riverboat cruise madison indiana

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Madison IN (Indiana)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-07 19:47

Port Madison IN cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Madison IN, Indiana. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Madison IN is an Ohio River cruise port and city in Jefferson County (Indiana USA) with population around 12,000. In addition to the town's residents, 55,000+ people live just within 15 mi (24 km) from downtown. On Ohio River, between Louisville Kentucky and Cincinnati Ohio ) Madison is the largest by population town. The Louisville-Elizabethtown-Madison metro area has population around 1,5 million.

Most of Madison IN's downtown (133 blocks) is designated "National Historic Landmark".

Another "Madison" cruise port is Fort Madison in Iowa (on Mississippi River).

Madison IN is on the river's north bank, bordered to the south by Milton KY. Both towns are connected via Milton-Madison Bridge, which also carries Route 421 (passing directly through downtown Madison). To the north, the road links with Versailles IN (26 mi / 42 km) and to the south with Campbellsburg KY (23 mi / 37 km). Madison is the southern terminus of Indiana State Road 7 (highway linking to Vernon IN, 23 mi / 37 km northwest). Ohio River Scenic Byway links to Vevay (20 mi / 32 km east) and to Louisville KY (23 mi / 37 km west). The road distance from Madison to Scottsburg. is 48 mi (77 km, southwest) and to Cincinnati is 68 mi (109 km, northeast).

Town's construction started in 1810 and it soon started to rapidly develop due to river shipping trade. Indiana State's first railroad was opened in 1847 and in 1921 became part of the Pennsy (Pennsylvania Railroad Company, in 1882 tanked as the world's largest corporation by annual traffic and revenue).

As a cruise port, Madison IN is included in the regular schedule of the USA's largest river cruise company - ACL-American Cruise Lines . The riverport is also regularly visited by ships of AQSC-American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company . The next tables show two of the Madison-inclusive itineraries as port sequences.

(ship American Duchess / AQSC) 7-day itinerary from St Louis to Cincinnati, priced from ~USD 2000 per person with double occupancy

(ACL ship America/American Splendor ) 14-day itinerary from St Paul to New Orleans

Similarly named is Fort Madison (Iowa) - a future planned call port (on Mississippi) for ships of Viking River Cruises USA .

Madison IN - user reviews and comments

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Madison, Indiana: ‘Most Beautiful River Town in America’

ON THE OHIO RIVER_Day two of our American Queen cruise finds us docked in Madison, Indiana, called by Charles Kuralt “the most beautiful river town in America.”

Founded in 1809, the former transportation hub for Mid-America, which also played an important role in the Underground Railroad, is today a collection of charming historic homes, shops and museums. After a quick buffet breakfast at the Front Porch, we board a bus at our appointed time to begin our hop on, hop off tour of the city.

We are each given a map that notes all the drop-off points, with detailed descriptions of what we’ll see and recommended time to spend at each. You can choose to “hop off” at any one. Buses are running all day and usually come by every 15 minutes or so for pickup. On each bus, American Queen has placed knowledgeable tour guides that convey helpful information about what we’ll see.

The weather is surprisingly mild and overcast for our visit, where our first stop is the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the last of its kind in the United States and possibly the world. What’s a saddletree, you ask? That’s the wooden frame that holds a saddle. Opened in the late 1800s, it closed in 1972, but everything is still in place for tours. Pam learned they also made clothespins as a lucrative sidelight. Guides are on hand to explain it all.

The next three stops we choose are all historic houses: The Shrewsbury-Windle House, built in 1846-1849, in Greek revival style, with its 12 rooms, 13 fireplaces and a winding spiral staircase. Up the street is the Schofield House, a two-story tavern house built in 1815. In 1818, Masons from across the state met here to form the Grand Lodge of Indiana.

Our last stop is the imposing Lanier Mansion, another Greek revival home overlooking the Ohio River. Considered the “crown jewel” of the Madison Historic District, it belonged to James F.D. Lanier, a highly successful business leader with 11 children.

Back on the American Queen, it’s time for lunch, so we head to the main dining room where they are serving an express buffet. Along with roast turkey and dressing, we both had to try the Coco-Cola Green Beans, which had a slightly sweet taste.

In the afternoon, a river expert gave an informative lecture on “Discover the River,” providing numerous facts and stories about the waterway we’re traversing. For example, she said its muddy color is the result of rainfall. She also said we would go through 13 locks on the way to our final destination, Pittsburgh.

That was followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception in the Grand Saloon, where we met the boat’s officers and raised a champagne toast to our voyage. The captain told us the boat would average six miles an hour as we traveled upstream.

