River Discovery Boat Tours
River Discovery Boat Tours
Boat Tour Tickets on Sale Now!
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!
See below to view the River Discovery Tour Season Schedule and book your next adventure aboard the Chief Uncas! Be on the lookout as we will be launching tickets for more boat tour experiences as soon the Chief Uncas hits the water.
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 Native American, Underground Railroad, and Civil War 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 Civil War history, natural heritage, and the river’s lasting legacy.
Flames Across the Susquehanna Tour
Explore the Susquehanna’s Civil War history aboard the Chief Uncas! 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.
Sunset Cruise
Be on the lookout! Tickets will go on sale soon for our popular Sunset Cruise experience!
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.
Store your cold drinks in the original ice box and use the boat’s Bluetooth speakers to play your favorite music. 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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