oregon il boat cruise

Paddle Wheel Riverboat

The Pride of Oregon is an authentic Paddle Wheel Riverboat. 102 feet of real river charm. She docks at the historic Maxson Riverside Restaurant and Paddlewheel Inn. Built as a replica of the famous Rosie O’Shea paddlewheel in 1989, her festive exterior and graciously appointed interior provide a relaxing atmosphere for memory-making cruises. She has the capacity of 149 sight-seeing passengers. Available for:

• Banquets, Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions • Business Meetings, Conferences, and Parties • Family & Class Reunions • Lunch, Dinner and Sight-seeing Cruises

Additional Photos

Things To Do

• Outdoor Activities
• Route 66 in Illinois
• Arts & Culture
• Attractions
• Food & Drink
• Lincoln Historic Sites
• Illinois Scenic Byways
• Festivals & Events

Places To Go in Illinois

• Chicago & Beyond
• Great Rivers Country
• Land of Lincoln
• Trails to Adventure

Plan Your Trip

• Travel Inspiration
• Road Trip Itineraries
• Illinois Made
• Places to Stay
• Seasonal Adventures
• Exploring Illinois with Electric Vehicles
• Getting Here & Getting Around
• Maps & Visitor Guides

Accessibility in Illinois

• Tourism Industry
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram
• Check our Pinterest
• Follow us on TikTok
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to our channel on YouTube

Maxson Riverboat & Restaurant

1469 Rt. 2 North , Oregon, IL 61061

Restaurants

How to find us?

You might also be interested....

Ogle County Brewery

The Ogle County Brewery is your go-to spot when you are looking for a welcoming brew pub that offers a unique setting, great food and excellent…

Maxson's Riverside Restaurant

Located on the Rock River, Maxson’s Riverside Restaurant in Oregon offers a unique setting that has turned the restaurant into a tourist destination. Their complimentary homemade…

Pride of Oregon Paddle Wheel Boat

An authentic 102-foot paddlewheel boat, this 149-passenger vessel is docked at Maxson's Riverside Restaurant and offers luncheon and dinner cruises on the Rock River. Wheelchair accessible.…

Share your Moments

#enjoyillinois, subscribe to our newsletter.

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.

Maxson's Riverboat & Riverside Restaurant

• 1469 Illinois Route 2 North
• Oregon, IL, 61061
• 815-732-6761
• Wednesday: 11am-9pm
• Thursday: 11am-9pm
• Friday: 11am-9pm
• Saturday: 11am-9pm
• Sunday: 10am-3pm

Located on the Rock River, Maxson Riverside Restaurant in Oregon offers a unique setting that has turned the restaurant into a tourist destination. Their complimentary homemade orange rolls are legendary and a hit with locals and tourists.

Maxson’s Riverside Restaurant offers a dining experience in Oregon that is both a delight for the eyes and the taste buds. The elegant glass-enclosed riverside dining room reveals a stunning panoramic vista that includes a direct view of the Rock River and the area’s most famous landmark, the majestic Black Hawk statue. The extensive menu offers delectable appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches that are sure to hit the spot, and mouth-watering entrees such as steaks and seafood. Wines, beers, ales, and popular soft drinks make up the beverage list. The restaurant can seat 300 and is available for private parties, receptions and group functions. 

The Pride of Oregon is an authentic Paddle Wheel Riverboat. 102 feet of real river charm. She docks at the historic Maxson Riverside Restaurant and Paddlewheel Inn. Built as a replica of the famous Rosie O’Shea paddlewheel in 1989, her festive exterior and graciously appointed interior provide a relaxing atmosphere for memory-making cruises. She has the capacity of 149 sight-seeing passengers and offers daily Lunch and Dinner Sight-seeing Cruises and is also available for Banquets, Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions, Business Meetings, Conferences, Parties and Family & Class Reunions

#visitNWillinois

Can`t help fallin` in love with this show! "𝗘𝗹𝘃𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀" hits @WhitePines_Resort April 17-18. Don`t miss it! Visit link in bio under "Events" for ticket info.

