Support Us Button Widget

Celebrate the Belle of Louisville’s 110th Birthday

The Belle is hosting a three-hour, themed event for her birthday.

BelleofLou_6_26_21_-48 copy

The Belle of Louisville came to Louisville in 1962.

Photo by Belle of Louisville Riverboats

Mark you calendars — the Belle of Louisville turns 110 on Friday, Oct. 18.

Louisville’s grand champion riverboat — which is currently the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world — first launched in Pittsburgh, PA in 1914.

Fun fact: The Belle wasn’t always known by that name. She previously went by “Idlewid” and “Avalon.” Listen, we all have a past.

To celebrate, the Belle is taking things back to the heyday of riverboats — the 19th century — with the “Gamblers, Rogues and Ne’er-Do-Wells” cruise, where you’ll:

  • Take a two-hour cruise on the Ohio River
  • Play old-school card games — like old-fashioned poker, faro and brag
  • Take tours of the boat with costumed actors
  • Enjoy period-specific music from Brigid Kaelin
  • Take part in an Absinthe tasting

Tickets for the three-hour event start at $79.99.

Bonus: The Belle isn’t the only riverboat you might spot on the warf. Learn the history of her sister, the Mary M. Miller.