding pass before the cruise. For an extra nosh during the cruise, add a charcuterie board from Chi-Cuterie in Geneva when purchasing the ticket.
The optional addition of a charcuterie board is also available for the BYOB Sunset Cruises, which continue through Oct. 2 on select Fridays.
Cruising the Fox is a wonderful way to engage with nature and history and the St. Charles Park District hosts programs for each of these interests. The last Sunday of September will include three opportunities for the History Sunday Cruises featuring a docent from the St. Charles History Museum to share stories of the people and places. Cruises depart at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 27.
“The docents are fabulous and they always bring a wealth of knowledge,” Harvey said. “I learn something new every single time.”
The riverboat’s sound system makes it easy to enjoy a lecture or live music, whether riding on the open top deck or in the covered area on the lower deck.
Local naturalist Pam Otto will bring her extensive knowledge of local plants and animals that are part of the river’s ecosystem in the special Good Natured on the Fox: Fall Cruise with Pam Otto setting sail at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. From aboard the paddlewheel riverboat visitors can take a closer look at the animals that depend on the river, while talking about how they prepare for the winter.
New to this season will be the Fall Foliage Friday Cruises in September and October. These cruises, which sail at 3:30 p.m., are the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall in the trees along the river and a great way to kick off the weekend. Guests can enjoy a cruise and still make a dinner reservation.
The park district will host a new Family Cruise Under the Stars on Friday, Sept. 25, featuring an hour-long cruise starting at 6:30 p.m. for families to enjoy time together as the sun sets and the first evening stars emerge in the sky.
“People bring blankets, hot coffee or hot chocolate and it’s totally a fall vibe on the river,” Harvey said.
The cruise season may be winding down, but there’s still ample opportunity to enjoy the days and evenings together. Paddlewheel riverboats are also available for charter group outings. From business gatherings to birthday celebrations, a private cruise can make a memorial event. Harvey said groups can host a private charter or enjoy a group outing. She’s welcomed book clubs, friend groups and even hosted a pickleball group for a recent cruise event.
The paddlewheel riverboats are also a popular option for couples, who have hosted cruises for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and even post-wedding brunches.