Fall in love with the magical charm of Mount Carroll 🏞️. Unravel its rich history, relish the delectable dishes at Mt. Carroll Cafe and lose yourselves amidst the cobblestone charm, with VisitNW Illinois! Your perfect small-town escapade awaits here! 🍁#MountCarrollAdventure #VisitNWIllinois

Immerse yourself in a slice of Dutch history, right here by the Mississippi. Standing tall, Fulton`s De Immigrant Windmill is more than an engineering marvel - it`s a living testament to ingenuity and tradition 🇳🇱 Ever witnessed the magic of a working windmill up close? We`d love to hear your stories! 🌾 #FultonWindmill #HistoricLandmark #VisitNWIllinois

Buckle up, folks! Your new go-to weekend activity is here with the Chicagoland Skydiving Center 🪂 Enjoy the adrenaline rush while basking in the beautiful Rochelle landscapes from above. Who`s diving into this adventure with you? Tag your skydiving partner-in-crime 👯‍♂️ #SkyIsTheLimit #ChicagolandSkydiving #AdrenalineJunkies #VisitNWIllinois

Embrace the call of Mother Nature as you embark on an adventure at Nachusa Grasslands! 🌼🚶‍♂️ Be prepared for encounters with fluttering butterflies, chirping birds, and the thundering step of bison. Join us in cherishing and protecting these natural wonders! 🦬💚 #StepIntoTheWild #NachusaMagic #VisitNWIllinois #NatureLovers

The Coliseum Museum in #OregonIL is hosting its #SPRINGconcert, "Hot N` Cole: The Music of Cole Porter"" on April 5! Matt & Cynthia Gruel take you on a musical journey through the genius of #ColePorter, featuring iconic hits like "Too Darn Hot" & "Let`s Do It!" Go to event link in bio (UNDER EVENTS) for ticket info.

You know it`s spring when the season starts at the 🚜 #JohnDeereHistoricSite in #GrandDetourIL. April 2 marks opening day! 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 for a whole lotta good stuff throughout the year.

On Apr. 3-4, The WhitePinesLodge (@whitepines_resort) presents Dave Karl & Wendy T as they bring the iconic Kenny & Dolly "Real Love" tour back to life, with all the hits & onstage magic you remember. Plus, enjoy a delicious buffet, dessert, and coffee/tea included in your ticket! 🎵🎵🎵 Info at link in bio, under EVENTS!

TRAVEL GUIDE

Request a free copy or view our latest guide online.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ideas and resources to help plan your next real getaway in NW Illinois.

• MidwestWeekends on Facebook
• Get trip ideas
• Event Calendar

MidwestWeekends.com (mobile)

Because life's too short to stay home …, on the rock river in illinois, from the town of oregon, visitors follow in black hawk's footsteps..

© Beth Gauper

In the northwest Illinois town of Oregon, a 48-foot concrete figure gazes over a river valley, arms folded.

Over the years, the valley has been home to many ambitious men. Abraham Lincoln joined the militia here. John Deere forged the first steel plow. Ronald Reagan got his first lifeguard job.

Chief Black Hawk, the man who inspired the gigantic blufftop statue, also had an ambition: to keep this beautiful valley for his own people.

In 1804, four Sauk men ceded it in exchange for $1,000 per year in goods, and in 1829, the government kicked out the Indians and sold the land to settlers.

In 1832, Black Hawk tried to reclaim the land, sparking a "war" that ended in the slaughter of his people.

The debacle made a romantic figure of the doomed Black Hawk.

"Rock River was a beautiful country," he said. "I loved my towns, my cornfields, and the home of my people. I fought for it."

Today, banners on Oregon street lights feature Black Hawk's face, and painted tipis can be found in and around town.

Across the river, the statue known as Black Hawk was created between 1908 and 1910 as the Eternal Indian by Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft. Now it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can walk through the town's entire history in Lowden State Park, on the blufftop where Lorado Taft founded the Eagle's Nest Art Colony in 1898. Today, it's a field campus for Northern Illinois University.

