SUSQUEHANNA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA: RIVER DISCOVERY BOAT TOURS
PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES

Discover the Susquehanna!

Explore the Susquehanna River in our comfortable, 10 passenger pontoon boat! Susquehanna National Heritage Area staff will guide participants on a 1 hour 15 minute tour of the river while sharing its rich natural and cultural history. You will experience the joy of being on the water, hearing stories of the river, and viewing beautiful scenery and wildlife.

There are a limited number of seats for the tours and registration is required. You must complete a registration for every person who plans to participate, including children. Please note that for these tours we invite individuals or groups of 4 or fewer. If you are interested in bringing a larger group, please email us at info@susquehannaheritage.org or call 717-252-0229 extension 1 for more information.

Tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage dock at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.

Registered participants must arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check-in. After this time, your reservations are not guaranteed, and your space may be made available to others.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

How much does this cost?
River Discovery Tours for the 2019 pilot season are offered free of charge to all participants thanks to grants from the National Park Service and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Donations, tips, or other considerations in return for the boat tours are prohibited.

How many people can I bring?
Reservations are limited to 4 persons maximum per tour and one reservation per tour day.

How long is the trip?
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Are there restrictions on who can go?
YES. All passengers must be:
– At least 4 years old (no infants, in arms or baby carriers.)
– Capable of negotiating the boat ramp and dock and boarding the boat without assistance. If you have physical limitations or differences, please let us know so we can discuss potential accommodations.

Susquehanna National Heritage Area reserves the right to deny service to individuals or groups in the interest of their own safety or the safety of other passengers, and to any person whose behavior is unacceptable, intrusive, or dangerous to other persons.

Where is available parking?
Parking is available at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, 1706 Long Level Road, Wrightsville, PA 17368.

Where do you begin the tour and meet the boat?
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your tour time to check-in at the Zimmerman Center’s riverfront pavilion. After this time, your reservations are not guaranteed and your space may be made available to others.
*IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, please CANCEL your reservations by calling the Zimmerman Center at 717.252.0229 extension 1 so that we can make those seats available to others!

What should I wear or bring?
Rubber-soled shoes. Flip-flops not recommended; NO heels. Comfortable clothing. Sunscreen is recommended.Hat and Sunglasses. Refillable water containers are encouraged! Susquehanna National Heritage Area does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property. IMPORTANT: Dress for the weather! There is limited shelter on our open boat. Rainy or cool weather is cooler on the river.

CHILDREN 12 YEARS OF AGE AND UNDER MUST WEAR PROVIDED PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON COMMONWEALTH WATERS AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW.

What if it rains or is stormy?
Boat trips depend on the weather. You will be exposed to the elements while on the water.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
Susquehanna National Heritage Area reserves the right to cancel the boat trip if it is too rainy or stormy or the river is too rough, or for any other operational reason.

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Susquehanna National Heritage Area staff will do our best to text or email all registered passengers in advance if your trip has been cancelled. You can also call the Zimmerman Center at 717.252.0229 extension 1 for updates.

Is there food or drinking water?
You are free to bring your own, but no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. Refillable containers are encouraged!

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NOT permitted on the boat or anywhere on Susquehanna National Heritage Area property.

Are there bathroom facilities?
There are bathrooms at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, but no bathrooms on the boat.

Are there other things to see and do at the Zimmerman Center?
The Zimmerman Center is an historic 1750s-era stone mansion on the river and an official Visitor Contact and Passport Station for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The building and site includes guided tours, heritage exhibits, river art collection, and a trailhead for Native Lands County Park. We encourage boat tour participants to arrive early or stay later to fully experience all the site has to offer.

Questions?
Please call Susquehanna National Heritage Area visitor information at 717.252.0229, extension 1.