RiverQuest – Connecticut River Museum – Exploring the beauty and wildlife on the Lower CT River

Connecticut River Museum - Essex, CT

Connecticut River
Eco-Tours and more

Enjoy the history, beauty and wildlife of the lower CT River.

Join us aboard and experience the beautiful Connecticut River AND the Connecticut River Museum!

Great Location

All Cruises depart from the CT River Museum. We are located on the beautiful Connecticut River in Essex, CT, at the foot of Main Street at Steamboat Dock. All bookings include admission to the museum.

Directions…

Public Cruises

The calendar is looking good! So many fun, relaxing cruises February – October! Daytime, Sunset, Birding (Tree Swallow, Eagle, Osprey), Lighthouses, Lectures Underway Series & more…..

Find out more…

Private Charters

Contact us for your intimate, casual, fun Private Charter! Our vessel RiverQuest offers a unique, affordable venue for your private gathering. Weddings, Company Outings, Reunions, Cocktail Parties, Anniversary, Rehearsal Dinners and more…

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Cruises at the CT River Museum in Essex, CT

Up next:

Fall! Fall Foliage!

Block Party
September 19th – 10:00am – 5:00pm More…

Sunset Tree Swallow Cruises on RiverQuest and Onrust begin!
Wednesdays through Sundays until September 23rd

Lighthouse Cruise on RiverQuest
October 12, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Halloween Kid’s Cruise on RiverQuest
October 31, 1:30pm- 2:30pm

October Foliage Sightseeing Cruises
11:30am – 1:00pm

October Foliage Gillette Viewing Cruises
Fridays, 11:00am – 1:00pm

October Foliage Onrust Daytime Sails
2:00pm

Check Calendar & Book now!

Need a special gift? A RiverQuest/Onrust gift certificate is perfect for anyone.
Purchase Gift Cards

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News

Museum Exhibit

Rhythm of the River: Music and Memory Along the Connecticut
July 30, 2026 – October 11, 2026

For thousands of years, the Connecticut River has been a musical space. This exhibition explores the sounds that have shaped life along the water—from Indigenous drumming traditions and maritime work songs to steamboat-era entertainment and contemporary environmental soundscapes.

We have a lot planned, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

Booking Now!

Booking now! 2026 Private Charters from Essex, CT on RiverQuest. A great way to have a happy, beautiful, intimate event! Bring aboard up to 40 guests. Also ask about Onrust Private Sails for up to 30 passengers.

2023 CT DEEP Eagle Update

2025 CT Bald Eagles, Across CT (not final): Total Active Territories: 91 Successful Nests: 47 Total Chicks: 80 Failed Nests: 17 Territorial Only: 12 Unknown Outcome: 15 — Since DDT was banned Connecticut nests have produced at least 1150 eagle chicks.

Notes from the Deck

We are busy on the boats!

RiverQuest has been cruising with some great passengers. Our September daytime cruises on both RiverQuest and Onrust have been seeing LOTS of eagles of all ages! We also spotted a bobcat along the shore – you never know what you will see! The swallow trips have been great with sightings of the peregrines, night hawks, eagles, Forster’s terns. The double-crested cormorants are forming migration groups. Come by and see for yourself! Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!