Spirit of Peoria is a true paddleboat, actually using its paddlewheel for propulsion, unlike some modern riverboats with purely cosmetic wheels.

Spirit of Peoria has no propellers or thrusters, and is powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel gensets, producing 700 kilowatts combined in 208 volt 3-phase voltage.

This allows the boat to be comparatively fast and efficient, burning approximately 15 US gallons (57 L) of diesel fuel an hour, with a top speed of over 15 mph (24 km/h).

[3] Due to losing money, the boat was put up for sale and seemed headed for a new destination in Louisville, Kentucky.

[3][8] The sternwheeler has sailed up the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she joined the Julia Belle Swain.