Oregon makes a fun getaway any time for the three state parks that surround it and for the Rock River, which flows from Wisconsin's Horicon Marsh to the Mississippi at Rock Island and has been named a national water trail.

Excursions on the Pride of Oregon paddlewheeler take tourists upstream. On the east side of the river, Black Hawk rises above the treetops, and on the west side, passenger see the stone turrets of a castle.

It's a Tudor-style manor with 25 rooms and four secret passages, built between 1928 and 1930 by Walter Strong, owner and publisher of the Chicago Daily News. Visits to another publisher's castle — William Randolph Hearst's famous estate in San Simeon, Calif. — inspired it.

Today, the Stronghold Center is a Presbyterian retreat complex, open to the public for tours or overnight group lodgings and at the annual Olde English Faire in October, a gathering of knights and ladies and jesters and jousters, with medieval music and games.

For excursions downstream, outfitters rent canoes and kayaks for visits to Castle Rock State Park or Grand Detour, home of the John Deere Historic Site .

In 1838, the Vermont-born blacksmith figured out how to make a plow that would cut through the dense Illinois soil. After a move to Moline in 1848, his business became the giant farm-equipment manufacturer, still named for John Deere.

Dixon is just around the bend from Grand Detour. It's the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, who safeguarded swimmers from the banks of the Rock River. The Ronald Reagan Trail includes his first home in Dixon and stops in 12 other northwest Illinois towns.

A third state park is seven miles west of Oregon. White Pines Forest State Park is a lovely oasis of pine forest, creeks and rock outcroppings amid the rolling farm fields.

In spring, the park's trails are lined with wildflowers; in fall, the park is cloaked in bright reds, oranges and golds.

There are inns in Oregon, but the park's White Pines Inn is a special place to stay, with a log lodge and cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Its inviting restaurant is famous for its Paul Bunyan buffet on Sundays and serves such classics as chicken pot pie, peach cobbler and apple dumplings. There's a dinner theater, too.

In town, visitors can follow the Trail of Painted Tipis, each created by a different artist, from late April to mid-November.

There are a few antiques stores to visit downtown. Restaurants include the '50s-style Jay's Drive-In , which serves caramel-apple shakes and "the best butter bun burgers around."

Oregon is only two hours from Chicago, but bistros and boutiques haven't reached this town of 3,700. Just as well, because a down-home style suits such a historic place.

Trip Tips: Oregon, Illinois

Getting there: It's 25 miles south of Rockford and 100 miles west of Chicago.

Events: First weekend of October, Olde English Faire at the Stronghold Center and Autumn on Parade in town.

Black Hawk statue : This 48-foot concrete statue looms over the river. Visitors can drive into the park and walk to the overlook at the statue's feet. Admission is free.

During the War of 1832, the only place Black Hawk and his band attacked was a makeshift fort in the village of Elizabeth, near Galena. For more, see Black Hawk on the Apple River .

Abraham Lincoln was a captain in the militia pursuing Black Hawk but did not engage in combat.

For more about War of 1832 sites in Wisconsin, see Road trip: Black Hawk's trail .

Rock River cruises: The Pride of Oregon paddlewheeler offers daily cruises, some including lunch or dinner. It docks at Maxson Riverside Restaurant just north of Oregon on Illinois 2. Reserve at 815-732-4540.

Canoeing and kayaking: White Pelican rents canoes, kayaks and tubes and provides shuttles, by reservation only.

Horseback-riding: Five miles west of Oregon, White Pines Ranc h offers trail rides.

Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center : For a Castle Tour, call in advance to arrange, 815-732-6111.  The blufftop grounds also include a labyrinth, a high-ropes course and walking trails.

Bison tours: Just east of Dixon, the Nature Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands has a herd of more than 100 bison . Volunteers give free two-hour tours . Sign-ups are posted at 7 a.m. the first day of each month, and places fill quickly.

