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Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat

• 11 Championship Way Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Phone: (717) 234-6500

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society (HARS), the non-profit organization that maintains and operates the cherished Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, announces that the Riverboat will not be launched for the 2024 season. HARS is committed to continuing the legacy of riverboat enjoyment on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg and we look forward to welcoming you onboard for our 2025 season. As a non-profit entity, HARS depends on the dedication of our volunteers and the support of the community to sustain the Pride of the Susquehanna and to continue offering a distinctive riverboat experience to everyone. Contributions to assist with the repairs can be made through the HARS website at www.hbgriverboat.org or by reaching out to the HARS office. Come join us on one of the last remaining paddle-wheel riverboats in America. The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler built to beautify and enrich the Hershey/Harrisburg region. Since her construction and launch in 1988, "The Pride" has carried almost a million passengers. She’s been used for private functions (meetings, parties, weddings, dinners, anniversaries) as well as countless public events. Reservations are required for all cruises except public cruises. Cruises and public sightseeing tours run from July 4th through October. Visit www.HarrisburgRiverboat.com for exact dates and times or call 717-234-6500 for more information!

Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat Meeting Facility

• Description: Paddle boat can be rented for a variety of meetings and activites. Call for details.

Meeting Facility Rooms

• Dimensions: 60 X 16
• Square Feet: 960
• Dimensions: 72 X 16
• Square Feet: 1152

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Visit Hershey Harrisburg 3211 North Front Street, Suite 301-A, Harrisburg, PA 17110

(877) 727-8573 (717) 231-7788

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Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat

• 11 Championship Way Harrisburg, PA 17101
• (717) 234-6500

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society (HARS), the non-profit organization that maintains and operates the cherished Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, announces that the Riverboat will NOT BE LAUNCHED for the 2024 season. HARS is committed to continuing the legacy of riverboat enjoyment on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg and we look forward to welcoming you onboard for our 2025 season. As a non-profit entity, HARS depends on the dedication of our volunteers and the support of the community to sustain the Pride of the Susquehanna and to continue offering a distinctive riverboat experience to everyone. Contributions to assist with the repairs can be made through the HARS website at www.hbgriverboat.org or by reaching out to the HARS office. Come join us on one of the last remaining paddle-wheel riverboats in America. The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler built to beautify and enrich the Hershey/Harrisburg region. Since her construction and launch in 1988, "The Pride" has carried almost a million passengers. She’s been used for private functions (meetings, parties, weddings, dinners, anniversaries) as well as countless public events. Reservations are required for all cruises except public cruises. Cruises and public sightseeing tours run from July 4th through October. Visit www.HarrisburgRiverboat.com for exact dates and times or call 717-234-6500 for more information! ------------- "Come join us on one of the last remaining paddle-wheel riverboats in America" The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler built to beautify and enrich the Hershey/Harrisburg region. Since her construction and launch in 1988, "The Pride" has carried almost a million passengers. She’s been used for private functions (meetings, parties, weddings, dinners, anniversaries) as well as countless public events. During the summer, The Pride launches every day for 45-minute Sight-Seeing cruises, leaving at 12:00 noon, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm. No reservations required. We also offer our very popular themed cruises, including Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, Wine and Cheese Night, Arooga's Wing Night Cruises, family-themed Pirates on the Pride adventure rides, live-music Blues Cruises, Jazzin’ on the Pride, Moonlight Party Cruises, Maryland Blue Crab Cruises, River School Educational Trips, and much more! Reservations are required for all cruises except public cruises. Cruises run from May through October, and public sightseeing cruises run every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Visit www.HarrisburgRiverboat.com or call 717-234-6500 for more information!

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Pride of the Susquehanna-Riverboat Meeting Facility

• Description: Paddle boat can be rented for a variety of meetings and activites. Call for details.

Meeting Facility Rooms

• Dimensions: 60 X 16
• Square Feet: 960
• Dimensions: 72 X 16
• Square Feet: 1152

3211 North Front Street, Suite 301-A

Harrisburg, PA 17110

877.727.8573 | 717.231.7788

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society Inc

Charter the Pride for your Wedding!

