THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Settle into an evening on the Hiawatha in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and let UpTop Catering’s 'The Soul' Menu do the rest. Hearty barbecue plates, river views, and a relaxed 90-minute cruise make for a memorable night on the water.
Settle into an evening on the Hiawatha in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and let UpTop Catering’s 'The Soul' Menu do the rest. Hearty barbecue plates, river views, and a relaxed 90-minute cruise make for a memorable night on the water.
Book with Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat · Williamsport, Pennsylvania
An evening on the Hiawatha in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is the kind of simple pleasure that makes a trip to the riverfront worth timing to sunset. The Dinner Cruise with UpTop Catering’s 'The Soul' Menu pairs slow, smoky barbecue and classic Southern sides with a gentle, 90-minute glide along Williamsport’s river corridor. Onboard, servers load platters of BBQ short ribs, fried chicken, baked mac & cheese, candied yams, collard greens with smoked turkey, cornbread and assorted cupcakes, with coffee, tea, lemonade and water—an honest, comforting menu ($45 per person) that reads like a family celebration. The boat itself, the Hiawatha, offers an easygoing platform to watch river bluffs, historic bridges and the low-slung brick and clapboard buildings of Williamsport’s waterfront slide by as daylight softens. The cruise runs roughly 6–7:30 p.m., making it a perfect evening outing for couples, families and small groups. Stroller and wheelchair access is available; guests are asked to notify the operator at least one week in advance for accommodations. What makes this experience stand out is the pairing of locally produced soul food and a waterborne perspective on a town defined by its river history. Williamsport’s waterfront was shaped by commerce and industry; aboard the Hiawatha you get a first‑hand view of that working landscape as lights begin to appear on shore. The food is the other draw: UpTop Catering’s plates are hearty and shareable, designed to encourage conversation and slow enjoyment instead of a hurried meal. Arrive at the dock about twenty minutes early to board calmly; seating is communal, so parties that want adjacent tables should request this when reserving. Children are welcome, and the menu contains approachable favorites alongside more traditional sides. While the cruise is primarily relaxed, the crew maintains standard safety briefings and life jackets are available for all ages. If weather forces a change, organizers will notify guests via the reservation contact; refunds or rescheduling options are offered according to the operator’s policy. Plan to bring a light jacket—the river breeze cools quickly after sunset—and a camera for low-angle shots of the skyline and bridge reflections. Booking through the provided referral link simplifies reservations and locks you into a specific departure. If you’re traveling from nearby towns, make the cruise the centerpiece of an evening that includes a riverside stroll beforehand or a drink at a local bar after. Practical notes: the cruise lasts about 90 minutes, price is $45 per person, and the menu includes the items listed above. Accessibility is good with advance notice. This dinner cruise is less about adrenaline and more about atmosphere: communal plates, river views, and a chance to taste soul food served with hospitality while the Williamsport shoreline passes like a slow-moving postcard.
The outing runs approximately 90 minutes, typically scheduled from about 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Yes. The vessel is stroller and wheelchair accessible; please notify the operator at least one week prior for accommodations.
The $45 per person menu includes BBQ short ribs, fried chicken, baked mac & cheese, candied yams, collard greens with smoked turkey, cornbread, cupcakes and non-alcoholic beverages listed.
Children are welcome; the menu includes approachable favorites, but check with the operator for portion or menu modifications.
Arrive about 20 minutes early to board calmly and be seated with your party when possible.
Organizers will notify guests via the reservation contact if weather forces a change; refunds or rescheduling follow the operator’s policy.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat operates public and themed excursions from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, along the scenic Susquehanna River. The Hiawatha offers a seasonal lineup that includes one-hour family-focused sails and 1.5-hour catered brunch and dinner cruises. Scheduled themed cruises include the Hero Cruise and Toy Story Cruise—one-hour experiences with character meet-and-greets, crafts, story time, snacks, and interactive onboard programming. Family favorites also include the Ice Cream Social, which blends nostalgic sundaes with river views, and special events such as the Murder Mystery Cruise produced with Amore Mortem. Catered dining options run as 1.5-hour cruises and feature local partners: UpTop Catering for July Dinner Cruise and September Brunch, Hillside Catering for Brunch on the Hiawatha and Grandparents Brunch on September 7, and Tag's for select dinner cruise dates. Menus listed for these trips include items such as Southern Shrimp & Grits, Four Cheese Frittata, French toast casserole, fresh fruit, grilled chicken tenders, and chocolate chip cookies. Many brunch and dinner sailings offer full bar service and themed drink specials. Several experiences note limited seating with capacity for up to 48 guests to preserve an intimate atmosphere. A seasonal Mother's Day promotion runs May 11, 2025, with Moms riding free on scheduled daily cruises (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM). Reservations are recommended due to themed-date scheduling and limited capacity. As a featured experience on The Adventure Collective, Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat provides curated entertainment, catered meals, and scenic river outings for families and groups visiting Williamsport.
Book with Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat