Belle of Louisville Riverboats image

Belle of Louisville Riverboats

Historical landmark Tourist information center Boat tour agency

One of the Most Reviewed Historical landmarks in Louisville


Address

401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

Website

www.belleoflouisville.org

Contact

+1 502-574-2992

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (2.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cruise (29) boat (20) time (20) river (18) Louisville (16) nice (15) Belle (15) trip (14) beautiful (12) great (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Thomas A. 1 year ago on Google
    The belle of Louisville is a marvelous place. Not only is it a good place to learn a little about the Ohio river and the rest of the history of the city, but the boat is beautiful and their gift shop has plenty of things in it that are priced fairly for memories and fun. Me and my wife went on the afternoon trip, however we wish that we chose the sunset trip. The afternoon trip was still very nice, the staff on the boat and in the gift shop were very patient, friendly and welcoming. The drinks weren't outrageously priced, nor was the food. The tickets were also financially friendly for people who aren't trying to go broke just to take a ride on the water. Top deck seats are definitely the way to go if you'd like to get the most views out of your get away, they have seats; However me and my wife walked the boat the entire time just to see everything on the boat, land, and river.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen B. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a unique experience. Relaxing. The meal was good. A nice ride down the Ohio river. The only thing I would change might would be someone going around offering drinks for sale instead of having to go to the bar to buy them. Overall I would do it again if in the area.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hazel L. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fun and affordable family adventure. We caught a river boat ride on the Mary M. Miller and it was a nice relaxing 1.5 hours. There are three levels on the boat. The first level is fully enclosed with tables and chairs, air conditioned, and has a bar and concessions. The second level is also fully enclosed with tables and chairs, air conditioned, and an open balcony that has seating all the way around. The third level is a fully open but covered area with tables and chairs. The gift shop is quaint and the area around the dock has great opportunities to explore additional activities in Louisville. When we went, parking was in Blue Wharf section and it was either $10 or $15.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry H. 5 months ago on Google • 393 reviews
    What a nice evening. Beautiful 100 yr. old paddle boat took us on a 2 hr. trip on the Ohio River. The crew was very nice. It was Throwback Thursday, so the music was old school, and the dance floor was hoppin'. We sat top deck for a while and took in all the sites along the river with the breeze in our face. We walked to the lower deck to see all the machinery that moves her along. Music, concessions, bar, and clean rest rooms. It's great fun at a very reasonable price. If you're visiting Louisville it's something you need to do.

  • 5/5 Gena Castillo G. 10 months ago on Google
    love that experience. It is beautiful at night with many lights and a relaxed atmosphere with jazz music in the background and beautiful views. A super romantic place for a first date like my husband and I had. Buy the tickets and without telling him take you to the place where the cruise disembarks. her face of emotion and amazement was priceless. This boat has several schedules but I 100% recommend that you reserve the sunset schedule, you will love the golden reflection of the sun in the water, the combination of a good wine, an incredible company, dim light and jazz in the background is the best. It also has a restaurant and also on Sundays they have salsa classes.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita C. 3 months ago on Google • 215 reviews New
    My kids took me on a cruise with a bell of Louisville for my birthday! Originally it was a daytime Cruise which was canceled, I was very disappointed because I looked forward to seeing the fall leaves from the boat. But we took the evening cruise and it was beautiful. It lasts 2 hours, and was just beautiful because you can see all of the lights on the shore, and the view of Louisville was beautiful. The bathrooms are plentiful and very very nice, and you're able to get something to drink and popcorn that sort of thing. I would highly recommend taking this Cruise again and again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Travis M. 6 months ago on Google • 268 reviews
    We did a company dinner cruise and everyone had a great time. The scenery was beautiful and everyone was taking pictures. The captain and the crew were very friendly and took good care of us.