There’s no mistaking when it’s time to sail away to our next destination. If you are in the vicinity of the River Grill and Bar on deck 5, you’ll get an ear-splitting melody of old-time favorites played on a on a steam calliope. Thankfully, the barkeeper keeps a bottle of earplugs for the occasion.

Next up, the early entertainment show at the Grand Saloon. Tonight’s offering is a “Southern Celebration,” featuring a quartet of singers and dancers, along with the house band, the Steamboat Syncopators. It’s a spirited, fast-paced production. As the show starts, Pam takes note of a second level of what look to be private boxes for suite owners. Upon checking with a housekeeper, she discovers there is one open for regular folks like us — nice!

During dinner in main dining, we take note that everything seems suddenly darker. Looking outside our window table, we see a solid wall going by. That can only mean we have entered our first lock. Having seen locks in action at the Panama Canal and German rivers, it’s an interesting process to watch.

Not ready to call it a night, we gravitate to the Engine Room Bar, where musicians Jay and Logan are taking requests and delivering rock and roll tunes in front of a backdrop of spinning paddlewheel blades seen in porthole windows. We even get to try out our dancing shoes along with other late night revelers.

Tomorrow we dock in Cincinnati. Until then.

PHOTOS by Gerry Barker

• The Lanier Mansion in Madison, Indiana
• The captain at the welcome reception
• The Saddletree Factory in Madison
• The American Queen transverses the first of 13 locks (cover photo)

See sailings here  American Queen Voyages Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

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Midweek Lunch Excursion

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 5 hours
• Cruise Ship Trip Distance: 75 miles

Great food, stories & scenery on this lunch cruise

Come enjoy a five-hour scenic cruise departing Madison and heading downriver toward Louisville for a great lunch stop at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grill.

Experience a beautiful section of the Ohio River that can’t be seen from a road, spot Bald Eagles, pass by historic town sites and cruise under the new Lewis & Clark Bridge.

Your Captain will share amazing river stories along the way. A great way to have a wonderful lunch and a truly unique river experience.

(MEAL COST NOT INCLUDED)

Related Jet Boat Tours

• Cruise Ship 155 miles
• Hour Glass 2 days

2 Day Kentucky River Adventure

The 155 mile round trip two-day Kentucky River Adventure is the ultimate river experience and so much fun. Not another river tour like it anywhere.

• Cruise Ship 40 miles
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Scenic River Tour

Cruise along a beautiful section of the Ohio River on this scenic 40 mile 2 hour jet boat tour.  Your Captain and crew will point out Bald Eagles, areas of historic interest and share amazing river stories.

Rockin Thunder River Tours

Fun river tours of the Ohio River and Kentucky River. 3 different tours to choose from. A 40 mile 2 hour Scenic River Tour, 75 mile 5 hour Lunch Excursion and a 155 mile 2 day Kentucky River Adventure. Each tour offers a unique river experience for lovers of history, wildlife and wonderful scenery.

Season Open Late May – Mid-October: 10am-7pm; closed Mondays. (Subject to weather & river conditions.)

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The One-of-a-Kind Boat Adventure You Have to Try in Madison

I first met Captains Janet & Paul about 5 years ago when they rode into Madison hoping to start a jet boat tour business on the Ohio River. Five years later, they have expanded their tours, added 2 new crew members (Captain Will & Deck Crew Steve) to the team, upgraded to a new bigger boat, delighted their customers and provided a totally unique experience on the Ohio & Kentucky Rivers. Rockin' Thunder offers a one of a kind experience: the ONLY jet boat tours on the Ohio & Kentucky Rivers. Happy 5th Anniversary!

Last week, I had the chance to join the team when they launched (for the first time) the new Hell's Canyon Jet Boat (the only one in the Midwest) for the first test run on the Ohio River. It has individual comfy padded seats for 24 passengers (+ 2 crew), a roof for sun protection with removable panels for great views, a quiet engine and all kinds of new technology to give you the best ride possible. It was a fun day on the river and the new boat is ready to rock! Captain Paul says, "This is the first commercial passenger vehicle built to run between Madison IN and Frankfort KY in 100 years and it's the only boat of its kind in Indiana or Kentucky."

If you want a totally unique experience, an unforgettable family adventure or a rockin' good time, Rockin' Thunder Jet Boat Rides are a "must do". Check it out and book early!

Choose from 5 tours:

15 Mile Rockin' Thrill Ride Get splashed, scream, laugh, have fun but don't get too scared - Rockin' Thunder has thrilled riders from 8 (kids must be 40 inches tall) to 80+. From the minute the music starts, you're in for the experience of a lifetime. Spins, fishtails, slides, it rocks! It's kind of like a roller coaster ride on the water.

