The boat launch and parking lot downriver of the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park will be closed on Saturday, August 3, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. due to the arrival of the American Serenade, one of three cruise ships owned by the American Cruise Lines that will be stopping in Muscatine during the 2024 cruise season.
The boat launch and parking lot downriver of the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park will be closed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, due to the arrival of the American Serenade. The parking lot will be closed to allow American Cruise Line buses to pick up passengers as they depart the ship and visit several places in Muscatine. Passengers will also have the opportunity to meander through the Downtown Muscatine area that will include the weekly Farmer’s Market in City of Muscatine Parking Lot 7 (across from City Hall).
There will be plenty of action on the river as well with the Twisted Cat Catfishing Tournament taking place on Saturday. Competitors from across the country will be in Muscatine starting Friday and compete on the river Saturday. Closing festivities will be held just downriver of Pearl City Station.
The American Serenade will be arriving at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, August 2, with passengers disembarking to explore Muscatine on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The ship is scheduled to depart Muscatine at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. Once the ship leaves the parking area will be opened up to the public and Twisted Cat participants.
The tournament opens with a dinner and informational meeting Friday at Pearl City Station. Due to the arrival of the American Serenade, launching activities for the tournament will be conducted in the upper boat launch area. A weigh-in area will be set up in the grassy area downriver of Pearl City Station where spectators can gather and enjoy many family-oriented activities. This is the second straight year for the tournament in Muscatine.