  • 3/5 Teri P. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    The ship and cruise was cool, the dinner mediocre, the service was lacking. Not worth the $300+ I paid in my opinion for myself and my 2 daughters. It was my foster daughter's 21st birthday, so I paid extra for window seats and the birthday package, which was for balloons, free dessert, coupon for the gift shop, a photo, and an announcement. Well, we got there early and had a seat like they told us to wait to board. They didn't tell us a line would form and by the time we noticed the line was clear out to the parking lot so getting there early meant we got to board dead last because we couldn't even get out the door to get in line when we were there before everyone else! The photographer was already gone, and most of the food by the time we got seated. They never brought out more so we got whatever scraps were left on the buffet. Took forever to get a waitress to get a drink, I had to repeatedly ask for all the extra stuff I paid extra for for her birthday, didn't get a photo till almost near the end because they had to go find the photographer. I had to ask several times to get her dessert, and they never did her announcement at all. The food was ok, the dessert for us was terrible so I paid over $100 a ticket for a scoop of mashed potatoes and some beef, that is all each of us got. There was supposed to be gluten free options but that was all I could eat. The drinks were an additional charge, $4 sodas with no refills and the one alcohol drink I bought her was $20. Next time we will eat somewhere else and just take the sightseeing cruse for less money! The Cincinnati Belle was a cool replica and the evening cruise was beautiful. When we got back to the dock we got to watch fireworks from across the river on her deck before we disembarked. It was a milestone birthday she will remember.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosaline C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun place to go with family or friends. Small cruise on a River boat . Staff very friendly, everything was tidy and clean. Due to the pandemic we still had to wear our mask . It was super Heroes week. Kids dressed different characters and on the second floor they played games. I bought pretzel bread with cheese, Chile dog, and 4 piece chicken strips. I am glad my daughter returned my chicken strips because they were over cooked. They had no problem replacing them. Thank you for that. Your hospitality means a lot to me . So I’d recommend this place as a great place for locals or while visiting on vacation like me . It’s been fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chloe B. 9 months ago on Google
    I wasn’t sure what to expect, but our 2 hour riverboat ride was so much fun! We chose the sunset cruise which featured Darryl Van Leer and the DVL Revue, whose performance was so awesome and full of energy, they had the whole boat up and dancing! They offer separate lines inside for the bar and one for concessions, which offered a regular or vegan hot dog option as well as popcorn and other food and snacks. Bathrooms are available on board. Parking is paid and close to the venue. We parked at the Parc Wharf lot and prepaid for parking online (you can pay at kiosks there). It did not feel like being on a boat when inside (which is air conditioned!) and the view from the deck is beautiful, both during the daylight and at night. I highly recommend this leisure cruise!!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michele M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a nice change of pace for us as busy travelers on an event filled weekend. I was in town for business, and wanted to experience the riverboat cruise. There were two options, a one hour tour and two hour tour; however, not both were informative, as I expected them to be. The one I was on(the two hour tour) had live musicians entertaining the passengers, but the entertainers, only joked and sang. There was also food and beverages available for purchase while onboarding.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard W. 9 months ago on Google
    Lovely time! The staff was very nice and the narrater was knowledgeful and easy to understand. She admitted she had been doing it over 50 years!! The food is basically a bar menu so you will probably want to eat before you go. We went to the afternoon cruise which goes from about 12:30pm to 3:00pm Definitely worth an afternoon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber w. 8 months ago on Google
    The views are wonderful at sunset. The speakers need updating on the top floor. The bathrooms were nice and clean. HEADS UP: YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR PARKING. It isn't expensive. DO NOT USE THE PARKING APP. just use the web page to pay. We had a fantastic time. They have concession stand foods like nachos, popcorn and etc. They have a bar which we didn't go to so I can't speak on the drinks. If you want a souvenir, they have them for sale. The dance floor is decent, and I hope the people are always hyped to dance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MARCELLA S. 10 months ago on Google
    Fun evening with my daughter. Nice relaxing little cruise of the river. Great for families. We he have a concession stand for snacks and drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 adam b. 9 months ago on Google
    My spouse and I attended an event on the Belle of Louisville and absolutely loved it! While she was attending a meeting on the main floor, the guests were able to roam free and hang out on the top floor where they had an amazing speaker share facts about the boat and river! I was very impressed with the knowledge of that individual and am happy to have had the chance to learn a little more, like how fast the Belle can really go at full steam!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin G. 2 years ago on Google
    My Husband and I really enjoyed the Roaring 20's Sunset Cruise. Let's just say the sunset on August 28,2021 was beautiful! The cruise was perfectly long and coming back down the Ohio River into the Louisville, KY night sky was beautiful. We loved our time on the Belle so much on October 9,2021 we brought our family with us back for another sunset cruise. Another great time was had by everyone. The staff on the Belle we kind and professional. The services of boarding photography, drinks and snacks were all very quick. Even when there was a line to get something. The restrooms we super clean but yikes....super small for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kiran L. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an amazing value and experience. Was extremely impressed with the size, openness, cleanliness, and availability of different seating depending on your preferences (inside vs. outside, tables vs. booths, front vs. back, covered vs. uncovered, etc.). Have a very good variety of concessions available as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek H. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a fantastic Sunset Cruise on the Belle of Louisville on 6/11/22 with my group of 5! Boarding and check-in was very fast; we arrived about 45 minutes before castoff. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Food on board is pretty reasonably priced; Got a 24 oz soft drink and small (but still pretty good-sized) popcorn for $7, and there are regular drink specials. This is a great trip to take with groups, since there's generally something to do but it also provides plenty of time to just hang out and visit. Highly recommend a trip if you're in town!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan Dennis, Baron of C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had an excellent 1 hour tour. Just the right length. Boarding is 30 minutes before sailing so arrive early and get your seats. Any side is good but I prefer starboard (right hand facing forward). The top deck is outdoor (best views) with the rear 3/4 covered so no direct sun. Park in the wharf parking lot ($3 for 3 hours or $5 for 5 hours) as close to the ship as you can.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 2 years ago on Google
    I doubt I can say more than what others have said, but this was a great time and place to have dinner. I personally thought the food was basic fare, but it was still good eats and the banana pudding was delish! The river ride and sunset was simply awesome! I would definitely recommend doing this.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbi S. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband and I had a great time on our Belle of Louisville cruise last night! I hadn't been there in years, and had forgotten how much fun it is. There was plenty of seating for everyone on board, and it was so cool to watch the sunset on the river. We did not have a reserved table and did not eat dinner on the cruise, so I can't attest to the quality of the food. We were still able to enjoy listening to the band from our spot on the upper deck though. All in all, it was a very nice evening!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas R. 5 months ago on Google • 101 reviews
    The riverboat experience was awesome, but the ride itself was fairly boring. Once you pass under the Big Four Bridge there's not a lot to see on the river, but the love music and being able to see the boiler room and engineering spaces more than make up for it! I'm sure the dinner, moonlight and murder mystery cruises are much more entertaining, but it was nice to relax for 2 hours and learn about the boat's history. The concessions were decent, and while a little expensive, not as bad as I thought they'd be. Big shout-out to the Juggernaut Jug Band who played live music during the trip, be sure not to miss an opportunity to see them play!

