Top 7 Houseboats On Mississippi River, USA - Updated 2024

Shea
Shea  
Updated
| 3 min read

Ranking behind the Amazon, the Congo and the Nile, the Mississippi River can lay claim to being the world’s fourth largest river basin. It’s no wonder that thousands of tourists flock here to take advantage of the scenic views and outdoor activities every year. Bordering a total of 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana, the famous river has plenty for you to see and do as you travel down the Great River Road. From dining on French cuisine in New Orleans to stopping by the Mississippi River Visitor Center in St. Paul, there’s something for every member of the family. Why not book one of these top houseboats on Mississippi River, USA, for a truly immersive stay?

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. Cosy houseboat with large deck

This houseboat will stay moored to the dock during your stay. Guests can fish from the spacious top deck, which has several chairs for sunbathing, socialising or gazing across the expansive lake views and nearby beach.

With a full-size bed, sofa bed and a dining area that can be converted into an additional sleeping space, this houseboat is recommended for small families. A kitchenette with a propane grill completes the setup, allowing you to prepare your own meals onboard.

Stayed at this property?
Winona, Minnesota, United States
14.02 km (8.8 mi) from Perrot State Park
27 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is well kept and incredibly comfortable and stocked with everything we needed and more
Cleanliness:
very clean and cozy
comfortable and clean
the houseboat was clean comfortable for a family of 5 and easy to access
everything was clean and it was great to have intranet and tv when we wanted them
the boat is very clean and well stocked
Host:
host is great to communicate with
Location:
what a wonderful place to stay
Read more reviews

2. Large, modern houseboat for 12 (from USD 347)

This 70-foot (21.3-meter) floating oasis is docked at Millennium Marina, within close proximity to two ski resorts. Three bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen ensure that all your creature comforts can be met. If you’re travelling with young children, a Pack ‘n Play bed can be provided upon request.

There’s a comfortably furnished seating area on the boat’s roof for your entire family to spend many relaxing hours together. But do note that guests are advised not to go on the roof when it’s snowing or raining. Keep in mind that bookings may have to be cancelled if there’s a forecast of flooding.

Stayed at this property?
East Dubuque, Illinois, United States
184.3 km (114.6 mi) from Perrot State Park
Apartment 12 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
the owners were so friendly and helpful
hosts were lovely and very accommodating
food is delicious and the staff is excellent
host was very friendly helpful and accommodating
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

3. Quaint and comfortable houseboat for four (from USD 128)

This houseboat is docked at Watergate Marina, leaving guests only a five-minute car ride away from downtown St. Paul. A pull-out couch can be used to sleep additional guests. The long upper deck holds a patio for you to take in the calming river views. You’ll find yourself spending many peaceful hours just relaxing there! Inside, the restored houseboat features a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living area with a TV and books for entertainment.

Stayed at this property?
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
166.23 km (103.3 mi) from Perrot State Park
house boat 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the houseboat was much more roomy than i would have imagined and the beds were very comfortable
it was lovely - comfy beds occasional gentle rocking of the boat very soothing
Cleanliness:
very clean and well stocked
but overall it felt very clean
great owners very easy to get a hold of and a very clean property
it was clean and well taken care of but remember it’s an antique and very quaint
the boat was very clean and the marina where it's located is ok
Host:
chris and rushika were wonderful hosts and were very facilitating in answering all of our questions
chris the owner was very responsive and made sure what to expect
the owners were helpful during the booking process and during our stay
the host recommended a lovely restaurant for my partners birthday and we had a spectacular feast
the friendly local boat folks invited us to their evening campfire
Location:
good restaurants close as well
the location was perfect for st
first of all the location is fantastic
paul lovers and very close access to the mississippi river blvd paved trail
definitely check out indian mounds park
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

4. Miss Guided (from USD 300)

When you book your stay on this houseboat, you have the option to set out and anchor at a new spot each day! You can either drive it yourself if you’re confident enough or ask the hosts to take you out.

A large bedroom with four single beds and two sofa beds can be found below deck. On the deck, you’ll find a seating area equipped with sun loungers, making the perfect spot for friends and family to chill out together and enjoy meals.

Stayed at this property?
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States
340.3 km (211.5 mi) from Perrot State Park
29 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 6 Beds 6 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
sheila and corby were excellent hosts
a weekend to remember shelia and corby were great hosts
really a great trip and really nice accommodating hosts
corby has so helpful during the entire visit and made us feel comfortable renting the houseboat
very helpful and communicative
Read more reviews

5. Bill's Suite Life (from USD 121)

This houseboat is situated at Inver Grove Heights with Mississippi Pub in the same marina. Whether you wish to cook your own meals or slowly work your way through the many nearby restaurants, you can enjoy an experience like no other.

Inside the houseboat, you’ll find a kitchen complete with bar seating as well as a dedicated workspace. When you wish to feel the river breeze on your face, simply pop back up on deck. Take note that the upper deck will be shrink wrapped and inaccessible during winter.

Stayed at this property?
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, United States
153.7 km (95.6 mi) from Perrot State Park
33 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 4 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
tracee was a great host and provided details instructions
tracee was super helpful and being on the river as awesome
thanks again for hosting us
Location:
easy check in and check out terrific location fun area to explore
Read more reviews

6. Driftwood (from USD 130)

Driftwood provides a cosy choice of accommodations for couples. Small families with children are welcome to stay as well — simply let the host know you require additional bedding. The houseboat is stationary, but guests have the option to bring their own boat, with storage space provided. If you intend to go out on South Lake, two free kayak rentals are included.

Although there’s a bathroom on the boat, guests can enjoy access to a larger bathhouse. Keys will be provided upon check-in.

Stayed at this property?
Sabula, Iowa, United States
242.0 km (150.4 mi) from Perrot State Park
45 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

7. Vintage houseboat in peaceful location

Docked on Liberty Harbour in Portage Des Sioux, Missouri, this vintage houseboat is a dream come true for guests after a peaceful holiday. Comfortable booth seating and a fully equipped kitchen can be found below deck so that you can cook and enjoy your own meals. The property is moored on the quieter side of the Mississippi River, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning sunsets and water views in peace.

Take note that guests aren’t permitted to drive the houseboat. But other than that, you’ll enjoy full access to everything onboard.

Stayed at this property?
Portage Des Sioux, Missouri, United States
573.47 km (356.4 mi) from Perrot State Park
28 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 6 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
host is very communicative and friendly
pros:daniel was a great friendly and quick responding host he and his cousin were both very helpful
daniel was an incredibly responsive and flexible host and i so enjoyed my stay on his houseboat
he was very helpful with instructions on how certain things worked
danny has such a kind and giving heart being able to stay there was a huge blessing
Location:
fun different memorable a great place to stay if you’re looking for something different
a very unique fun peaceful place to relax
Read more reviews

Get the full Mississippi River experience with a houseboat stay

Looking to make your trip to the Mississippi River one you’ll never forget? Instead of booking your stay in a hotel or guesthouse, why not opt for a houseboat? Not only will you be right on the water, but you may also have the option to wake up in a new spot on the lake every morning. Take your pick from these top houseboats and start planning your next trip!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Born and raised in Singapore, Shea spent four years living in the United Kingdom, considering it her second home. With a degree in English Literature and a passion for royal history, she explores...Read more

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