40 Mile Scenic Tour Explore 2 of America's historic rivers -the Ohio & Kentucky. From Madison you'll cruise upriver to Carrollton KY where you'll enter the Kentucky River and cruise to Lock 1, built in 1838. Here's your chance to spot Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons and more. These rivers were very important to westward expansion and your captain will share their stories (think Daniel Boone, steamboats, Underground Railroad).

75 Mile Wednesday Lunch Excursion Board in Madison and head downriver (toward Louisville) for a lunch stop at Captain's Quarters Riverside Grill. See river wildlife, learn about the history and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

90 Mile Sunday Dinner Adventure From Madison you'll venture up the Kentucky River, lock through two 1838 dams (recently restored), catch a look at some Bald Eagles, learn about river history and most of all have a unique fun experience. For dinner, you'll stop at Blue Wing Landing, an 1850s peach plantation.

155 Mile Kentucky River Adventure - The most popular choice! This round trip, two day adventure takes you from Madison up the Ohio River, then up the Kentucky River to Frankfort KY. You'll see scenic deep canyons, beautiful scenery, local wildlife, old growth forests, and lock through 4 historic locks built in 1838 and recently restored. Tour Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery, explore Frankfort and spend the night. Then head back downriver to Madison (watch for nesting Bald Eagles along the way!) This is a one of a kind adventure, only available with Rockin' Thunder.

You'll definitely want to stay for a couple of days to explore Madison, find everything you need to know at Visit Madison . For more outdoor adventure, checkout Clifty Falls State Park in Madison.

For more fun on the water, check out the Riverpalooza and Dragon Boat Races in Fort Wayne!

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The One Of A Kind Ferry Boat Adventure You Can Take In Indiana

Courtney Johnston

Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.

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Once the weather starts to warm, the outdoor activities to enjoy in the Hoosier state are seemingly endless. When it comes to boat rides, you can enjoy scenic tours to epic lakeside adventures. In fact, there’s even a pretty non-traditional ferry boat adventure you can take in southern Indiana that’s simply unforgettable.

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Have you ever experienced this unique ferry boat ride in Indiana? Which boating excursion did you take?

For another incredible boating experience in the Hoosier state, be sure to check out this scenic riverboat cruise .

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River & Ocean Cruising

Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of world-class ships of from first-class hotels and lodges during your land-portion cruisetour.

*Photo by MTC owner Sandy Dierdorf in October 2022 during her river cruise down the Rhine and Moselle Rivers in northeastern Europe .

Experience breathtaking vistas when you take a European river cruise. Witness rolling hills filled with vineyards, ancient castles and charming villages.

North America

*North American cruises allow you to traverse multiple rivers in the United States. One of the ports you can visit is Madison, Indiana, the hometown of MTC!

Mysteries of the past enlist life-long learners while sprawling parks and trails make way for recreation. Discover hidden American gems best reached by riverway. Lovers of adventure, connoisseurs of culture, and devotees of cuisine — welcome to the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

Embrace the aloha spirit by witnessing and exploring Hawaii’s floral-scented valleys, crystal clear water and black-sand beaches.

The sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean are calling. Relax on gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, discover the ancient treasures of the Mayans, or let your cares melt away while relaxing to steel drum melodies. Let us help you find the best Caribbean cruise to suit your vacation desires.

Journey along the lifeline of egyptian civilization on a Nile river cruise, experiencing incredible sights that include ancient temples, tombs, and local villages. Measuring 4,160 miles, the Nile River is the longest river in the world, flowing north from Lake Victoria through Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. Passing rainforests, mountains, savannas, swamps, and desert landscapes, it culminates in the fertile Nile Delta and drains into the Mediterranean Sea.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean cruises deliver ancient glories and modern delights, from Rome’s legendary Colosseum, Croatia’s medieval walls to trendsetting Barcelona and much more. Everyday is filled with iconic cityscapes and landmarks, flaxen beaches, and remote coastal villages, fresh seafood paired with incredible wine. A cruise to the Mediterranean is the best way to experience all that this breathtaking place has to offer

A journey on one of Asia’s great rivers offers a tapestry of fascinating sights, colorful culture, and ancient traditions. Asia cruises bring you closer to all the must-see sights and introduces you to the locals and their way of life.

Cruisetour – Journey beyond your ship

There are also sailings to Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and a variety of remote South Pacific destinations.

A cruisetour invites you to explore your cruise destination beyond the deck of your ship. We can help you coordinate land portions before, during and after your cruise.