  • 5/5 Tina J. 5 months ago on Google • 77 reviews
    Spent a beautiful afternoon on the river with family, who were in town. (They later added that this was a highlight of the weekend!) Riverboat staff/volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. On-board bar is a little pricey, but at least gave a strong pour. Will definitely remember this as a nice way to spend a few hours enjoying the city.

  • 5/5 Kathie W. 5 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    My sweet husband set this cruise up as part of my surprise birthday weekend trip. He even bought the birthday package and upgraded our seats to window seats! It was absolutely lovely! When we arrived our table had roses and a chocolate cake with a birthday cake topper and also a pin for me to wear saying I was celebrating my birthday on the Belle! It was all so special! We were on one of their brunch cruises and the meal was delightful! We had a wonderful time!

  • 5/5 Sue O. 5 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    I got to go through the McAlpine Locks on the Belle of Louisvilles little sister the Mary M. Miller. It was a fascinating experience and I highly recommend it if you can book on an upcoming cruise. I believe they schedule two cruises through the locks a season. There is always a possibility that the lock master will decline the trip through for various reasons based on river traffic. We were very lucky today to be able to go through. It was extremely interesting and a unique experience.

  • 5/5 Bobby B. 7 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    The Coolest Thing In Louisville I don't know why I waited so long to do this. We took the Sunset Cruise on the Belle, the oldest authentic steamboat in north America. Beautiful sunset behind us and spectacular skyline of Louisville lit up on the trip back. The crew are all friendly and professional and getting snacks and drinks was easy even on a fully booked trip. I recommend arriving an hour before your cruise so you can find parking. Stop for a restroom break before you get there and take a walk along the riverfront to see the sights before boarding. There are restrooms on board the Belle. If you've wanted to do this and put it off for any reason, just stop. You have to take this trip!

