<sod>The ''La Crosse Queen'' is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the [[Mississippi River]] in the late 19th Century. She is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the country today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with split sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion. The ''La Crosse Queen'' has a split sternwheel and each is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors which turn the paddles. This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a "free wheeling" paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion.<ref name="La Crosse Queen">  The boat is divided into two levels, the upper deck and the lower deck.  The upper deck is covered by a canopy and is open at the sides so that guest can enjoy the scenic view and feel of the breeze.  The lower deck consists of a galley, dining room, bar area and heads.  There is also a large picture window at the stern of the boat on the lower deck where guests can watch the authentic paddlewheels in action. The La Crosse docks alongside a barge designed to look like and old sidewheel style showboat.  This serves an office and gift shop.  <eod>
<sod>The ''La Crosse Queen'' is a modern-day replica of the grand river boats that plied the [[Mississippi River]] in the late 19th Century. She is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel river boats still in operation in the country today. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with split sternwheels that are her only means of propulsion. The ''La Crosse Queen'' has a split sternwheel and each is run by a twin diesel engine that powers hydraulic motors which turn the paddles. This is in contrast to most Mississippi River paddlewheelers in operation today that have a "free wheeling" paddlewheel at the stern of the boat for visual effect, but have traditional screw-type engines hidden for their real means of propulsion.<ref name="La Crosse Queen" />  The boat is divided into two levels, the upper deck and the lower deck.  The upper deck is covered by a canopy and is open at the sides so that guest can enjoy the scenic view and feel of the breeze.  The lower deck consists of a galley, dining room, bar area and heads.  There is also a large picture window at the stern of the boat on the lower deck where guests can watch the authentic paddlewheels in action. The La Crosse docks alongside a barge designed to look like and old sidewheel style showboat.  This serves an office and gift shop.  <eod>