"Step back in time and enjoy the unchanged natural beauty of the Willamette River aboard our authentic Sternwheeler"
Life returns to the Willamette River where once sternwheelers were the main mode
of transportation. Sternwheeler Excursions Inc. will operate the 87 foot, 86 ton, twin
paddle-wheeler year-round from Riverfront Park in downtown Salem.
The "Willamette Queen" was designed as a scaled down likeness of the former Mississippi
and Yukon Territory Riverboats with paddles that really do propel her. Built in Newport,
Oregon, in 1990, she has a Coast Guard approved capacity of 90. She features a
full service bar and a solid oak dance floor which is located on the upper deck in the main
dining room. Charter all or part of the "Willamette Queen" for your special occasion!
My love for boats goes back many years. As a USCG 100 ton licensed Captain, for over 20 years,
I accomplished a two year, 25,000 mile world cruise with my family aboard our 45' yacht "Moon Mist." I competed
in the 6,000 mile 1978 Tall Ships Race and placed 4th, aboard my vessel "Lady Frei," a 102' square
rigged brigantine schooner. Additionally, I managed a fleet of sailing and fishing charter vessels. My years of successful marketing experience coupled with my
chartering and restaurant experience makes me uniquely suited to this type of business.