Celebration Belle Riverboat Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River
Illowa Irregulars are pleased to announce we are sponsoring an optional Saturday evening riverboat dinner cruise the Mississippi River aboard the Celebration Belle again in 2023. Our 2022 Riverboat dinner cruise was a huge success and we’ve had many requests to do it again.
Riverboats hold a special place in western lore. Just imagine, several dozen cowboys, cowgirls, family and friends, many dressed up in their western finery, having a cocktail or two if so inclined, enjoying a fine meal, perhaps a little dancing, or just sitting back and watching the world go by, all the while surrounded by your cowboy compatriots. It’s like a quick trip to yesteryear.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to put on some of those fancy clothes here is your chance!
The Celebration Belle is already taking reservations for our second Saturday Evening Dinner Cruise. To reserve your spot call Susan at (309) 764-1952, ext 204, and tell her you would like to reserve a spot on the August 19, 2023 dinner cruise as part of the Illowa Irregulars Cowboy Action Shooting Group. Don’t delay – summer evening dinner cruises tend to fill up quickly. Cowboy and Western attire encouraged.
The cruise boards at 6:00 pm, departs at 6:30 for a 2 1/2-hour cruise, and returns at 9:00 pm. The cruise features
- Live Entertainment, and, a
- Full dinner buffet including Carved prime rib, baked chicken breast, hot pasta w/ fresh vegetables potato & vegetable, rolls w/ butter, assorted cold salads, dessert, coffee and iced tea.
Pricing: As of Sept 2022, the price for next year’s cruise is still $54.95/person, tax and tip included, but there is a good chance the price will increase slightly as they finalize plans for next season later this year.
HOWEVER, the Belle has assured us that prices paid at the time the reservations are made will be honored even if prices increase later. Schedule soon to lock in the best price.
Host Hotel Reservations
Illowa Irregulars have selected the Holiday Inn Express as our host hotel. Room rates begin at $129/night.
The hotel is located near the Quad City Airport. The Holiday Inn Express is cowboy friendly, one of the newer hotels in the area, is close to the range, and offers a host of amenities.
We’ve a guaranteed block of rooms available to us. However, the block will be released 30 days prior to the event. If you’re looking for a hotel, we’re confident you’ll have a good experience here.
Booking A Room: Reservations can be made by either clicking here or calling (309) 517-6400 and ask to book in the Illinois State Cowboy Action Shooting Championship block.
Milan Rifle Range Camping Guide
CAMPING AVAILABILITY: Camping will open at Noon Thursday, August 17, 2023. All Campers must be off the range by 10 p.m. Sunday.
ARRIVAL: Arrivals are accepted between Noon and 8:00 p.m. Thursday and again starting at 7:00 a.m. Friday. Site selection is on a first-come first-serve basis. If you need special accommodations outside Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday or before 7:00 a.m. Friday contact Popcorn Kelly at popcorn.kelly@outlook.com.
CAMPING LOCATION ON RANGE: Camping is allowed in the open area across the road from the Registration building and Benchrest near the bottom of the hill, i.e., in the area of the 200-yard range.
DRY CAMPING ONLY: Due to our infrastructure, we do not offer electricity or water hookups to campers. No dump tanks are available onsite. Come prepared to provide your own power and meet your water needs.
GENERATORS: We do not have the ability to separate campers with generators from those without generators. Be considerate of your neighbors, but since it is August don’t be surprised if some campers run their generators overnight.
QUIET HOURS: Quiet Hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am., but allowing for the generator issue discussed above.
CAMPSITE CLEANUP: Before you leave on Sunday please police your area, pick up all cigarette and cigar butts, and garbage, and place them in the cans provided.
FIRES: All Fires must be in raised fire pits provided by the camper. Under abnormally dry conditions additional limitations may apply and/or fires may not be allowed.
FIREWORKS: Fireworks are not permitted.
PETS: Pets are welcome and must be on a leash. Owners are responsible for pet waste removal and disposal.
Other Area Camping options
Illiniwek Forest Preserve Campground
1201 State Ave, Hampton, IL 61256
Phone: (309) 496-2620
Distance: 19 miles, 35 minutes’ drive time
Fisherman’s Corner (Corp of Engineers)
16123 IL-84, East Moline, IL 61244
Phone: (877) 444-6777
Distance: 31 miles, 35 minutes’ drive time
KOA Campground
2311 78th Ave W, Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 787-0665
Distance: 3 miles, <10 minutes’ drive time
Summit Campground, West Lake Park
14910-110th Avenue, Davenport, Iowa 52804
Phone: 563-328-3281
Distance: 10 miles, 15 minutes’ drive time
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Campgrounds
19408 Loud Thunder Rd, Illinois City, IL 61259
Phone: (309) 795-1040
Distance: 13 miles, 20 minutes’ drive time
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