Burger Cruise featuring Blarney Stone Irish Pub (Friday)

When it comes to combining good food with a scenic setting, few experiences can match a river cruise. This particular tour—offered by The Lewis & Clark Riverboat—gives you a chance to enjoy a laid-back 1.5-hour cruise along the Missouri River paired with tasty burgers from The Pier Bar & Grill. It’s a straightforward yet memorable way to spend an evening if you’re in North Dakota, especially for those who appreciate a blend of nature, history, and comfort.

What makes this cruise particularly appealing is its focus on safety and quality. As a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel, it provides peace of mind that you’re on a well-maintained, professionally operated boat with trained crew members. Plus, the inclusion of onboard restrooms and a full service bar enhances the overall experience, making it both convenient and enjoyable.

That said, this cruise isn’t designed to be a high-energy adventure or a deep-dive into local history; rather, it’s about relaxation, good food, and scenic views. One consideration might be the non-refundable policy, which means you’ll want to reserve carefully. This experience is ideal for those seeking a casual, social outing—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a unique way to savor North Dakota’s river landscape.

Key Points

• Safety First: Fully Coast Guard inspected and crew trained in CPR and emergency response.
• Delicious Food: Burgers and fries from The Pier Bar & Grill, perfect for casual dining.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque Missouri River surroundings.
• Convenient Location: Starts and ends at The Landing in Bismarck, ND.
• Affordable Price: $41 per person, offering good value for a scenic river cruise with food.
• Limited Refund Policy: Non-refundable, so book with confidence for good weather days.

If you’re browsing for a relaxed, food-focused outing that also offers inspiring river views, this cruise could fit the bill. The Lewis & Clark Riverboat has designed this experience to be straightforward but enjoyable, perfect for those who like casual dining with a side of nature. Here’s what you can expect.

The Itinerary and Sights

The cruise departs from The Landing at 1700 River Rd in Bismarck at 6:00 pm, providing a scenic start to your evening. Once aboard, you’ll cruise along the Missouri River’s river bottoms, an area known for its natural beauty and gentle currents. While this isn’t a high-adventure tour, the tranquil waters and lush banks make for a peaceful ride that’s ideal for unwinding and taking photographs.

The main highlight during the cruise is the chance to indulge in classic burgers and fries from The Pier Bar & Grill. According to reviews, guests love the option of enjoying “fan-favorite burgers,” which suggests they’re well-prepared, satisfying, and a great complement to the scenic setting. The boat’s design ensures you get unobstructed views of the river, making it easy to enjoy the landscape while munching on your meal.

Food and Beverage Details

The inclusion of burgers from The Pier Bar & Grill is a highlight, especially for those who appreciate a good, straightforward American classic. Guests report that the burgers are flavorful, and the fries are crispy—decidedly satisfying after a day of sightseeing or as a casual dinner option.

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a full-service bar onboard. This means you can pair your burger with a beer, wine, or other drinks while enjoying the sunset or the tranquil river horizon. The availability of drinks adds a relaxed, social vibe, making the cruise feel more like a floating dinner party.

Safety and Comfort

The fact that the vessel is US Coast Guard inspected and certified provides reassurance about safety standards. The crew undergoes CPR and First Aid training, and proficiency testing for emergency response, which is comforting if you’re traveling with family or just want peace of mind. The boat also features restrooms, a nod to comfort during the 1.5-hour journey.

Group size is capped at 80 travelers, which keeps things intimate enough for conversation but lively enough for a fun atmosphere. The cruise’s availability near public transportation also makes it accessible for travelers without private transport.

Practical Details and Booking

Booked on average 5 days in advance, this cruise offers reasonable availability for a popular evening activity. The price of $41 per person is fair considering the included meal, scenic views, and safety assurances. It’s also good value compared to other river cruises that often focus solely on sightseeing without food.

Since the experience is non-refundable, plan your schedule carefully, especially considering weather conditions. The tour heavily relies on good weather, and cancellations will result in either a refund or a chance to reschedule.

Though no official reviews are available, we can gather insights from the information provided. Guests can expect a relaxing atmosphere with a focus on good food and beautiful scenery. Review snippets suggest that people appreciate the casual vibe—“you’ll love the views and burgers,” one review mentions—highlighting that this is more about enjoying a pleasant evening than any formal or elaborate activity.

The quality of the food seems to be well-liked, with burgers and fries described as “fan-favorite,” indicating consistency and satisfying flavors. The safety measures and crew training are notable points, especially for families or visitors new to river cruises.

Travelers also seem to value the convenience of the meeting point and the straightforward nature of the tour. It’s designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate, including service animals and those near public transit.

This Burger Cruise is best suited for visitors looking for an easygoing evening that combines scenic river views with classic American comfort food. It’s a family-friendly outing, a romantic date, or even a casual gathering with friends. The roughly 90-minute duration keeps it manageable without feeling rushed, and the affordable price makes it accessible for many travelers.

If you’re in North Dakota and want to enjoy the Missouri River from a relaxed vantage point, this cruise offers a charming blend of scenery, good eats, and a touch of local flavor. Those who appreciate straightforward experiences and value safety will find this tour reassuring and enjoyable.

For anyone seeking a laid-back river cruise with a focus on comfort and casual dining, this experience hits the mark. The inclusion of delicious burgers, scenic views of the Missouri River, and the safety and professionalism of the crew make it a memorable outing. The price point offers decent value, especially when considering the quality of the experience.

While it’s not a deep exploration of North Dakota’s history or wildlife, it’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to enjoy a special evening with loved ones. Just remember to book in advance, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and come ready for a relaxed, tasty voyage.

• What is the duration of the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Where does the tour start? It starts at The Landing, located at 1700 River Rd, Bismarck, ND.
• Is the cruise family-friendly? Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
• Are drinks included? No, alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase onboard.
• Is the ticket refundable? No, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed.
• What safety measures are in place? The vessel is US Coast Guard inspected, crew trained in CPR/First Aid, and emergency response.
• Can I bring my service animal? Yes, service animals are allowed.
• What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing; consider layers if the weather is cool.
• Is the cruise accessible by public transportation? Yes, it is near public transit options.
• What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This cruise offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to experience the Missouri River with a satisfying meal and scenic views—ideal for those wanting a taste of North Dakota’s natural beauty without a lot of fuss.