DUBUQUE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through Lock 11: A 6.5‑hour River Passage from Dubuque to the Vicinity of Cassville
A 6.5-hour American Lady Cruises voyage that travels north through Lock 11 to the vicinity of Cassville, with breakfast, a buffet lunch and live music on board.
Through Lock 11: A 6.5‑hour River Passage from Dubuque to the Vicinity of Cassville.
This outing is a measured river cruise aboard the American Lady that runs 6.5 hours from Dubuque up toward Cassville, Wisconsin, including passage through Lock 11 on the northbound leg and again on the return. The trip opens with a Continental breakfast, serves a buffet lunch, and features live music; guests aged 21 and older receive two drink tickets for beer, wine or mixed drinks. If Lock 11 becomes impassable due to unforeseen circumstances, the vessel will instead make a southerly run to Bellevue, Iowa.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lock 11 Passage and Cassville Turn
The defining transit is passage through Lock 11 on the northbound leg and again on the return; the cruise reaches the vicinity of Cassville, Wisconsin before turning back toward Dubuque.
Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Live Music
Meals are built into the schedule: a Continental breakfast to start and a buffet lunch with salad, two meats, potato, vegetable and dessert; live music provides a relaxed soundtrack for the passage.
Relaxed Social Cruise with Age‑Specific Perks
The voyage blends scenic river travel and entertainment with a social element: guests 21 and older receive two drink tickets to use toward wine, mixed drinks, or beer.
What the day feels like
What the Excursion Feels Like
Expect a steady, unhurried day on the water: boarding in Dubuque, a morning Continental breakfast, a scenic push north through Lock 11, arrival in the vicinity of Cassville and a midday buffet lunch aboard before retracing the route and passing through the lock again. Live music complements the meal service, and the operator retains a clear contingency—if the lock cannot be used, the vessel will run south to Bellevue instead.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits best — and one detail to know about age‑related perks.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise lasts 6.5 hours.
A Continental breakfast is served to start and a buffet lunch (salad, two meats, potato, vegetable and dessert) is included.
Boarding and departure are from American Lady Cruises in Dubuque.
Guests 21 and older receive two drink tickets redeemable for wine, mixed drinks, or beer.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lock 11 Northern Excursion?
The cruise runs 6.5 hours.
Where does the cruise go?
The vessel travels from Dubuque to the vicinity of Cassville, Wisconsin, with passage through Lock 11 on the way north and again on the return.
Are meals provided?
Yes— a Continental breakfast is served and a buffet lunch (including salad, two meats, potato, vegetable and dessert) is included.
Is alcohol available?
Guests aged 21 and older receive two drink tickets usable toward wine, mixed drinks, or beer.
What happens if Lock 11 is unavailable?
If unforeseen and unavoidable problems prevent passage through the lock, the vessel will instead run south to Bellevue, Iowa.