Viking river cruises returning to La Crosse for 2025, just in time for Riverfest

So far this summer, La Crosse has received just one visit from the big riverboats. But that changes this week.

The Viking river cruises will make their first stop in La Crosse for 2025 on Thursday, during Riverfest. The Viking Mississippi is scheduled to dock in La Crosse at 9:30 on Thursday morning, July 3rd, and remain in town until 5 p.m. The boat will make a return visit on Monday, the 7th.

Viking has 10 stops in La Crosse planned this season. The American Serenade paddlewheeler from the American Queen line also will get to the La Crosse for the first time this summer, but not until Riverfest is over. That big boat will arrive in La Crosse early on Sunday, July 6th, around 6 a.m., and remain until around 11 p.m.

The American Melody was the first big riverboat to make a stop in La Crosse this summer, on June 15th. Nearly two dozen stops will be made here by four different boats during the season, with the last visit planned on October 19th.