All aboard! The Pride of the Susquehanna is preparing to launch for the 2017 season. Beginning May 27, daily tours will be available on this authentic paddlewheel riverboat, enabling visitors to take in a view of the Harrisburg skyline while gliding down the Susquehanna River on the historic vessel.
Built by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, The Pride is one of only six authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the United States. According to Kim Yoder, who works behind the scenes at The Pride, one of the riverboat’s main missions is to enhance education regarding the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward local programs for education, veterans, seniors and other noteworthy causes.
The Pride of the Susquehanna offers cruises to suit everyone. Find out more below:
Daily Tours
Forty-five-minute sightseeing tours are available at various times daily, with tickets purchased on-site at the City Island boarding location. Enjoy the scenery inside the main salon or on the second level open air deck. Refreshments are available for purchase on these daily excursions. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3–12. What a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon!
Dinner Cruises
There is no shortage of dinner cruises on The Pride. Take a classic cruise with a 3-course meal and 2-hour ride. Want a little more action with dinner? Make reservations for a Murder Mystery night on the Susquehanna and prepare to get caught up in the drama. If you are looking forward finding new ways to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, The Pride offers an excellent opportunity to relax while listening to live music and a great meal.
A Taste of Summer
For those of you harboring a love of blue crabs, a feast could be in your plans this summer. Make reservations early for this tour, which offers two hours on the river with all-you-can-eat blue crabs and sweet summer sides. Top it off with a cash bar and you’ve got a delicious excursion.
Beer, Wings and Wine
A trio of nights are scheduled for four-course beer dinner pairing cruises. The Pride also offers one-a-month craft beer tastings featuring regional and national breweries. Gather a few friends and make a night of it! If wings are more your style, jump on board for Yuengs and Wings, when you can soak in some great vibes with all-you-can-eat wings provided by Arooga’s and Yuengling brews from the bar. Wine lover? Spend an evening unwinding during Wine and Cheese cruises, a great low-key experience to share with friends for an evening. Passengers will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, four wine samplings and mingling with new faces.
Music on the Water
For a trip with a little more energy, consider the After Dark Party Cruise. Local bands entertain while drink specials are served. The Pride also plays host to local bands for other music nights, including the Blues Cruise, Jazzin’ on the Pride, Rock the Boat and Soundwaves Acoustic Cruise. The bar and grill are open for these events and will be docked for part of the evening before setting out on a one-hour tour.
Family Adventures
Adults aren’t the only ones having fun on The Pride. Adventures abound for the young and young at heart! Pirates or Princesses? The Pride offers cruises to accommodate both, complete with pizza and ice cream. Fight off the pirates of the Susquehanna or enjoy an evening with fun activities and crafts that any princess will love.
Plan Your Own Party
If you are searching for a unique private party venue, look to The Pride for assistance. From sit-down catered dinners to informal gatherings of friends, the folks at The Pride will help you elevate your next celebration with a great experience for your guests.
To learn more about the 2017 cruise schedule for The Pride of the Susquehanna, visit the online event calendar. Tickets are available now. Special tours sell out quickly, so order yours soon to avoid a sellout!
The Pride of the Susquehanna is docked at 1 Riverside Dr. on City Island in Harrisburg; phone: (717) 234-6500.
- Bottom two photos: Pride of the Susquehanna
- Remaining photos: Visit Hershey Harrisburg
