PA State Parks

Taking the Proud Mary Sightseeing Cruise at Raystown Lake

A collage of four photos capturing various scenes onboard the Proud Mary Showboat at Raystown Lake. The top left image shows the showboat docked with a clear blue sky above. The top right image depicts passengers enjoying the open-air upper deck, surrounded by green hills and calm waters. The bottom left image features the captain in the control room, with a view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The bottom right image shows an American flag waving from the stern, with the boat's wake trailing behind against a backdrop of lush green hills and a partly cloudy sky.

If you’re looking for information about taking the Proud Mary Showboat sightseeing cruise at Raystown Lake, you’re in the right place!

A photo of the captain steering the Proud Mary Showboat on Raystown Lake. The image shows the captain in the control room, with large windows offering a view of the calm lake and surrounding hills under a partly cloudy sky. The boat's boarding ramp is visible extending over the water.

The Proud Mary is a modern diesel-powered replica of a paddlewheel riverboat, taking passengers on 90 minute sightseeing excursions on Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County several days a week in the summer months.

The Proud Mary Showboat docked at Raystown Lake, featuring a white and blue exterior with two black smokestacks and large windows along its sides. The boarding ramp extends onto the dock, surrounded by lush green trees and calm waters, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

For those unfamiliar with Raystown Lake, it is the largest lake that is entirely within Pennsylvania, 28 miles long with 8,300-acres of surface water.

Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County PA as viewed from Hawn's Overlook in June 2024.

The Proud Mary sightseeing excursion is a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it suitable for all ages.

Passengers seated in the lower level dining area of the Proud Mary Showboat, with tables covered in white tablecloths and wooden chairs. The area is brightened by large windows offering views of Raystown Lake. The snack bar is visible at the far end of the room, adorned with colorful chip bags. The ceiling and walls feature a wooden finish, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Proud Mary departs from the marina at Lake Raystown Resort, just minutes from Trough Creek State Park.

A busy marina at Raystown Lake filled with various boats docked along multiple piers. The scene is framed by green, forested hills under a partly cloudy blue sky. The water is calm, reflecting the colorful boats and surrounding landscape.

While you do not need to be a guest of the resort to ride the Proud Mary, you will need to stop at the guard shack near the entrance to the resort to get a free parking pass for the marina.

In 2024, the 90-minute sightseeing excursions are offered on the following days/times:

Tuesday – 2:15—3:45 pm, 4:30—6:00 pm
Thursday – 2:15—3:45 pm
Saturday – 2:15—3:45 pm
Sunday – 11:45 am—1:15, 2:15—3:45 pm

A view from the Proud Mary Showboat showing a decorative wooden ship's wheel mounted on the railing, with the boarding ramp extending over the calm waters of Raystown Lake. The lake is surrounded by lush, forested hills under a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by phone with a credit card, or in person at the Marina Cafe.

The entrance to the Marina Café at Raystown Lake, featuring double glass doors and a wooden exterior. A sign next to the door indicates that Proud Mary tickets are sold here. A chalkboard on the wall lists the café's hours, and decorative wooden posts with rope add a nautical touch to the entrance.

Ticket prices as of 2024 are $12.95/person.

A view from the covered area at the stern of the Proud Mary Showboat, looking out over Raystown Lake. The boat's wake creates ripples in the water, with lush, green hills on either side under a partly cloudy sky. The railing and roof of the covered area frame the scenic landscape.

Seating is general admission – you can sit on the exposed upper deck, or in the enclosed lower deck, and you can move around freely between the two during the cruise.

Passengers enjoy the open-air upper deck of the Proud Mary Showboat, seated at tables and taking in the scenic views of Raystown Lake. The boat cruises along the calm waters, surrounded by green hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The showboat's two black smokestacks and blue railings add to the picturesque setting.

What You’ll See on the Proud Mary Sightseeing Cruise

The sightseeing excursion passes by several points of interest around the lake.

A view from the Proud Mary Showboat showing the boarding ramp extending over Raystown Lake. The scene includes a decorative wooden ship's wheel mounted on the railing, with calm water and green, forested hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

One such spot is the marina, bustling with boats and activity.

