Downtown Winona will be bustling with activity in the coming months as dozens of cruise ship dockings are scheduled to take place at the levee July – November 2021.
The American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess will be the first paddlewheeler to dock in Winona this season on Saturday, July 24 from 7am – 6pm. Other dockings dates will be July 31 from 7am – 3pm, August 3 and August 6 from 7am – 6pm. The American Countess will dock on August 30 from 7am – 6pm.
New to working with Winona is the American Cruise Lines, based in Guilford, Connecticut, with three riverboats that will dock twenty-two times in Winona this year. America will be at the Winona Levee on Monday, July 26 from 1pm – 11:30pm. The public is welcome to join the City of Winona in an official welcome at 1pm on Cal Fremling Drive to celebrate the long-term commitment of the cruise lines with the City. Cal Fremling Drive will remain open to vehicles. However, drivers are asked to slow down for people crossing the street, and for passengers getting on and off the tour shuttle buses.
American Cruise Lines operates 13 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 itineraries in over 30 states. Other river boats in the American Cruise Lines fleet that will sail the Upper Mississippi River include the Queen of the Mississippi (classic paddlewheeler), and the contemporary American Melody.
Visit Winona volunteers will greet the passengers and provide visitor information, directing them to Winona’s attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The Winona County Historical Society will provide experienced guides tours of the city and encourage the travelers to explore Winona’s featured attractions. No tours of the boat will be available. Dockings are subject to change due to weather.