The Gem of the North Tours the River
S.S. Ruby pontoon boat offers relaxing rides on the Red

May, 2002 - Last year, many people experienced the Red River in a new way - on a pontoon boat. Passengers floated along the River for 45 minutes in S.S. Ruby, enjoying the sights of the Red in downtown Fargo-Moorhead.
Ann Zavoral, Fargo, N.D., reserved the entire pontoon last September for her husband’s birthday party. "We had the whole boat to ourselves. We got together to have a good time and do something different," Zavoral said.

S.S. Ruby is a custom designed, Coast Guard inspected, 18-passenger pontoon tour boat that operates on the Red during weekends as weather and river conditions permit. River Keepers owns the pontoon, and American Sports Outfitters lends operational support. S.S. Ruby operators are U.S. Coast Guard licensed. Passengers board the pontoon under the First Avenue North Bridge adjacent to the Hjemkomst Center.

S.S. Ruby tours several miles of the Red River, while a knowledgeable captain or deckhand shares stories of the history, geography and wildlife that live in and along the River. Learn about Moorhead's old saloon district, an old swivel bridge, birds, deer, different trees and plants, storm drain outlets, rubble from the turn of the century downtown Fargo fire and more. The ride is not only recreational, but also educational.

Zavoral said she enjoyed learning about the Red’s history, "Unless you get down to the River, you really don’t understand the history of the new Red Bear restaurant building. You can see the early attempt at a zoo."
One tour is never the same as another. As the seasons change, so does the river and its surroundings. The lush green foliage of summer turns beautiful shades of golds and reds in the fall. Wildlife come and go, giving passengers chances to see many animals.

The entire S.S. Ruby can be reserved for birthdays, family reunions or company outings. Passengers may bring along snacks and beverages. "It was a party," Zavoral said. "It was nice because we could bring along our own things like cake and beverages."

S.S. Ruby provides the Fargo-Moorhead community a new way to utilize the Red River of the North. "We had a group of all ages and I don’t think one person had been on the River," Zavoral said. "We all came away really happy that the River is being cleaned up and used."

Beginning May 17, tours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The schedule is subject to change based upon weather and river conditions.

Passengers are free to bring food and beverages aboard S.S. Ruby. Group rates are available. The entire boat may also be reserved by the hour.

To make reservations, for current charges, or for more information, call 701-581-RUBY (7829).

Spend a lazy afternoon on the Red.

"Now I know I can bring my grandchildren or out-of-town guests down here," Zavoral said. "It’s a great way to see the hidden parts of Fargo-Moorhead."

Take a Ride on the S.S. Ruby

The S.S. Ruby can be boarded on the Red River under the First Avenue North bridge adjacent to the Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead.

Regular operating hours:
Tuesday and Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. beginning May 21, 2004
Reserve the entire boat for birthdays, family reunions or company outings anytime!
Schedule subject to change based upon weather and river conditions.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: $6.00
Senior (63+): $5.00
Junior (5-17): $3.00
Children (4 and under): Free

Reserve Entire Boat: $79/hour (Room for 18 plus our crew)

For more information or to make reservations please call 701-793-RUBY (7829).

S.S. Ruby Contributors: Houston Engineering, Inc., City of Moorhead, City of Fargo, Fargo Park District, Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau.

River Keepers Sustaining Sponsors: Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, Southeast Cass Water Resource District.

S.S. Ruby is owned and operated by River Keepers.