HUDSON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Fireworks Over the St. Croix: A Stillwater 4th of July Dinner Cruise
A 3.5-hour, rain-or-shine evening cruise from Hudson with a dinner buffet, cash bar, and front-row river views of the Stillwater fireworks display — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Fireworks Over the St. Croix: A Stillwater 4th of July Dinner Cruise.
Celebrate Independence Day on the river with a guided evening cruise that combines a full dinner buffet, a cash bar, and a fireworks finale viewed from the St. Croix — a purpose-built event that runs regardless of weather and is timed to return to the dock shortly after the display.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A hearty buffet aboard
The cruise includes a seated dinner buffet featuring Zesty BBQ ribs, herb-baked chicken (GF/DF), mostaccioli with red sauce, salads, seasonal vegetables, rolls and a chef's-choice dessert — a complete meal service delivered on the water.
Fireworks at dusk from the river
The cruise is scheduled to coincide with the Stillwater fireworks display at dusk, giving passengers an unobstructed vantage from the boat; timing is arranged so the vessel returns to the dock after the show.
Cash bar and rain-or-shine operation
A bar is available before departure for cocktails, beer and wine, with cashless transactions required for purchases; the event proceeds rain or shine, making logistics and arrival planning important.
What the day feels like
How the evening unfolds
Boarding begins in the early evening with a pre-departure window for drinks and settling in; the vessel closes its doors shortly before departure and cruises into the St. Croix to position for the dusk fireworks, returning to the dock after the display — the whole experience runs about three and a half hours.
THE MENU
A hearty buffet aboard
The cruise includes a seated dinner buffet featuring Zesty BBQ ribs, herb-baked chicken (GF/DF), mostaccioli with red sauce, salads, seasonal vegetables, rolls and a chef's-choice dessert — a complete meal service delivered on the water.
THE MAIN EVENT
Fireworks at dusk from the river
The cruise is scheduled to coincide with the Stillwater fireworks display at dusk, giving passengers an unobstructed vantage from the boat; timing is arranged so the vessel returns to the dock after the show.
THE PRACTICALS
Cash bar and rain-or-shine operation
A bar is available before departure for cocktails, beer and wine, with cashless transactions required for purchases; the event proceeds rain or shine, making logistics and arrival planning important.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise works best for — and what to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Boarding begins at 7:15 with doors closing at 7:50 and departure at 8:00; the cruise runs about 3.5 hours and returns to the dock between about 11:15 and 11:30 depending on boat traffic.
Do not bring outside food or beverages (the only exception is a celebration cake from a licensed bakery). Bring a payment method accepted onboard, as the bar accepts card payments only.
Meet at Lake Front Park on 1st Street in Hudson; parking and traffic will be heavier than usual for the holiday, so allow extra arrival time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise runs approximately 3.5 hours.
When and where do I board?
Boarding opens at 7:15 at Lake Front Park (1st Street, Hudson) with doors closing at 7:50 and departure at 8:00.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No — outside food and beverages are not permitted aboard, except for a celebration cake from a licensed bakery.
Is there a bar onboard?
Yes; a bar is available beginning at boarding time for cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, and card payment is required.
When will the boat return to the dock?
The cruise returns to the dock between roughly 11:15 and 11:30 depending on boat traffic after the fireworks display at dusk.