Accommodations: The 1927 White Pines Inn in White Pines Forest State Park west of Oregon rents 13 small log cabins and 12 cabin suites, each with gas fireplaces and mini-fridges. They're air-conditioned.

There are many packages, and watch for specials in winter, spring and late fall. The restaurant is open from March to Christmas.

Near the river in Oregon, the 1840s Patchwork Inn has nine rooms.

There's a camper cabin in Lowden State Park.

The Stronghold Center has accommodations for groups from 10 to 100 in lodges in the woods, dorm rooms in the Castle, the hotel-style Heritage Lodge, rustic cabins or camping. Meals can be arranged.

Camping: There's camping in the blufftop Lowden State Park across the river from downtown Oregon and White Pines Forest State Park west of Oregon.

Dining: The restaurant at the White Pines Inn serves home-style food, including a large Sunday buffet, in a very attractive setting. Reserve at 815-946-3817.

In Oregon, Hazel's Cafe serves sandwiches and salads as well as coffee drinks and smoothies. It delivers to the adjoining Cork & Tap , which offers wine, beer and mixed drinks.

Nightlife: The Pines Playhouse offers music, plays and comedy at the White Pines Inn.

Information: Northwest Illinois tourism , 800-678-2108.

• Plan A Trip
• Privacy Policy
• Events Policy
• Advertising

© Beth Gauper, 2007 - all rights reserved

Your browser does not support our events calendar page. Please consider an update.

THE BEST Oregon Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in oregon.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. White Pelican Inc.

2. Pride Of Oregon Paddlewheeler

3. TJ's Canoe Rental

What travellers are saying

• White Pelican Inc.
• Pride Of Oregon Paddlewheeler
• TJ's Canoe Rental

Annual Pride of Oregon Luncheon Cruise

Wednesday, october 19, 2022 (10:30 am - 1:30 pm) ( cdt ), description.

Join the Rock River Center once again for our Annual Pride of Oregon Luncheon Cruise on Wednesday, October 19th! 

The Pride of Oregon is an authentic Paddle Wheel Riverboat, 102 feet of real river charm. She docks at the historic Maxson Riverside Restaurant. Built in 1989, her festive exterior and graciously appointed interior provides a relaxing atmosphere for memory making cruises. She has the capacity of 149 sight seeing passengers. Reserve your seat for lunch for a 15 mile river cruise that will take you past Lowden State Park and under the watchful eye of Chief Black Hawk aka The Eternal Indian. The 2nd largest concrete monolith in the world. 

Depart Rock River Center 10:30am, Boarding 11am, Departure time 11:30am Return 1:30 4 course meal with coffee, hot tea, and meal tip included. Soda and cocktails available to purchase. You have your choice of 2 lunch entrees with vegetarian/gluten free/vegan meal options available. 

The cost of the luncheon cruise is $39 seniors or $41 others. The deadline for registration/meal selection/ payment is Friday, October 7th. Acceptable payment options are cash, check or credit cards. 

Call Rock River Center at 815-732-3252 if you would like to join us for a relaxing "Ride on the Rock" 

Remember, we are able to provide transportation to and from the boat as well.

Additional Info

Registered Guests

Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Review Highlights

“ A portion of its journey from the shipyard to the Rock River was actually made overland. ” in 3 reviews

“ The paddle boat was built in 1989 I am told. ” in 2 reviews

“ Food was great, scenery was beautiful and I couldn't have asked for more from my small community. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1469 N Il Rte 2

Oregon, IL 61061

You Might Also Consider

Victory Pickleball

Mitch J. said "Talk about a beautiful remodel! Hadn't ever been here before but knew at one point it was kind of a run down indoor soccer place. Now it's transformed into a world class indoor pickleball club (and more). They have probably 15 or so…" read more

in Comfort Food, Party & Event Planning, Pickleball

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

1.6 miles away from Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Märt N. said "Excellent Service. Great icecream cake for my wife's birthday. Looks like a place for families. 4 groups enjoying themselves while i visited. Tasty Blizzard." read more

in Fast Food

Amenities and More

17 More Attributes

About the Business

A unique dining experience on the Rock River, or in the Riverside Restaurant. Destination Weddings and other banquet occasions can be custom made your fit your event and budget. Catering available on request. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Maxson Riverside Restaurant .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Went late in the year, as the fall colors had set in. Beautiful views. Very few diners at lunch, so we were not surprised to have good service. Very friendly. The food was very decent, with a nice salad bar. Look forward to going back when we are in the area.

