Chief Uncas River Discovery Tour

Explore the Susquehanna aboard the Chief Uncas!
SNHA staff guide passengers on a 1-hour tour of the river, sharing the history of the Chief Uncas, stories of Lake Clarke’s special landscape, and the Susquehanna River’s lasting legacy! Discover how people have changed the river and how the river has shaped people’s lives. You will experience the joy of being on the water aboard a historic vessel, hear stories of the river, and view beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Tours depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage dock Thursday – Sunday. View the schedule to see daily tour offerings. Due to tour popularity, advance reservations are recommended.

Ticket Cost
Tickets cost $24 for adults and $12 for youth (ages 5 to 17).
If you are 65 or older take advantage of the senior discount by purchasing a senior ticket for $22.
Children under 5 years old are $5.
The cost of each ticket goes directly toward care, maintenance, storage, and tour operations of the Chief Uncas.

Passenger Guidelines
Passengers must be capable of navigating the boat ramp, dock, and boarding the Chief Uncas. Passengers must navigate a staircase of 3 metal grated stairs with handrail to reach the height of the boat’s entrance. Then passengers must navigate the 3 step ladder into the boat with assistance of handrails. SNHA’s Crew and Captain are always present to provide additional assistance with boarding.
Per US Coastguard recommendation children must be at least 6 months old to experience a tour aboard the Chief Uncas.
No food, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages are permitted.
SNHA reserves the right to deny service to individuals or groups in the interest of their own safety or the safety of other passengers, and to any person whose behavior is unacceptable, intrusive, or dangerous to other persons.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is available parking?
Parking is available at the Zimmerman Center. There is a limited number of parking spaces. 30 minutes prior to your tour time parking spaces should become available.

Where should I go to check in?
Please go directly to the Zimmerman Center Welcome Desk to check in.

When should I arrive?
Please arrive up to 30 minutes before your tour departure time.

What should I wear or bring?
Rubber-soled shoes. Flip-flops are not recommended. NO heels.
Dress for the weather! There is limited shelter on the Chief Uncas. Rainy or cool weather is cooler on the river.
Consider bringing hats or sunglasses and binoculars to view wildlife!
Sunscreen is recommended.
SNHA does not assume responsibility for any lost or stolen personal property.

What if it rains or is stormy?
Tours are dependent on the weather. SNHA reserves the right to cancel tours because of rain, dangerous river conditions, or for any other operational reason. Our staff constantly monitors the weather and will notify you by email or phone call if your tour is cancelled.

How will I know if my tour has been cancelled?
Our staff constantly monitors the weather and will notify you by email or phone call if your tour is cancelled.

In the event of a cancellation, SNHA staff will do their best to reschedule you for another tour this season. If rescheduling is not possible, you will have the option of receiving gift certificates for a tour later in the season or a full refund.

If you need to cancel your boat tour with us let us know by calling 717.252.0229. ext. 101 so we can make those tickets available for others. 24 hours notice is required to receive a full refund. If you cancel your tour tickets after the 24 hour window, a team member will do provide you with gift certificates for a tour later this season.

Are there other things to see and do at the Zimmerman Center?
Plan to arrive early or stay after your boat tour to visit the Zimmerman Center for Heritage! Explore the building’s 275-year history along the Susquehanna River, view the Visions of the Susquehanna River Art Collection, see artifacts left behind by the families of that lived here, and watch Stories of the Land, a history of York and Lancaster County. Get your National Park Service passport stamp, become a Junior Ranger and take a hike to Native Lands County Park. Free admission, donations appreciated.

For other questions contact Susquehanna National Heritage Area Visitor Information at 717.252.0229, extension 101.