Before embarking on the Riverboat Cruise, we needed some nourishment. So once back down on the ground from the tram ride, we walked over to Salt & Smoke Restaurant, near the Busch Baseball Stadium, for a light lunch. Neat place! We weren’t real hungry so we split a Brisket sandwich ($14.99) which came with one side – we chose Beef Fat Fries (how decadent those sound). Rob ordered another side – brisket chili ($4.99). Everything was delish!

After lunch we headed over to the Riverboat Landing where there were two riverboats – the Becky Thatcher and the Tom Sawyer, which was the Riverboat we were on. Besides the tour cruise, there are a number of other cruise options including dinner cruises, brunch cruises, blues cruises and other specialty cruises.

By the time we arrived at the Riverboat, it was already pretty crowded but fortunately we were able to find some seats.

Interesting narration which highlighted the Mississippi River’s important role in St. Louis history and the significance of the working river today.

Not only did we see a few pleasure boats (possibly Great Loopers?), we also saw a number of barges making their way up and down the river, or were stationary and docked while being filled with tons of concrete, grain or other essential supplies via crane.

We passed under the historic Eads Bridge which was the first bridge across the Mississippi south of the Missouri River, connecting the cities of St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. It was completed in 1874.

The Union Electric Company was for years the city’s main source of electricity. The plant was for years the city’s main source of electricity. It powered The Palace of Electricity’s electric lights at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

Once our feet were firmly planted back on land, it was back to the coach where we prepared for our departure the next morning. It sure was a fun and educational day!