River Discovery Boat Tours
River Discovery Tours
We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2025!
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 tour experiences depart from the Zimmerman Center located at 1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368.
See below to view the River Discovery Tour Season Schedule and book your next adventure aboard the Chief Uncas!
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.
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
Come aboard the Chief Uncas for a 1-hour guided tour where you will experience the joy of being on the water aboard a historic vessel, hear stories of the river, and view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Explore the Susquehanna’s lasting legacy on our signature River Discovery Tour or learn about the river’s Native American, Civil War, or haunted history on our popular theme tours.
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.
Sunset Cruise
Watch the Sunset over the Susquehanna!
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.
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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