Belle of Louisville: a real paddlewheel plies the Ohio
Take a cruise on the Ohio River the way passengers have for nearly a century: on a steamboat with a real paddle wheel. Ride on the deck of the Belle of Louisville, with the wind streaming through your hair, or go below and enjoy the view through the windows.
You'll hear the Belle of Louisville's calliope, just as passengers on the Ohio River have for nearly 100 years. The Belle operates a concession stand for those who haven't bought a ticket that includes a meal.
From late May until late October, the Belle of Louisville cruises eastward on the Ohio River for daytime and evening cruises, some of which include meals and dancing. .
The Belle berths at the Fourth Street Wharf in downtown Louisville. The steamship seats 248 on the interior floor deck and another 400 passengers on the outer decks.
The riverboat's cruise calendar is posted here. (The Belle of Louisville cruises are in red; the cruises for the Belle's sister ship, the Spirit of Jefferson, are in blue.) However, for the most up-to-date information, call (502) 574–2992 or check online. Individual ticket prices depend on whether you want just the excursion or dancing, a buffet lunch or dinner, as well. Check the Cruise Schedules & Fares website for fares.
The Belle of Louisville can also host parties and corporate events. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Call (502) 574–2992 to check for availability and prices; you can also check prices for Grand Gatherings online, although prices drop further with larger numbers.
The Belle also specializes in high school and college events, and it can provide either a DJ or live music entertainment. Brides can also have a memorable wedding aboard the Belle of Louisville.
The Belle of Louisville, christened the Idlewild in 1914, is one of just six river steamboats in operation — and the oldest! The sternwheel paddleboat was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Since 1963, the Belle of Louisville has raced another riverboat in the Great Steamboat Race, a major Kentucky Derby Festival event. The race is the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby.
Parking for excursions is available in the Blue wharf parking lot, located two blocks past the Belle, near Joe's Crab Shack. Additional parking is available in the Witherspoon Street garage or on the street, although, during the work week, metered on-street parking can be tricky.
- by Ivonne Rovira, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro
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