Wildlife & Birding Tours
Cruise the backwaters and islands, watch for bald eagles and active nests, and see river wildlife up close.
Upper Mississippi River • Wisconsin & Minnesota
See the River From a Whole New View.
Come aboard the Wild Goose for wildlife, scenery and stories from the river.
Choose Your Adventure
Wildlife, Sunset & Private Charters
Sunset Cruises
Settle in for a smooth evening ride as the light goes golden over the bluffs.
Private Charters
Book the whole boat for your birding club, tour group, family or special occasion. Get in touch to plan it.
Book With The Wild Goose
Choose Your Adventure
Select a tour below to see details, dates, pricing, and available seats.
Book Your River Adventure
Choose Your Date
Check upcoming Wild Goose tours and reserve your seats directly through our booking calendar.
Visiting La Crosse, WI & Winona, MN
Things to Do on the Mississippi River
Planning a trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin or Winona, Minnesota? Getting out on the water is one of the best ways to see the Driftless region. A Wild Goose cruise pairs easily with a day of exploring the bluffs, downtowns and parks on both sides of the river.
For Tourists & Families
A relaxed, narrated sightseeing cruise with a restroom on board. It's a great fit for all ages, out-of-town guests, and anyone wanting a river view of the bluffs.
For Tour & Travel Groups
Motorcoach tours, reunions, church groups and corporate outings can reserve the whole boat for up to 25 guests. Call to set up a date.
Easy Trip Planning
Check the live calendar for open seats, then book online in minutes. Questions? Call (608) 797-2997.
Birding Groups & Nature Lovers
Birdwatching on the Upper Mississippi
The Upper Mississippi River is a major migration flyway, and its backwaters and islands are prime habitat for birds. From the deck of the Wild Goose you can reach quiet sloughs and channels that are hard to see from shore, so it's a favorite outing for birding clubs, Audubon chapters, photographers and nature groups.
- Bald eagles & active nests
- Herons, egrets & pelicans
- Spring & fall waterfowl migration
- Backwater & island habitat
- Private charters for birding clubs
- Room for binoculars, scopes & cameras
Sightings vary by season and are never guaranteed. Bringing a birding group? Email us or call (608) 797-2997 to plan a charter around the best viewing times.
More Than a Boat Ride
Experience the Upper Mississippi.
Explore backwaters, islands, wildlife habitat and river landmarks. On the Wild Goose, the journey is the destination.
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- Passenger Capacity
- USCG
- Licensed Captains
- 100%
- River Adventure
Welcome Aboard
Your Seat on the River Is Waiting.
Comfortable sightseeing with narration along the way, for guests of all ages.
- Room for up to 25 guests
- Restroom on board
- USCG-licensed captains
- Bald eagle & wildlife viewing
- Narration that teaches and entertains
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mississippi River boat tour a good thing to do in La Crosse or Winona?
Yes. A narrated Wild Goose cruise is a relaxing way for visitors to La Crosse, WI and Winona, MN to see the bluffs, backwaters, islands and wildlife of the Upper Mississippi River.
Do you offer tours for birding groups?
Yes. Birding clubs and nature groups can join a scheduled wildlife tour or book a private charter for up to 25 guests. Call (608) 797-2997 or email boroutdoors@gmail.com to plan a trip.
What birds and wildlife might we see?
Bald eagles and their nests are a highlight, along with herons, pelicans, waterfowl and other river wildlife. Sightings vary by season and are never guaranteed.
How many people fit on the boat?
The Wild Goose holds up to 25 guests, has a restroom on board and is run by USCG-licensed captains.
Ready to Get on the Water?
View the schedule, buy tickets or ask about private charters.