Looking for a terrific location for your next wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or other wedding related event?

Cruising on the Pride of the Susquehanna is a great venue for any event. It is perfect for weddings, receptions, family reunions, graduation celebrations, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, or any sort of private bash! Enjoy our beautiful mahogany and brass main salon or proceed up to the partially covered observation deck for a lovely sunset or spectacular view the Harrisburg city skyline.

We want to make sure everyone enjoys their cruise, so we suggest the following number depending on your event.

Full sit down meal: 70-80

Hors D'oeuvres: 80-95

Cruising with snacks and drinks: 95*

*Capacity may change per the USCG

Call us at 717-234-6500 or email  [email protected]  to check availability and to book your charter. Weekends often book over a year in advance so book early!

Information

• Months Open: May-November
• Motorcoach Parking:
• Online Coupons:
• Online Ordering:
• Parking: City Island Parking Lot
• Reservations Required:

Quick Check

• Handicapped Accessible:
• Tours Available:
• Live Music Nights:
• Outdoor Seating:

Water Recreation

• Alcohol Served:
• Groups Welcome:
• Audio Guides:
• Group Discounts Available:
• Group Reservations Required:
• Maximum # of People for Tour: 120
• Price Range: varies
• Tour Length: 45 minutes

Type of Experience

• Educational:
• Hands-On Experience:
• Historical:
• Private Dining Room:
• Team Building:
• Family-Friendly:
• Maximum Team Building Size: 80
• Minimum Team Building Session (Hours): 2
• Indoor Team Building Description: Build camaraderie on one of our many beer and wine tasting events, guess who the murderer is on a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, or show off your skills on a Rock the Boat open mic cruise
• Outdoor Team Building Description: The riverboat is both indoor and outdoor, so enjoy our many cruises as well as the cool air and river scenery

Facility Info

• Description Available for meetings, weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, business functions for up to 100 people for buffet/appetizers/cocktail hour. 65 max for seated dinners.
• Floorplan File Floorplan File
• Reception Capacity 100
• Outdoor Space
• Preferred Caterer List
• Loading Dock
• Banquet Capacity 65
• Number of Rooms 1

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Pride of the susquehanna riverboat launches for summer season.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is back on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg and ready for the summer season.

It's the 35th anniversary of the boat.

It's one of only six remaining riverboats in the country with an authentic paddlewheel that propels and steers the boat.

The Pride was built in 1988 and replicates riverboats from the late 1800s.

More than one million people have taken a ride.

The goal of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is to increase tourism and educate people on the history and ecology of the region.

In addition to public sightseeing tours, it hosts multiple special events and fundraisers throughout the year.

"We're bringing back princess and superhero cruises. We do wine and cheese. We're doing murder mysteries, music. You name it, we're going to do it on the boat, along with charters. We're actually doing three weddings," said Melissa Snyder with the riverboat society.

Profits from all cruises fund community service projects for seniors, children and veterans in Harrisburg.

The first ride for the public will be on May 26. The boat will cruise the river through October.

Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Power of the Pride: As the pandemic winds down, Harrisburg’s riverboat sails on

Illustration by Ryan Spahr

The riverboat tried to do all the right things.

It deferred to the experts. It followed the science. It practiced patience. It was respectful of others.

While the recovery has been slow, it is now on the mend. The worst seems to be in the past, and the new normal is in sight.

Like other local businesses and nonprofits, the Pride of the Susquehanna continues to bounce back from the debilitating coronavirus pandemic. Certainly, the last 16 months have been a rough go for “the Pride,” but there appears to be smoother sailing ahead.

“COVID-19 did not sink the Pride of the Susquehanna,” said Melissa Snyder, director of development and events for the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, which operates the vessel. “Our paddles are continuing to turn during 2021. We’ve been able to keep the boat afloat.”

Still, there may be some choppy waters left to navigate.

