WHAT: The Gateway Arch Riverboats – Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer – cruise into the fall season with a variety of specialty cruises, including Lock-N-Dam cruises; day-long excursions to Kimmswick, Mo.; and a Halloween costume party. A special New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2016 will end the season. Fall cruises are popular and sell out early, so reserve a riverboat adventure today!

Sightseeing Cruise: Daily through November 30
Take a journey back to a time when steamboats ruled the Mississippi River. Narrated by the boat captain or National Park Service ranger, this one-hour cruise highlights the history of St. Louis and the mighty river’s role today. (Call for availability. $18/adults; $8/kids 3-15; children under 3 are free. Save up to $3 with the Captain’s Combo, which includes a One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise and a Journey to the Top tram ride at the Gateway Arch.)

Skyline Dinner Cruise: Every Friday & Saturday through October 30
Enjoy live jazz music while dining alongside the most stunning evening view of downtown St. Louis. This two-hour dinner cruise includes a delicious buffet meal of chicken breast, a beef carving station, pasta Romano, mixed greens salad, fruit and vegetable medleys, dessert and more. ($46/adults; $20/kids 3-12; children under 3 are free.)

Sunday Brunch Cruise: September 20
It’s a midday getaway, riverboat style! Indulge in a delectable brunch buffet including French toast, eggs, prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, pasta and more, while enjoying upbeat sounds of live Dixieland music. ($40/adults; $18/kids 3-12; children under 3 are free.)

Blues Cruise: Thursdays; September 24, October 15 and 29
TGIT! Begin your weekend early with an evening of live blues tunes from Skeet Rodgers and the Inner City Blues Band on September 24, Billy Peek on October 15, and Soulard Blues Band on October 29. It was named the “Best Place to Slow Dance” by the Riverfront Times, so don’t forget your dancing shoes! ($20/person. Must be 21 or older to attend.)

Lock-N-Dam Cruise: Saturdays; September 26, October 3, 10, 17 and 24
Cruise to the mouth of the Missouri River while learning about the impressive lock and dam system that allows boats to travel upstream and downstream, as explained by the captain. Live Dixieland music and a delicious buffet meal featuring stuffed chicken breast, fresh vegetables, salad and dessert are included. ($49/person)

Kimmswick Cruise: October 8 and 22
Take a ride on the Mississippi River to the quaint riverside town of Kimmswick. On this day-long excursion, cruisers can enjoy lunch at the famous Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery in between sightseeing and shopping. On-board the cruise, keep entertained with bingo, card games and river-style music. ($80/person)

• Express Cruise: Passengers will depart St. Louis via riverboat at 10 a.m. and will return to St. Louis via motorcoach at 4 p.m.
• Leisure Cruise: Passengers will depart St. Louis via motorcoach at 9:30 a.m. and will return to St. Louis via riverboat at 5 p.m.

Oktoberfest Cruise: October 11 and 18
Channel your inner German spirit as you celebrate the annual German Oktoberfest festival on the Mighty Mississippi. Savor authentic German food with a tasty buffet, dance to live German music, and toast to good friends and fun times on the river. ($39/adults; $18/kids 3-12)

Halloween Costume Party Cruise: October 31
Break out your best costume – spooky or not – and dance the night away on the Halloween cruise featuring a live DJ, costume contest, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The costume contest’s winner receives two tickets to the New Year’s Eve cruise. ($26/person. Must be 21 or older to attend.)

New Year’s Eve Cruise: December 31
Ring in the New Year with dancing, champagne, and magnificent views of the illuminated St. Louis skyline. Complete with an open-bar and a dinner of beef medallions, shrimp, potatoes, vegetable medley, and the chef’s special dessert, this 3 ½-hour cruise is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016. ($85/person. Must be 21 or older to attend.)

HOW: Reservations are required for all cruises except the sightseeing cruises, and can be made by calling 1-877-982-1410 or visiting ticketsforthearch.com.

A complete 2015 sightseeing cruise schedule, along with a listing of all specialty cruises, is available at www.gatewayarch.com. 

RIVERSIDE EATS: Visitors can enjoy hot food, such as fried catfish, toasted ravioli and funnel cake fries, at the ArchView Caf’ located on the dock of the riverboats. The caf’ is open daily from 11 am to 3 pm until September 30, then only Saturdays and Sundays during October.