River Discovery Boat Tours
River Discovery Boat Tours
We look forward to welcoming you aboard! Tickets are on sale for June – Labor day!
Built in 1912 for beer tycoon Adolphus Busch, the Chief Uncas is a 55-foot ELCO yacht with a remarkable history. This elegant electric powered motor yacht cruises the Susquehanna River each year June through October as the flagship for SNHA’s River Discovery Tours.
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. Each year boat tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage located at 1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368.
See below to view our season schedule, tour offerings, and book your next river adventure!
Season Schedule
See below to view the unique boat tour experiences we are offering this season!
River Discovery Tour
Explore the Susquehanna on our signature introductory tour!
Enjoy being on the water, spot local wildlife, and hear captivating stories of the river’s rich history as you cruise the Susquehanna on a unique boat tour experience the whole family will love. Take in the spectacular river views as SNHA guides you on a journey through the river’s cultural and natural heritage you will never forget.
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.
Sunset Cruise
Watch the Sunset over the Susquehanna! 
1.5 hour Sunset Cruises give you the chance to roam the historic Chief Uncas for a personalized relaxing evening experience on the river. Bring aboard food and B.Y.O.B. alcoholic beverages to enjoy as the Chief Uncas silently cruises under the setting sun.
A knowledgeable crew member is aboard as your guide to answer questions or give a tour of the river. The perfect experience for a date night or fun time with friends! Tickets cost $50 per person for this premium evening experience offered on Fridays and Saturdays.
Heritage Cruise
These 1.5-hour Thursday cruises offer a unique opportunity to experience the Susquehanna River at sunset while hearing engaging stories from guest speakers about the region’s history, environment, and culture. Tickets are $60 per person. See below the exciting line up of speakers who will be sharing their knowledge and stories with us this season!
Health of the River with Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis – July 23 at 7pm
Birdlife of the Susquehanna with Sarah Gotwols – August 6 at 7pm
Geology of the Susquehanna with Geologist Jeri Jones – August 27 at 6:30pm
July’s Special Theme Tour
Flames Across the Susquehanna Tour
Explore the Susquehanna’s Civil War history on this educational 1-hour boat tour!
Take in the spectacular river views as SNHA guides you on a journey to view the stone piers that once held the world’s longest wooden covered bridge that was burned to prevent the Confederate militia from crossing. Don’t miss your chance to take this tour offered only July – August.
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.
Boarding the Chief Uncas
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 the Zimmerman Center property is fully ADA accessible, our historic vessel is not, but we are working to increase accessibility in the future.
Passenger Reviews
Our team welcomes aboard over 4,000 passengers each year aboard the Chief Uncas! See what our wonderful passengers have shared about their experience over the past 5 years:
“The tour of the river on Chief Uncas was wonderful. The boat is lovely and so unique. The guide narrating the tour and answering questions was terrific. She was friendly, fun, knowledgeable and informative. The price is more than reasonable and so worth it.”
“Our boat tour was an excellent experience! We would recommend this tour to everyone and can’t wait to ride again!”
“The boat history tour was excellent. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. And the views were beautiful!”
Boat Tour Gift Cards
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 from scenic history tours to romantic sunset cruises.
Chief Uncas Gift Bags
New this season, you can bring the Chief Uncas boat into your home with our new branded merchandise. The perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cruising the Susquehanna on our historic tour boat! Purchase items from our visitor center gift shop individually or together in our Chief Uncas gift bag. The gift bag includes an etched cocktail glass featuring the Chief Uncas, a baseball cap branded with the Chief Uncas logo, a detailed metal pin, along with a sticker and a magnet for the limited time price of $40.
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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