Bismarck cruise provides relaxing evening on Missouri River
We enjoyed a wonderful and peaceful cruise on the Missouri River as a night cap for our recent visit to Bismarck, North Dakota. The Lewis and Clark Riverboat offers a 90-minute evening cruise.
The river was calm during our trip. Looking out toward the shore, it felt like we were on a giant lake. The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States. It empties into the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. It’s 2,341 miles long.
Our river cruise took us only a few miles downstream and back. The Missouri River is much cleaner in North Dakota than it is near home. Once the river hits Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, it starts picking up more dirt and other “gifts” from the communities along the way. It has a nickname of the “Muddy Mo” once it reaches home.
However, this story is about a much more pleasant experience. It was a great way to finish our day. The air had a slight nip. We didn’t wear jackets, but that was OK.
The river cruise launched at about 8 p.m., just in time to catch a beautiful sunset. The Missouri looks amazing with a sunset backdrop. Boats kept driving up and down the river well after darkness had set in.
A man was fishing along the river bank near the riverboat’s dock. I heard him tell someone he was catching small fish with no keepers.
While we enjoyed our riverboat cruise, we encourage people to arrive up to an hour before launch. You can take a short walk along the river shore and visit some beautiful art pieces at Steamboat Park and Keelboat Park.
Steamboat Park has a model boat along the shore. You can stand above the river on it. It’s a great spot for snapping photos of the sun set or to watch people boating.
“Reflections” is a Native American-designed piece that features an eagle engulfing a mirrored ball. The ball’s reflective surface gives the piece its name.
We saw one of the most beautiful pieces of art we’ve ever seen with the Thunderbird. The four-headed sculpture features the Thunderbird head and talons. The bird’s heads jut out of thunder clouds with lightning in its eyes.
Several native tribes believed the Thunderbird was the power behind the storms on the prairies and deserts.
The entire riverboat experience was fun – from the walk in the park to the actual cruise on the Missouri River.
Please note that the riverboat cruises are now completed for the season. The 2016 season should run between May and September, depending on the weather.
For more information on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat, please visit:
www.discoverbismarckmandan.com
www.lewisandclarkriverboat.com
Disclaimer: Thanks to the North Dakota Tourism Division for organizing the cruise. Thanks to the Bismarck-Mandan visitors bureau and Lewis and Clark Riverboat for the complimentary tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.