From its port on City Island, the Pride’s season typically runs from May into October. But the lingering effects of the coronavirus have caused both a delayed and a slow start to the 2021 season.

Most of the delay was caused by increased difficulties and higher costs associated with materials and parts needed to perform the yearly maintenance, a necessary step before its annual inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Did we err a little bit on the side of caution? Yes,” said Snyder. “We were sort of in a state of limbo for awhile. We knew we were going back into the water—we just didn’t know when. It was a guessing game. We’re hoping by 2022 to be back on our regular schedule.”

Last year in March, the Pride was shut down by Gov. Tom Wolf’s mitigation efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. In June 2020, the boat resumed operations, but at reduced capacity of about 50%.

“In previous years, we’d have dinner cruises with 65 to 68 people aboard,” said Deb Donahue, board chair of the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society. “With the restrictions imposed, we had about 22 to 24 people for similar events, based on our square-foot capacity. During all of last year, we had reduced capacity. It’s been a struggle, just like it’s been for every nonprofit.”

Have to Do That

The Pride of the Susquehanna has been operating for 33 years. In the late 1980s, local entrepreneur Mike Trephan built the 120-passenger, double-decked, red-and-white riverboat from scratch.

Since then, it has drawn passengers from the Harrisburg area, central Pennsylvania and from across the state. The Pride helps keep City Island the vibrant destination that it is.

“We’re bringing in people from across the area, and even from outside the state,” said Snyder, of Harrisburg. “Our visitors are everybody from infants all the way up to senior citizens. We’re on the tourism end of the spectrum, but on the opposite side of that is our education program called the Susquehanna River School. It’s this floating vehicle that gives people an opportunity to learn the history of the Susquehanna River.”

In season, the Pride typically offers four or five guided tours a day, seven days a week. The cruises last about 45 minutes, costing $12 for adults over the age of 13 and $7 for children between the ages of 3 and 12.

It also offers special events like dinner and entertainment cruises, group and family tours, and seasonal cruises.

“I think people are jonesing for things to do, so now is the time to get in front of them,” said Snyder. “Sometimes, you think people from around the area have forgotten about it. Kind of like, ‘Yeah, I have to do that.’ The Susquehanna River is a very mild river, so it provides a very slow, smooth, relaxing and enjoyable cruise.”

In 2016, it hosted its 1-millionth passenger.

“Tourists will come here just to ride The Pride of the Susquehanna,” said Donahue, who lives in Camp Hill. “So, in that way, it helps the area in terms of economic development. Even people who live here can learn about the history of the river boat, and the history of the Susquehanna River itself.”

It’s questionable whether the Pride of the Susquehanna’s future is any more secure now than it was in the past. But it certainly seems that weathering the COVID-19 storm can only make it stronger.

“For me, the Pride of the Susquehanna is exactly that,” said Snyder. “The pride comes from what people who live here know about the boat, this rare symbol of the Susquehanna River.”

For more information on the Pride of the Susquehanna and to book a cruise, visit www.harrisburgriverboat.com or call 717-234-6500.

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The Pride of the Susquehanna

11 Championship Way, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania 17101 USA

• Independent
• More in Harrisburg

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“an authentic stern-driven paddle wheeler”

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is an authentic stern-driven paddle wheel riverboat built 28 years ago as a community service project by the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society for the benefit of and visitors to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is a 501-c-3 non-profit public service organization headed by a Board of community leaders.  The purpose of our organization includes increased tourism, economic development, and enhanced education regarding the history and ecology of the Susquehanna River and our region. Since her construction and launch under the leadership of local businessman Mike Trephan in 1988, the Pride has carried over a million passengers.  She’s has been, and is continually, used for weddings, parties, business functions, a whole variety of themed dinner cruises, Murder Mysteries, and the ever popular Pirates on the Pride. In recent years, the Pride’s events expanded drastically to include fun events like Arooga’s Wing Night, Hard-shell Crab Nights, Blues, Jazz,  Family events, Wine & Cheese Cruises, and much more. The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is also highly dedicated to education.  To fulfill this important mission, we operate the Susquehanna River School, an organization and unique floating classroom experience, teaches children, adults and seniors alike about the history, ecology and environmental issues concerning the Susquehanna River and our region. The Pride is offered by the Riverboat Society as a low-cost, fun alternative activity for the public to enjoy our beautiful natural resource, the Susquehanna River.  Proceeds from ALL cruises (besides helping to keep the riverboat running!) go towards our community service projects that benefit seniors, children, military veterans and more. We work with various local organizations, including the Humane Society of Harrisburg, the “Feel Your Boobies” Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, and many more.  So, when you “Ride the Pride”, you are helping keep this wonderful historic landmark “afloat” and benefiting your community!

