River Discovery Boat Tours
River Discovery Boat Tours
Fall Boat Tours are Setting Sail!
Built in 1912 for beer tycoon Adolphus Busch, this electric-powered launch cruised Otsego Lake, the headwaters of the Susquehanna, for over a century. Today the Chief Uncas cruises the Susquehanna 400 miles downstream as the flagship for SNHA’s River Discovery Tours! This elegant electric powered motor yacht cruises the Susquehanna River each year June through October.
SNHA’s unique boat tour experiences depart from the Zimmerman Center located at 1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368.
Make your summer plans to experience the joy of being on the water, view local wildlife, and hear stories of the river as you cruise the Susquehanna aboard the Chief Uncas! Our boat tour team looks forward to welcoming you aboard for a one of a kind boat tour the whole family will enjoy!
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.
River Discovery Tour
Discover the history of the Chief Uncas and the Susquehanna River’s lasting legacy on this signature boat tour! Take in the spectacular river views as SNHA guides you on a journey through the river’s cultural and natural heritage. A great experience for all ages!
For the 2025 season tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for youth (ages 5 to 17). If you are 65 or older take advantage of the senior discount by purchasing a senior ticket for $22. Children under 5 years old are $5.
Special Theme Boat Tours
Personalize your experience by choosing from one of our popular special theme tours allowing you to explore the Susquehanna’s Native American history, spooky heritage, or the river’s lasting legacy.
Native Peoples’ of the Susquehanna Tour
Explore the Susquehanna’s Native American history! On this 1 – hour boat tour, SNHA will introduce you to the story of this area’s Native Peoples’ as you pass historic Native American sites. Learn about the Native American man, Chief Uncas of the Mohegan people, whose fictionalized life inspired the name of our historic boat.
Haunted Heritage Tour
Explore the Susquehanna’s haunted heritage as SNHA guides you on a 1-hour tour of the river, sharing stories of the Susquehanna’s strange happenings, creature sightings, and historic tragedies. Cruise through the haunted waters of the Susquehanna as the Chief Uncas is transformed into a ghost ship. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and complimentary candy will be found on board!
This is a storytelling cruise recommended for ages 10+.
To see what stories will be told on this special theme tour check out SNHA’s Haunted Heritage Guide.
Sunset Cruise
Get your friends together or plan the perfect date night to watch the sunset over the Susquehanna on this 1.5 hour unique personalized experience! Bring aboard food and B.Y.O.B. alcoholic beverages for a relaxing evening cruise under the setting sun.
A knowledgeable crew member is aboard as your guide to answer questions or give a tour of the river. Tickets cost $50 per person.
Boat Tour Gift Cards
Give the Gift of a Boat Tour Experience!
Chief Uncas gift cards make the perfect gift for the ones you love! Whether you are looking for a date night or a fun family adventure, SNHA’s River Discovery Tours offer unique experiences on the Susquehanna everyone can enjoy! Each gift card can be redeemed towards any trip on the Chief Uncas.
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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