You cannot understand Memphis without the river, and the best way to meet it is from the water. The Memphis Riverboats sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute trip on a paddlewheel boat, with live historical commentary about past and present life on the Mississippi and views of the downtown skyline from the Downtown route. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, and snacks, drinks, alcohol and restrooms are available on board, though outside food and drink are not allowed. The schedule is seasonal, so timing matters. Daily tours run from March through September, weekend tours from Friday to Sunday run from September through November, and there are no cruises from December through February. The practical point for an autumn trip is that cruises run only from Friday to Sunday, and for a winter trip that there are none. Special cruises with dinner or music are offered at other times, and the boat sails rain or shine. It suits first-time visitors, couples and families, and it makes a calm change from the music-heavy part of a Memphis stay. The dock is down a hill from the street, so the walk can be difficult for some guests; the operator says guests with disabilities can be dropped off at the boarding location, but no transport is provided up or down the hill.
How to visit
Boarding is at 45 S Riverside Drive, Memphis, 38103. For the sightseeing cruise, the operator gives boarding as beginning at 1:30 p.m., and walk-in tickets are sold only after boarding starts and are card only, depending on availability. The site has no shade, so avoid arriving long before boarding. Tickets are not rescheduled or refunded if you miss the boat.
What to expect
Expect a relaxed ride with commentary, plenty of photo opportunities and wind on the open deck. Weekend tours are busy, so reserve in advance. Parking is limited: the cobblestones at the boarding address are uneven, are a fire lane and have no on-site security, and the alternative is a paid lot across the street from the Tennessee Welcome Center, about an 8 to 10 minute walk. Do not park at the Welcome Center itself.
Making the most of it
Choose a clear afternoon, bring sunglasses and a layer, and allow extra time to find parking. Pair the cruise with a walk across Big River Crossing or an evening on Beale Street. If you want a bundled city tour that includes a cruise, other operators offer combinations, but this is the direct way to ride the paddlewheel boat.
What to expect
The experience
A narrated paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi, with indoor and outdoor seating and drinks and snacks on board.
Best time
A clear afternoon during the daily season, or a weekend in autumn.
How long
About ninety minutes.
Tips
Reserve for weekends, allow time to find parking and do not miss boarding, as missed boats are not refunded.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors, couples and families who want to see the river.
- Families
- A calm outing with room to move, though the dock is down a hill.
- Couples
- A scenic, relaxed afternoon with skyline views.
- Pair with
- Big River Crossing or an evening on Beale Street.
- Time needed
- About two hours including boarding and parking.
Good questions
How long is the sightseeing cruise?+
It lasts 90 minutes, with live historical commentary about the Mississippi River.
When do the cruises run?+
Daily from March through September, Friday to Sunday from September through November, and not from December through February.
Where do I board?+
At 45 S Riverside Drive, Memphis, 38103. Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m. for the sightseeing cruise.
Can I buy tickets at the dock?+
Walk-in tickets are sold only after boarding starts, by card only and subject to availability, so reserving ahead is safer.
Is it accessible?+
The walk from parking can be difficult, and there is no transport up or down the hill. Guests with disabilities can be dropped off at the boarding point.