Maxson's Pride of Oregon, a paddle wheel boat, is truly a hidden gem. The friendly crew described its history--built in 1989 as a replica of the Rosie O'Shea paddlewheeler. A portion of its journey from the shipyard to the Rock River was actually made overland. The interior of the main deck is appointed with attractive woodwork, and there is a bar. The upper deck is open air. Ample seating is provided. This was a lunch cruise and our group was seated and served upon our 11 AM boarding. The quality of the food (catered by Maxson) and service exceeded our expectations. We began with rolls and a generous tossed salad with Italian dressing. Our entrée choices were beef bordelaise, fried catfish, and a vegetarian plate. The fork-tender beef was cloaked in a red wine sauce and the fish, though heavy on the crust, tasted fresh and was greaseless. Our sides were fresh steamed veggies and a twice-baked potato. Chocolate cake was served for dessert. There were pitchers of lemonade and water on the table, and coffee and tea were offered. Our leisurely cruise upriver lasted two hours and ended at 1:30. Travel is limited to a 7-mile-long navigable stretch of the Rock River. Narration was provided at various points of interest. We spotted at least two bald eagles onshore. Just delightful!

See all photos from Eric B. for Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Service was pretty good. View from the restaurant and outdoor seating is awesome. Burgers are "all cooked to the same temperature." - from frozen. Same as the twiced baked potato. It was fine.

A sea captain

I'm reluctant to write negative reviews because my goal has never been to do harm to a business. However in this case I feel compelled to say something with the hope that ownership there is willing to make a change. First let me say that the wait person was prompt, nice, and professional. That's why there are 2 stars. I don't need to get specific, but the food was inedible. I'm no food snob and I'll eat almost anything. I never send food back and recognize the difference between food I don't like and food that I can't eat. This food was poorly stored, poorly prepared, and poorly presented. We didn't eat it nor drink the drinks they brought out. It was that bad. Again, my goal here is not to trash the place, but to hopefully generate an opportunity for them to take a step back and evaluate what they are doing. I don't want to encourage folks not to go there, but instead to provide feedback to help them right the ship. It's a cool looking place, right on the river, but they won't stay open much longer if something drastic isn't done. I wish them good luck.

Well the place is gigantic and very nice views of the river and river boat. If you just wanted views great. Food was average- not worthy of a review- I will not be returning. Food left out too long and at wrong temperatures on the salad cart - including warm soup- not healthy for long periods. I would avoid things that need to be cold or hot. The chips- obviously they let the oil sit and go bad. This must be changed. Could this be because the paddle boat is the main attraction? This place has everything going for it but the food and seemingly policies of reusing - not realizing that the moneys in return clientele not saving an extra bowl of soup or reusing salad greens. Throw everything away regularly. Simplify menu- hot and very fresh will win.

Took my family here for a Mother's Day brunch buffet. The view was great. Only gave us one round of rolls (no more orange rolls). Food was average at best. Very bland and dry. Dessert table looked great but everything was very dry and none of them had much flavor. Service was ok. Wasn't a big fan of them automatically adding the gratuity onto the bill. At $34/person, I expected a lot more. Not nearly as good as it used to be. Definitely will not be going back.

The Friday Fish fry is awesome and the Rock River scenery is world class. Staff was friendly and eager to serve.

