Discover Louisville’s river history aboard the Belle of Louisville with an elegant dinner cruise. Enjoy scenic sunset views, delicious food, and lively entertainment on this classic steamboat adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most levels, no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi-style steamboat and a National Historic Landmark, symbolizing Louisville’s river shipping heritage since 1914.
Conservation
The vessel participates in marine preservation efforts and operates sustainably to minimize environmental impact.
Belle of Louisville
Discover Louisville’s river history aboard the Belle of Louisville with an elegant dinner cruise. Enjoy scenic sunset views, delicious food, and lively entertainment on this classic steamboat adventure.
Belle of Louisville is a riverboat operator based in Louisville, Kentucky, offering a variety of public cruises and themed events aboard two vessels: the Belle and the Mary M. Miller. Departing from the Ohio River waterfront, the business presents family-friendly excursions, 21+ specialty cruises, narrated lock passages, and seasonal holiday events. Cruises range from two-hour sunset and throwback music trips to three-hour engineering-focused passages through the McAlpine Locks.
Onboard experiences include organized activities for children—such as pirate-themed trick-or-treating, S.T.E.A.M. crafts, and silent disco headphones—and adult-focused evenings with live jazz, cocktail classes, and costume contests. Several departures offer optional boxed lunches, meal upgrades, or build-your-own taco bars to complement the river views. The Mary M. Miller and the Belle host themed events like kids pirate cruises, Krampus holiday outings, Sunday FunDay meals, #GirlsNightOut celebrations, and prohibition-era speakeasy parties.
The company emphasizes memorable riverfront experiences and local culture while providing narrated historical context during lock cruises and scenic river passages. Ticketing typically allows families, groups, and adult-only attendees to choose featured sailings that match age and interest. Public schedules include recurring themed nights, holiday specials, and seasonal programs that highlight Louisville’s waterfront and community events. Reservations, ticket types, and boarding details are provided through the operator’s official channels.
Staff and crew follow published safety procedures, provide boarding information and accessibility options, and share scheduling updates; groups can reserve private charters or book public sailings for holidays, educational outings, and casual sightseeing along the Ohio River near downtown Louisville waterfront destinations and neighborhoods.
Location
Louisville, KY
Departures on the Ohio River waterfront
Tours Offered
11
Range of short & multi-hour cruises
Audience
Kids & 21+
Family activities and adult evenings
Vessels
Belle & Mary M. Miller
Two named riverboats in service
Select a family-friendly kids cruise or an adult-focused themed sailing and secure tickets for an unforgettable Ohio River experience.
Arrive early for the best views
Get to the dock in advance to secure a good spot on the upper deck for sunset watching.
Dress for the weather
Layers are recommended, especially if you plan to stay on the upper deck during the evening.
Bring your camera
Capture stunning sunset and river views from multiple vantage points on the boat.
Reserve tickets early
Cruises tend to sell out, so booking in advance guarantees your spot for an unforgettable night.
Comfortable clothing
Dress appropriately for season and weather, with layers for cooler evenings.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and memorable moments during the cruise.
Light jacket or wrap
Keep warm during nighttime hours on the deck.
fall;winter
Comfortable shoes
Wear shoes suitable for walking on the ship and standing during the cruise.