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Dinner Boat Rides

• March 10, 2016

Once the only way to travel before roads, and when thick forests carpeted our state, now Indiana’s waterways—winding rivers, inland lakes and even a long stretch of Lake Michigan coast—still beckon us to journey in ways of yore. So climb aboard—the water’s great—whether it’s a wine cruise on Patoka Lake, navigating past the grounds of an old hotel where Al Capone stayed on the Dixie, Indiana’s oldest sternwheeler paddleboat, or a voyage along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore with Captain Ed’s Big Deck Charters.

In Fort Wayne, Captain Black’s Pontoon Tours depart from Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot for a two-hour “guided history” tour traveling on the St.Mary’s and St. Joseph rivers in downtown Fort Wayne.The standard tour is $250 for a group of 12 passengers maximum and the Deluxe costs $350 for the group and includes food and drinks which must be ordered 48 hours in advance.

The Deck at the Gas House (this longtime favorite restaurant in downtown Fort Wayne earned its name because its located at the site of a 19th century gas plant) offers 20-minute rides along the St. Mary’s River Thursday through Saturday beginning around 6 p.m. You can also call to make a reservation.

During the season in Koskiusko County, the Wawasee Tour Boat Co. offers daily tours on the Oakwood Tour Boat, which holds 40 people, of the 27-acre Lake Wawasee, Indiana’s largest natural lake, named for Miami Chief Wawasee. For those staying at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, where the boat is docked, the tour is free; otherwise the one-hour trip costs just $10 per person. The boat is also available for private charters.

Combine brunch, lunch or dinner with a voyage on the S.S. Lillypad II, a two-story, houseboat. At 70 feet long, it’s the largest boat on Lake Wawasee and accommodates groups of up to 110 people. The boat can be booked for private parties, and offers several public cruises each month for varying lengths— two, three or four hours. The vessel’s big-screen TV also accommodates parties for viewing Notre Dame football in late summer and early fall. Each year the S.S. Lillypad II features themed parties such as Gilligan’s Island or Margaritaville.

For decades, The Dixie, the state’s oldest sternwheeler paddleboat, has traversed the silvery blue waters of Webster Lake just blocks from the downtown of North Webster in Northern Indiana. On the National Registry of Historic Places, The Dixie offers 90-minute cruises starting Memorial Day weekend. “Before there were good roads and cars, people would stand on the pier and wave at the boat so they could get a ride,” says former Dixie owner Dan Thystrup. He also noted the original boat, the City of Webster, was built in 1908 and functioned as a floating blacksmith, lumber, post office and grocery ferry, visiting the piers of houses that lined the shore of this 500-acre lake in North Webster, a small old-fashioned lake town. Replaced in 1928, this Dixie has been updated over the years, offering regularly scheduled cruises as well as being available for private charters.

The 135-foot-long Madam Carroll, the largest licensed United States Coast Guard approved vessel in Indiana, was built in August of 1976 and has run continuously for the last four decades. Available for both public and private cruises on the 1,500-acre Lake Freeman in Monticello, Madame Carroll’s public cruises sail each Saturday night and some Friday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Cruise options include sightseeing, dinner or special events and last between two to three hours.

Thick woodlands surround Indiana’s second largest manmade lake, 8,800-acre Patoka Lake, making bald eagle and other wildlife sightings (osprey, deer, wild turkeys) a common occurrence. So climb aboard one of the two tour boats which dock at Patoka Lake Marina in Birdseye. Tour options include sunset wine and beer cruises, Wednesday nights and select Sunday afternoon rides.

For more information visit:

American Queen: 888-749-5280; americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

BB Riverboats: (800) 261-8586; bbriverboats.com/thunder_over_louisville.html

Broad Ripple Boat Company: (317) 254-2628; broadrippleboatco.com

CaptainBlack’s: (260)420-3962; fwoutfitters.com/rental-info/captain-blacks-pontoon-tour/

Captain Ed’s Big Deck Charters: (219) 363-2909; michigancitycharters.com

The Deck at the Gas House: (260) 417-3249; donhalls.com

The Dixie: (800) 566-2551; ridethedixie.com

Madam Carroll: (574) 583-3545; madamcarroll.com

Oakwood Resort Tour Boat: (574) 457-7100; oakwoodresort.com

Patoka Lake Marina: (812) 685-2203; patokalakemarina.com

S.S. Lillypad: (574) 529-3300; sslillypad.com

Rockin’ Thunder Jet Boat Rides: 812-701-1155; rockinthunder.com

Queen of the Mississippi: 800-460-4518; americancruiselines.com/cruises

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