Highly recommend this place. My buddies and I did a long bike ride from Rochelle to Oregon and with most places under Covid restrictions, they carried out a beautiful prime rib dinner with sides, salad and dessert. Richie, the manager was a great guy and we highly appreciated his five-star service. He delivered all of our dinners to our hotel room. Definitely will be back at this place again

COVID update: The owner and manager aren't wearing masks even when carrying food out. Visit at your own risk!

Outdoor patio on the Rock River

Outdoor patio on the Rock River.

Have not been here in a very long time, but I do have fond memories of this place. My late Father brought our family here for a buffet on a Sunday in June, 2009. This restaurant is definitely family-friendly, especially for senior citizens who really seem to love the buffet meals. I don't remember the food being exceptionally great, but it was not bad either. I have also posted a picture taken of my husband and son at this restaurant. The next time we visit this area, we need to go to this restaurant again and get another picture.

Photo of my husband and then-8 year-old son at Maxson Restaurant in June, 2009.

15 other reviews that are not currently recommended

New Cravings Value Menu

in Burgers, Fast Food, Tex-mex

1.4 miles away from Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Making change for good. We're taking a fresh look at how we make an impact on the world around us. It's our responsibility, and we aspire to do better every day. We want everyone to have access to better-for-you options and… read more

in Fast Food, Sandwiches

Collections Including Maxson Riverside Restaurant

The yelp 100 challenge 2013

By Amanda S.

People Also Viewed

Fritz’s Wooden Nickel

Spring Valley Restaurant

Galena Steak House

Blackhawk Steak Pit

Grubsteakers Restaurant

This Is It Eatery

Olympic Tavern

The Pepper Mill

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

Best of Oregon

Things to do in Oregon

All Day Breakfast Near Me

All You Can Eat Buffets Near Me

Family Restaurants Near Me

People found Maxson Riverside Restaurant by searching for…

Sunday Brunch Buffet Oregon

Buffet All You Can Eat in Oregon

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Cocktail Bars

Dining in Oregon

Search for Reservations

Book a Table in Oregon

Other Places Nearby

Find more American near Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Find more Buffets near Maxson Riverside Restaurant

Find more Diners near Maxson Riverside Restaurant

THE BEST Oregon Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in oregon.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. White Pelican Inc.

2. Pride Of Oregon Paddlewheeler

3. TJ's Canoe Rental

What travellers are saying

• White Pelican Inc.
• Pride Of Oregon Paddlewheeler
• TJ's Canoe Rental

• Oregon Tourism
• Oregon Hotels
• Oregon Bed and Breakfast
• Oregon Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Oregon
• Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat
• Things to Do in Oregon
• Oregon Travel Forum
• Oregon Photos
• All Oregon Hotels
• Oregon Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Boat Ride on the Rock River - Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat

• United States    
• Illinois (IL)    
• Oregon    
• Oregon Restaurants    

“Boat Ride on the Rock River” Review of Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat

I did not eat at the restaurant so I cannot say anything about that. I did take a ride on their boat. The boat serves food buffet style but it is not necessary to eat on the boat or in the restaurant to take the boat ride. There is also a cash bar on the boat. This is a two hour cruise, a very generous amount of time, as most boat rides I have taken are either one hour or an hour and a half. The personnel are very friendly, my wife walks with a cane and they offered to help her on and off the boat. The boat appears to have actually paddle wheels in the stern (back). The top is open, the lower level is enclosed, so you can sit where you feel comfortable depending on the weather. The Rock River is very scenic. My only issue is that their was no narration. Also, the boat only goes out when there are at least 15 passengers. I can understand that but it took me several phone calls over the space of a month to find a day when they were going out. So it is best to call first, don't just show up.

• Excellent 22
• Very good 20
• All languages
• English  (74)
• English (74)

13 - 17 of 74 reviews

Had a business dinner on the riverboat amd enjoyed the experience. Boat captain provided a great background and history of the boat. The river was very scenic and was a great evening trip. Food was ok but experience was great. There is a bar and bathrooms on the boat alomg with air conditioned lower dining area and open air upper deck. This is a true paddlewheel boat.

Brought large family together for impromptu lunch gathering. Good food all around.... Although the wait was long.

