Belle of Louisville Riverboats provides community access to the river and to Louisville’s history by presenting fun, meaningful and engaging experiences on the water like no one else can. Passengers are encouraged to explore history, the arts and cultural heritage in a way that represents diverse stories and honest experiences. Whether aboard one of our two passenger vessels—the Belle of Louisville or Mary M. Miller—or visiting the Gift Shop aboard our historic wharf boat, the Mayor Andrew Broaddus, you’ll learn about our two National Historic Landmarks, as well as Louisville and the river that made it.
BELLE OF LOUISVILLE
Built
1914, James Reese & Sons Company, Pittsburgh, PA, named Idlewild
Comfort Passenger Capacity
650 – 180 Dining
Specifications
Fully heated and air conditioned • Concession stand and bar • Dance floor • Stage • Full on-board sound system • Indoor and outdoor seating • Non-smoking
MARY M. MILLER
Built
1985 by Marine Builders, Inc. Utica, IN. Originally named Missouri River Queen.
Year-Round Passenger Capacity
350
Specifications
Fully heated and air conditioned • Concession stand and bar • Bandstand • On-board sound system • Non-smoking • 95 gross tons • 90’ length • 30’ breadth • 6.1’ depth
Mayor Andrew Broaddus
The COI, or “Shakedown” Cruise
Federal regulation of steamboat safety can trace its very beginnings to 1838, when an act of Congress moved to protect “the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam.” The Steamboat Inspection Service was officially created in 1871 to address the concerns that many people had regarding the…
Belle of Louisville Riverboats Announces 2026 Season
Step aboard the Belle of Louisville Riverboats for the 2026 season Following a challenging 2025 season, a triumphant return begins April 5 with fan favorites and new adventures LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 25, 2026) – Following a 2025 cruise season cut short by historic flooding events and unexpected repairs, the Belle of Louisville Riverboats are full steam ahead and ready to welcome guests back aboard Louisville’s iconic vessels. Beginning April 5, the Belle and the Mary M. Miller invite locals and visitors alike to step aboard and experience the river once again. There’s nothing more quintessentially Louisville than a cruise along the Ohio River and every voyage provides a front row view to the city’s charm. Glide past historic landmarks, soak in golden sunsets and enjoy a journey that only the Belle of Louisville Riverboats can offer. “Following a challenging 2025…
our top 10 old boats of note!
The S.S. Skibladner, the oldest operating paddle steamboat in timetabled service. Photo: Wikimedia Commons We often refer to the Belle of Louisville as the world’s oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat. We’re in really good company. Authentic steamboats are rare, and there are a few boats that are older or different than us. Let’s meet them! …
A Brief History of Thunder Over Louisville
Thunder Over Louisville 2024. Photograph by crew member Andy Zimlich After a disappointing turn last year, when Thunder Over Louisville was canceled for the first time in its history due to flooding, we are thrilled to have Thunder return as the opening event for the Kentucky Derby Festival in 2026! One of the parts of…
‘Tis the Season to Cruise
Holiday cruises aboard the Mary M. Miller run Halloween through New Year’s Eve, beginning Oct. 25 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 16, 2025) – The Mary M. Miller is setting sail into the holiday season with a lineup of themed cruises, offering festive experiences from Halloween through New Year’s Eve. From ghosts and Krampus to Cookies…