Reviewed by Linda S.

Great evening on the Pride of the Susquehanna! We listened to music provided by Lil Brother Band. They are great musicians and fun to listen to as they bring energy and joy to the stage. The... Read more

Reviewed by Sofia P.

The murder mystery cruise my husband and I went on was pretty awful. Instead of making it entertaining and interactive with all of the people who went, where we find the person whodunit, they have... Read more

Reviewed by Melody P.

My husband and I have done sightseeing and dinner cruises. Pleasant staff, good music and food, scenic and family friendly! Read more

View 33 reviews on

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Founder of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat passes away

by Tyler Jeski

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — The founder of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, Mike Trephan, has passed away.

The Harrisburg Riverboat Society made the announcement on Wednesday. It comes as the Pride is celebrating 35 years on the water.

In a Facebook post, the Riverboat Society said Trephan has had his hand on the pulse of the pride's journeys since day one.

He was recently on the Veterans Appreciation Cruise where he placed a memorial wreath on the river for fallen service members.

RELATED: The Pride of the Susquehanna holds veterans appreciation cruise

Kim Rice, the President of the Board of the Harrisburg Riverboat Society released a statement:

Very simply, the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat would not exist without Mike Trephan. He not only had the idea to build the Riverboat; he remained a huge advocate who kept his finger on the pulse of the Riverboat for every one of our 35 years. He was an inspiration from the start who remained deeply involved. He will be so dearly missed.

The Riverboat Society said it will air a video on June 24 highlighting the boat's 35th Anniversary that will include Trephan talking about the many stories he has surrounding the boat.

Iconic Harrisburg riverboat won’t be seen as soon as expected. Here’s why

• Updated: May. 17, 2024, 10:18 a.m.
• | Published: May. 17, 2024, 9:49 a.m.

The Pride of the Susquehanna River Boat cruises down the river during the 2023 Kipona Festival at RiverFront Park in Harrisburg, Pa., Sep. 2, 2023. Mark Pynes | pennlive.com Mark Pynes | [email protected]

• Sean Adams | [email protected]

The Pride of the Susquehanna will be setting out on the river later than planned.

The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society has announced a delayed start to the 2024 cruise season, due to unforeseen repairs.

“Due to an unexpected repair requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard, the historic paddlewheel boat will not be operational until Thursday, July 4th, 2024,” the announcement read.

This will effect those who have made reservations to ride in May and June, but the unfortunate delay is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety, according to Lori Ribbans, the chair of the HARS.

“The Society is dedicated to the safe operation of the Pride of the Susquehanna and prioritizes responsible stewardship of our Riverboat,” Ribbans said in the statement. “The Coast Guard’s identified repair is essential to ensure that the vessel meets all safety regulations.”

HARS is reaching out to those with reservations, including those with plans to ride over Memorial Day weekend, in order to reschedule.

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HARS is currently contacting via email all guests with reservations for cruises scheduled in May and June, including the popular Memorial Day Veterans Cruise. That event is rescheduled to July 14, 2024. Registrants will be contacted as to their time preference.

“The Society apologizes for any inconvenience and will offer guests with existing bookings a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule their cruise for a later date in the season,” the statement said.

More information about the Pride of the Susquehanna and the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society can be found here.

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