The fall colors are not very spectacular here in Illinois this autumn. Nonetheless, my wife and I met friends at the landing for Maxson's River Cruise on the Rock River in northwest Illinois. Very pleasant day as we pushed off for our luncheon cruise. The staff was friendly and prompt. This is a family run restaurant, inn, and river cruise operation and done quite well. They were kind enough to delay departure by seven minutes to allow our friends to get unstuck from slow traffic to make the cast-off. The meal was decent, chicken parmigiana, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. A slice of chocolate cake was our dessert. Up on the viewing deck, in spite of the bland fall colors,it was a beautiful day to cruise the Rock River and see the sights. While just a tad expensive for the experience, it was worth the one hour drive and the day just cruising.

The restaurant is a spacious room overlooking the river. The lunch time buffet was adequate, but the soups were delicious, as was the chocolate cake for dessert. The salad bar was great, but the entrées were rather ordinary and the orange roll was disappointingly dry. When I told the staff about how we thought the meatloaf was "bland", she explained to me that the chef is restricted to adding too much flavor due to the many food allergies in their clients. Sad. Our server was on her first day of training and failed to being me the sweet potato fries I had ordered. By the time they arrived at our table, I was all but finished eating. Due to their error we were given a basket full of fries so everyone in our party could try them. The fries were wonderful! At a later date, I took my husband on the luncheon cruise. Our choice there was Steak Oscar or Chicken Cordon Bleu. We both enjoyed our entrees, though I scraped off the crab meat and ate the steak with only the sauce. The meat was tender and moist. Perfect. A fresh tossed salad served family style and a fresh baked orange glaze dinner roll (fresh and warm this time) began our time on the boat. Once we were underway, dinner was served with a side of colorful mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Unlimited coffee and water, other beverages were extra. Their dense, rich, chocolate cake for dessert was fabulous. Rich enough that the small portion was very satisfying. The view made the trip worthwhile and relaxing. Most all on board sat above during our return trip. We would gladly go again. When considering the boat ride that comes with a meal, I think it is a good value. We paid the senior price of $33 each (includes gratuity). We plan to return in the fall.

Travelers who viewed Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat also viewed

Been to maxson restaurant & riverboat share your experiences, owners: what's your side of the story.

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Browse nearby

• Buy Tickets
• Outdoors & Recreation
• Arts & Culture
• Nightlife & Casinos
• World Wide Technology Raceway
• Cruises & Tours
• Hotels & Motels
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Vacation Rentals
• Camping & RVs
• Overnight Deals
• Breweries & Distilleries
• Coffee Shops
• Sweets & Treats
• All Star Restaurant Week
• Annual Events
• F1 Powerboat Championship
• Javapalooza
• Submit Your Event
• Mid-Week Deals
• Mobile Visitor Center
• Visitor Guide
• Visitor Information
• Transportation
• Collinsville
• Edwardsville
• Granite City
• Madison County
• Macoupin County
• Jersey County
• Calhoun County
• Greene County
• Montgomery County
• Meetings & Groups
• Destination Development
• Privacy Policy

