Why Paradise

Since 1985, Paradise Charter Cruises has provided the enchantment behind thousands of events on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River…from intimate weddings to lavish corporate parties.

What began in 1985 has grown to five beautiful SkipperLiner vessels, featuring two unique venues, serving well over 50,000 passengers per year on two of the countries most popular waterways. We invite you to step aboard and see for yourself why we continually exceed expectations!

OUR STORY:

How It All Began

Paradise Charter Cruises was founded in 1985 by Dave and Denise Lawrance, but the journey started with a single unexpected opportunity. One evening, Dave was asked to fill in as crew on a private charter boat. That night, as he watched guests enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, he fell in love with the business and the concept of it. He went home, full of ideas, and immediately began brainstorming how to start his own.

Soon after, Dave and Denise turned that dream into reality. They launched their very first charter, with Dave at the helm as captain and Denise working tirelessly as crew and chef. Each morning, she would shop for fresh ingredients, prepare meals from scratch, and have everything ready to serve their guests that evening. The two of them handled it all, but quickly realized they couldn’t do it alone for long.

A Business Built on Family & Community

From the beginning, Paradise Charter Cruises was more than just a business—it was a family effort. Dave and Denise recruited their closest family and friends to help run cruises, and their team quickly became like an extended family.

Many of those same people are still with us today, carrying on the legacy of warm hospitality and exceptional service.

Why Choose Paradise?

Nearly four decades later, our commitment remains the same:

Unforgettable Experiences – From elegant weddings to corporate gatherings, we specialize in creating moments that last a lifetime.

Breathtaking Views – Enjoy the beauty of Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River from our stunning fleet.

A Team That Cares – With deep roots in the community, we treat every guest like family.

A Legacy of Excellence – Built on passion, hard work, and dedication, we continue to offer the best in private and public cruising.

Come Aboard & Be Part of Our Story!

What started as a dream in 1985 has grown into a Minnesota tradition. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique way to enjoy the water, we invite you to join us.

Welcome aboard, experience the magic, and see why the best events are on the water.