River Queen donated to chamber

A prominent Post Falls visitor attraction, the River Queen, was gifted to the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce by Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River.

"We have partnered with a local marine expert in hopes that we can restore and renovate the vessel so that it can be used for fundraising and events that will benefit our tourism efforts," said Pam Houser, president/CEO of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. "Our intent is to evaluate the financial and operational viability of the River Queen and we hope that it can remain an asset in our community."

A Mississippi sternwheeler, the River Queen has been in operation in North Idaho since Red Lion purchased it in 1999. Originally built in LaCrosse, Wis., in 1990, the vessel was used for boat cruises in St. Cloud, Minn., before it moved to Post Falls on the Spokane River.

"We enjoyed owning and operating the River Queen for 15 years," said Harry G. Sladich, executive vice president of operations and sales for the Red Lion Hotels Corporation. "We are pleased to gift the River Queen to the Post Falls Chamber. As a hotel company, we think it makes more sense for the chamber to own, operate and maintain the riverboat as a tourist attraction as we continue to focus on our lodging efforts and expanding our brands across the country."

The River Queen does not have a permanent dock yet. When water levels rise, it will be moved to a location for maintenance work and U.S. Coast Guard certification. The chamber expects the River Queen ultimately to reside upriver from the Red Lion Templin's Hotel.