A function aboard the Jon Anderson White means great memories for you and your guests. Our Riverboat was sturdily built in 1967 by the venerable Dubuque Boat & Boiler Company in coincidentally, Dubuque Iowa! The boat’s history is well chronicled in the Upper Mississippi River Museums archives and on our vessel’s cabin walls.
The Dubuque and Boiler Company was Iowa’s last commercial Riverboat yard and the J.A. White one of the last ships built there. The J.A. White is the first ship anywhere to use a patented process of a Detroit 671 diesel motor driving a hydraulic pump hooked to the actual “Pittman Arms” that drive the 12’ diameter, 10,000# Stern wheel. This effortlessly smooth method of propulsion is an updated version reminiscent of steam propulsion. As the J. A. White paddles the Des Moines River, you will find it easy to imagine the prominent role riverboats played during the 1837-62 period of westward settlement of “The Raccoon Forks” as Des Moines was then called.
Our J.A. White is no less unique on its interior, featuring gilded pressed tin ceiling from a 150 year old Missouri factory, 52 – 2” solid oak rope columns, period varnished wainscoting topped with solid oak trim and drink railing. From the rope pattern carpet on the deck, upwards to the custom glass chandeliers from Murano, Italy hanging in the vessels clerestory, all décor features employ the vessel’s warm blue and gold theme.
The J.A. White was returned to service during the flood of 2008 with a new Coast Guard stability letter and Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for a total capacity with crew of 81. The J.A. White has two restrooms, its Bow (front) loading ramp and door is 36” wide with two side exits amidships. The 6 tons of ductless Air Conditioning insure everyone keeping cool while your meal is served from our on board Galley.
First Class Food and Beverage service for your group is our specialty. We pride ourselves on the overall quality and ability to customize our menu offerings. We believe it will be evident while dining with us that we are professional food and wine people who just happen to really love boats!
Included with your meal cruise are tablecloths, linen napkins, cutlery and china, handheld microphone, music system which you are welcome to plug your selections into, budvases, candles and of course a full service staff ready for several possible table and seating configurations based on your number of guests. We can also arrange for all the details that will make your event a success, such as live music, a visit from Mark Twain, specialty linens and flowers. Please contact us by phone or email to talk to our cruise director about having your next event on the Jon Anderson White Riverboat.
Reservations for public cruises can be made online via MidWest Tix.com.
To reserve the boat for a private function, please call us at 515-883-BOAT (2628).
You can also email us via our Contact page.