Travel The Mississippi River On Authentic Paddlewheeler

SPIRIT OF PEORIA RIVERBOAT RETURNS TO REGION WITH SUMMER/FALL CRUISE SCHEDULE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Alton, IL – April 28, 2021) Travel the Mississippi River on an authentic paddle wheel riverboat when the Spirit of Peoria returns to southwest Illinois for summer and fall cruises. Tickets are now available for sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises aboard the replica paddle wheel riverboat. Click here to purchase tickets for cruises from July 14 through Oct. 6. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has partnered with the Spirit of Peoria to offer the popular Mississippi River cruises once again this year. Returning this year is the interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise featuring the cast of Alton Little Theater which will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 25. Join the cast of Alton Little Theater for a delightful interactive night of mystery while enjoying a full buffet dinner. The cruise will depart and return to The Loading Dock in Grafton. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. and the cruise is from 7 to 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $60.50 inclusive. Looking for something more tranquil? Then sit back and relax on either a morning or afternoon sightseeing cruise. As one of the few remaining paddle wheel boats on the Mississippi River, the Spirit of Peoria will transport you back to simpler times. Unwind with deck side seating in the open air or relax inside with a full view of the passing landscape. Sightseeing cruises are 90-minutes in length. Sightseeing cruise tickets are $27.50 for adults; $25.30 for seniors and $15.40 for children ages 4 to 12. Morning Sightseeing cruises depart at 9:30 a.m. and afternoon sightseeing cruises depart at 4 p.m. Or let the chefs do the cooking during a lunch cruise. The two-hour lunch cruises are $49.50 per person inclusive. The cruises run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Spirit of Peoria cruise schedule for 2021:Wed, July 14 Sightseeing CruiseWed, July 14 Lunch CruiseWed, July 14 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Aug. 25 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Aug. 25 Lunch CruiseWed, Aug. 25 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Aug. 25 Murder Mystery Dinner CruiseWed, Sep. 22 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Sep. 22 Lunch CruiseWed, Sep. 22 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Oct. 6 Sightseeing CruiseWed, Oct. 6 Lunch CruiseWed, Oct. 6 Sightseeing Cruise Sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises will depart from The Loading Dock, 400 Front St., Grafton. Boarding begins half an hour before the listed departure time. Free parking is available at The Loading Dock. The Spirit of Peoria also offers full day cruises on the Mississippi or Illinois River. The cruises include all-inclusive ticket pricing, all-you-can-eat meals, professional storytelling, unlimited complimentary soft drinks, historic information, wildlife sightings, indoor comforts, outdoor relaxation, live entertainment, ragtime piano, round-trip transportation, tax and gratuity. Full day cruises boarding begins at 8:30 a.m. with cruising on the river from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cruise from St. Louis to Grafton with shuttle transportation back to St. Louis. The cost is $152 per person.Thur. May 27 FULL DAY - St. Louis to GraftonTues. July 13 FULL DAY - St. Louis to GraftonTues. Aug 24 FULL DAY - St. Louis to GraftonTues, Sep. 21 FULL DAY - St. Louis to GraftonTues, Oct. 5 FULL DAY - St. Louis to Grafton

(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)

Download Document

This website uses cookies to manage your visitor experience. Terms of Use

Experience Builder

Quick Search

Location Map

Email newsletter.

Sign up for the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau’s newsletter to stay on top of all the latest news.

Now offering: Dinner Cruises along the Columbia Gorge

Explore in style.

Ready to schedule your cruise?

Handcrafted and elegant, our dinner cruises are designed to create lasting memories. From the breathtaking sights along the Columbia River as the vessel makes its stately way along the Cascade Gorge, to the mouthwatering fare and delectable locally crafted beers and wines served aboard from restaurants, breweries and vineyards nestled along the course of the river, this will be an incredible experience. Seating is limited and the featured restaurant will rotate through a number of trusted partner caterers. Don’t miss your chance – book now!

What to expect from a Dinner Cruise aboard the Sternwheeler

• Online tickets - no need for paper
• Easy-access parking
• A warm welcome from our team
• Board our beautiful paddleboat, The Sternwheeler
• On-time departures
• Stunning sights of the Gorge
• Excellent meals and service
• Storytelling rich with local history
• A drive home with a happy family
• Modest business casual attire
• A wait staff serving you a delightful dinner
• Storytelling that will make your family smile
• Experiences that create lasting memories
• Wheelchair accessible - including bathroom and main deck bar area.

People are talking. Share in their delight.

A trip enjoyable for all ages - beautiful, historical, and easy to do.

Undeniably delightful dinner cruise! The food was delicious, the service spectacular and the captain of the ship navigated his Sternwheeler flawlessly.

The dinner was delicious, the ride was very informative and beautiful. I recommend this for everyone. A nice end to a beautiful day!

Make your vacation a trip to remember by joining us on the Columbia River.