River Discovery Boat Tours
River Discovery Boat Tours
We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2026!
Tickets for next boat tour season will go on sale in April 2026! In the meantime, purchase a boat tour gift card redeemable for any boat ride next season, from scenic history tours to sunset cruises.
Built in 1912 for brewing magnate Adolphus Busch, the Chief Uncas is a 55-foot ELCO yacht with a remarkable history. From luxury cruises on Lake Otsego to heritage tours on the Susquehanna today, her story reflects innovation, industry, and the river’s enduring role in American life. This elegant electric powered motor yacht cruises the Susquehanna River each year June through October as the flagship for SNHA’s River Discovery Tours.
Each year boat tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage located at 1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368.
Boarding the Chief Uncas
Currently, to board the Chief Uncas passengers must navigate a staircase of 3 metal grated stairs with handrail to reach the height of the boat’s entrance. Then passengers must navigate the 3 step ladder into the boat with assistance of handrails. A crew member is outside the boat and explains how to board and is there to assist you and the captain is inside the boat doing the same. While our property is fully ADA accessible, our historic vessel is not, but we are working to increase accessibility in the future.
Boat Tour Gift Cards
Give the Gift of a Boat Tour Experience!
This Valentine’s Day give the gift of adventure aboard the Chief Uncas! SNHA’s River Discovery Tours offer unforgettable experiences on the Susquehanna — perfect for a date night, a family outing, or a fun day with friends.
For a limited time you will receive a Valentine’s Day card to share featuring the Chief Uncas along with your gift card purchase. Share the gift of a river adventure digitally or send a physical gift card by mail to your loved ones! Redeemable for any trip aboard the Chief Uncas next season, from scenic history tours to romantic sunset cruises.
Private Chief Uncas Experience
Request information about a Private Cruise. For more information on booking your private experience aboard the Chief Uncas in 2025 please review and complete our request form so we can find the best experience for your interest and budget.
About the Chief Uncas
The Chief Uncas was built for Adolphus Busch, co-founder of the famous American beer company, to enjoy cruises at his summer estate on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, NY – the very headwaters of the Susquehanna River. After cruising those headwaters for 109 years, the Chief Uncas begins a new chapter in its life 400 miles downriver as Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s flagship tour boat! In 2022, the Chief Uncas became a US Coastguard certified vessel. You can learn more about the history of the Chief Uncas here.
Support the Chief Uncas
Donations are essential to help SNHA provide boat tour experiences aboard the Chief Uncas for years to come. It is your continued interest and support that will make the Chief Uncas cruise the Susquehanna for another century! Your tax deductible donation to the Chief Uncas goes toward the maintenance, storage, and boat tour operations of our historic vessel.
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