  • 5/5 Penny E. 2 years ago on Google
    This cruise was awesome! The singer, Christian Alexander, was AMAZING. He sang perfect renditions of mostly Motown hits, including Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World, which was our wedding song. That was, on its own, wonderful, but we were celebrating 20 years together that day and have to admit that I cried. That fact that this is an actual, running paddle boat is amazing in its own right. It was so fun seeing the paddle in action. When we're in Louisville again, we're definitely cruising on the Belle of Louisville at least twice.

  • 5/5 Kathy C. 1 year ago on Google
    My only regret was that I was not in Louisville when the boat was operating. I kept thinking how fun it would be to have a day long retreat on it. Ballroom would be great...then plenty of deck space for break time. It has so much charm and nostalgia abounds for history is documented on the walls. Full bar and snack bar available as well. Check their website for regular schedule and special events.

  • 5/5 Karen S. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a Superb time !!!! The catering from Bristol was wonderful!!! We had roast, green beans, hot browns , potatoes , salads and cheesecake . They had a 3 member micro band that was good . We all ate the buffet at dock , listened to music , then later others boarded for the cruise . We pulled away headed up river for about an hour and a half cruise . They had drink specials and concessions, which were very reasonable. They also took our picture , when we boarded , which you could also purchase . And that was also very reasonable (5.00) . All in all our date night was a hit , and we loved our time aboard the Belle . Hope to do it again soon .

  • 5/5 Scanlon R. 1 year ago on Google
    I always love visiting the riverboats! I've been on the Belle many times since I was a kid. These were taken from the Mary M Miller, another great paddlewheel you should visit!

  • 5/5 audrianna p. 2 years ago on Google
    The boat cruise was amazing we super enjoyed it the food tasted like someone’s grandmas country cooking which was Delicious!!! Green beans well seasoned and mashed potatoes were amazing chicken piccata was perfectly seasoned as well the music was fun 80s music loved that we were able to roam around freely check out the boat and enjoy experience!

  • 5/5 Ira P. 9 months ago on Google
    A familiar landmark for me as a Louisvillian, born and raised 5blocks away, But I won't reveal which way 🤔 but anyway the Bell is probably one of the best and fastest steam powered paddle boats still out on the river to. This day. It's great for events with family and friends. Enjoy your ride up and back on the Ohio river courtesy of the captain. And crew. We welcome you to the dock of Louisville, the wet edge of 4th Street, close to the Belvedere and the Galt house. Go with the flow on the bell of Louisville... or Loo-ah-vol ( depending on which part of the CITY NOT STATE you're from 😉 remember this ✌🏾😀 👍🏾) R.I.P BELL-BELL 😚

  • 5/5 Agent W. 9 months ago on Google
    We're so glad that we became annual passholders. We got to attend a really need event where we saw the pilot House, the boiler room, and the engine room. Can't wait to cruise on the river this summer!

  • 5/5 Dana L. 9 months ago on Google
    I've lived in Ohio my whole life and this was the first time I've ever been on the Ohio river. The cruise was very nice. We were on a girls trip and one lady uses a cane to assist with walking. The Belle does have a lift so it is handicap accessible. If you plan on being on the top deck on the evening cruise bring a light weight jacket or sweater. It was 70's music on the night we went and a good time was had by all. I would definitely recommend making time to take this cruise.

  • 5/5 Mara M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice hour boat ride on the Mary M. Miller. This meshed very well with the tour we'd just had at Locust Grove. We went during Juneteenth weekend, and they provided narration to explain how the Ohio River played a role in the freedom of the enslaved. I recommend you buy your tickets & parking in advance. Also, the address that they give you is for Joe's Crab Shack, but the boat isn't docked there. Go down the stairs (next to Joe's), turn left and walk down to the docked boats.

  • 5/5 Stephanie G. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    A nice trip back in time! Taking a cruise on a paddleboat is a nice relaxing adventure. They offer dinner cruises with food catered which is very tasty, and they offer less expensive cruises without the dinner option. They have history cruises, midnight cruises, and several different options to choose from. There is a small gift shop area, and they also have an area to purchase snacks and alcohol. There is an option to get your photo taken alongside of the boat and your photos will be available to purchase about halfway through the cruise. Don't forget to ride on the Mary M. Miller also!


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