The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Guide

Houseboat the Mississippi

By Anna Stevens

The Adventure: Great River Houseboats on the Mississippi offers two vacations in one. Renting a houseboat to take down the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers offers all the comforts of a cabin, but this cabin can stop at shops, restaurants, beaches and golf courses along the way. Great River Houseboats has multiple boats of differing sizes and amenities. Swimming, water slides, fishing, bonfires on the beach, golf courses nearby and locking your boat through the dams are just some of the things you can do on your trip. The best part? Parking on a sandy beach and watching the sunset along the serene Mississippi river bed.

What We Wrote About It (Steve Lange, June ‘01): “... We beach the boat on the Minnesota side a few miles south of Lock Four and set the anchors on the shore. We climb one of the dunes then, exhausted, roll back down before walking the water’s edge on a search for freshwater clam shells.”

What You Need To Bring: Besides your basic necessities, remember to bring food to cook on the grill (which they provide). Games to play on the boat are also recommended.

Where You Go: River Heights Marina, 4455 66th St., Inver Grove Heights.

What You Pay: Full week rental ($1700-$2400); two-, three-, or four-day rental ($600-$1600). Other options available.

Find Out More: 651-565-3376; www.greatriverhouseboats.com

Other On-Water Options: In addition to on-river rental spots like Fun ‘N Sun (www.funsun.com), a good clearinghouse of houseboat rentals can be found at www.houseboatrentals.com.