A docked houseboat at Raystown Lake flying an American flag, surrounded by various boats. The background features lush, forested hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, creating a serene and picturesque scene on the lake.

Another memorable sight is the resort’s beach area, where visitors can be seen enjoying the sun and sand, with the backdrop of forested hills creating a picturesque scene.

A view from the Proud Mary Showboat of a lakeside beach at Raystown Lake. The beach is populated with people enjoying the water and sand, surrounded by a lush green landscape. Nearby, there are several buildings and RVs, with forested hills providing a picturesque backdrop.

For the first 30 minutes of the cruise, a pre-recorded narration plays over loudspeakers, describing the history of the lake, the boat, and the region.

A view from the upper level of the Proud Mary Showboat, showing the boarding ramp and calm waters of Raystown Lake. The boat's railing frames the scene, with lush, green hills on either side under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The cabin and pilot house are visible on the left side of the image.

The Proud Mary Showboat itself becomes a part of the landscape as it glides across the water, offering passengers a sense of timeless travel.

Passengers enjoying the open-air upper deck of the Proud Mary Showboat, seated at tables and taking in the scenic views of Raystown Lake. The boat cruises along the calm waters, surrounded by lush green hills under a partly cloudy blue sky. Two black smokestacks and blue railings add to the boat's nautical charm.

Whether seated on the upper deck, taking in the expansive views, or inside the cozy lower deck, each moment on board is very relaxing.

The interior dining area on the lower level of the Proud Mary Showboat, featuring tables covered with white tablecloths and surrounded by wooden chairs. Large windows line the walls, offering views of the scenic Raystown Lake outside. The ceiling has a wooden finish, and the space is well-lit with natural light.

Onboard amenities include a snack bar and restrooms.

The snack bar on the Proud Mary Showboat, featuring a variety of chips hanging from display ropes and a counter with a tip jar, beverage machine, and other refreshments. The area is well-lit with natural light coming from the surrounding windows, providing a glimpse of the scenic lake view outside.

As the trip progresses, the boat’s journey offers ample opportunities for photography.

A vibrant scene on Raystown Lake with a motorboat towing two water skiers. The skiers cut through the wake, creating splashes and waves. The lush green hills and a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds provide a picturesque backdrop for this lively recreational activity.

The combination of natural beauty, peaceful ambiance, and the gentle motion of the Proud Mary creates a memorable experience.

An American flag waves from the stern of the Proud Mary Showboat as it cruises on Raystown Lake. The boat's wake creates ripples in the water, with green forested hills lining the shores and a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds overhead.

Final Thoughts

The Proud Mary Showboat sightseeing excursion on Raystown Lake is more than just a boat ride; it’s a journey into tranquility, nature, and a bit of history, all rolled into one unforgettable adventure.

A view from the Proud Mary Showboat showing the boarding ramp extending over Raystown Lake. The calm waters are surrounded by lush, forested hills under a partly cloudy sky. The perspective highlights the peaceful and scenic nature of the lake.

The fresh air and unobstructed views of the lake from the upper deck especially are truly captivating.

A picturesque view from the Proud Mary Showboat on Raystown Lake, featuring serene waters surrounded by densely forested hills. Several small boats are visible on the lake, with a backdrop of rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

The Proud Mary also offers breakfast and dinner cruises as well as private charters – you can read all about those and/or buy excursion tickets by visiting the resort’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A life preserver labeled "Proud Mary" is mounted on the railing of the showboat, with the scenic Raystown Lake and surrounding green hills visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise in Williamsport is a relaxing, hour-long sightseeing excursion up and down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

Taking the Hiawatha Riverboat Cruise in Williamsport Pennsylvania.

The Lady Kate Boat Tour at Presque Isle State Park is a 90 minute sightseeing tour that ventures out onto the open waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.

The Lady Kate tour boat at Presque Isle State Park.

Nearby Attractions

21 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to even more great things to see and do in the region.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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