Elkhart River Queen
Rolling on the River
For over 60 years, the Elkhart River Queen has steamed along the St. Joseph River, taking passengers for excursion rides upon the river’s broad, placid waters.
Much has changed along the riverbank, some of the older homes have given way to McMansions, what was once empty land is now lushly landscaped gardens and even the riverboat is somewhat different –having grown from its original 30 feet to 65 feet – with an addition added in 1965.
But the flow of the river and the gentle movement of the boat as it travels along, remains a calm and soothing way to wile away a Sunday afternoon.
There was a moment in time when it looked like the River Queen would not longer be a part of the city of Elkhart or the river. After years of decline, the boat was dry docked in 1997. But it was saved, restored and started running Sunday public cruises, which last two hours, and also private charters any day of the week.
There is more continuity of history here as well. The River Queen was built at the same landing where it still docks and an old red barn at the end of the dock once stood on the other side of the river until it was brought across one winter when the waters froze.
The River Queen holds 150 passengers. There’s an enclosed downstairs with snack bar and an open top deck covered with a gaily striped canvas awning.