Home to a large network of lakes, rivers and other waterways, Oklahoma is a scenic playground for water enthusiasts, fisherman and nature lovers. With the Arkansas, Kiamichi, Mountain Fork and Illinois River flowing through its backyard, Oklahoma offers an array of riverboat cruises throughout the state.
Oklahoma River Cruises
- Launched in 2008, Oklahoma River Cruises offers a variety of public and private tours, transportation and themed boat rides. Public cruises include daily ferry service along the seven-mile stretch of Oklahoma River, between downtown and the hotels, restaurants and boutiques of Meridian Avenue. There are three boarding sites for the cruise, Regatta Park, Meridian Landing and the new Exchange Landing, located halfway between the other two docks. Holding up to 40 passengers, each leg of the cruise lasts around 45 minutes and costs $6 for adults, as of May 2010, with children under six admitted for free. Themed cruises include History Comes Alive, featuring important figures from Oklahoma's past, Saturday cartoon cruises, sunset cruises and live music and entertainment on Sunday. Riverboats can also be rented for private events, such as weddings, birthday parties and reunions.Oklahoma River Cruises
Oklahoma City, OK
405-702-7755
okrivercruises.com
Cherokee Queen
- Located in the scenic Grand Lake region of northeastern Oklahoma, the Cherokee Queen paddlewheel riverboat has been touring the areas' network of interconnecting lakes since its launch in 1945. From a sightseeing dinner cruise and barbecue and prime rib nights with live music to personalized private charters for special events, the Cherokee Queen offers an array of cruises with panoramic views of the surrounding wildlife. The fleet includes two classic paddlewheel boats, the original 1945, Cherokee Queen I, spanning 67-feet with two decks and the Cherokee Queen II, featuring three decks, two dance floors and room for more than 350 passengers. Cherokee Queen II can be rented for a variety of large private events, with prices starting at $2,000 for a two hour cruise, as of May 2010.Cherokee Queen
11350 N. Hwy. 59
Grove, Oklahoma
918-786-4272
cherokeequeen.com
Bricktown Water Taxi
- Take a leisurely cruise along the Bricktown Canal, surrounded by the restaurants, bars and sporting attractions of downtown Oklahoma City's entertainment district. Offering guided canal tours, private charters and dinner, cocktail and special event cruises, Bricktown Water Taxi has been providing tours of the area for more than 10 years. Located across the street from the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, water taxi's board every 15 minutes, with tours taking around 40 minutes for a round trip. Holding up to 40 passengers, boats can be rented for private tours and events, starting at around $200 for a one hour charter, as of May 2010.Bricktown Water Taxi
111 S. Mickey Mantle Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405-234-8263
bricktownwatertaxi.com
