our boats
To board the Belle of Louisville is to do more than to see Louisville and the Ohio River from a unique perspective — it’s also quite literally stepping into a piece of American history.
Belle of Louisville Riverboats presents history through a variety of engaging cruise and dockside events—entertaining and educating over 12 million passengers since 1963. A National Historic Landmark and an icon of the Louisville Waterfront, the Belle is the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet boat era on America’s waterways. At 105 years old and counting, the Belle remains purely steam-powered and paddlewheel-propelled.
The Belle’s sister vessel and a newer addition to the Waterfront, the Mary M. Miller, was named after Louisvillian Mary Millicent Miller, who also happened to be the first woman ever to attain her steamboat captain’s license way back in 1884. With as much spirit as her namesake, the Mary M. Miller is a propeller-driven riverboat with old-fashioned charm and modern amenities.
Both vessels feature a full-service cash bar, concession stand, outdoor observation decks, indoor, climate-controlled decks and wheelchair accessibility to portions of the vessel.

Belle of Louisville Facts
built
1914, James Rees & 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 Facts
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

join the paddlewheel society
Become a part of our history and support the long term success of one of Louisville’s most iconic landmarks. The Paddlewheel Society is your ticket to exclusive cruises, events and more.
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meet our crew
Chief Executive Officer
Master Captain and Chief Operating Officer
Passenger Experience Director
Community Outreach Manager
Education & Guest Programs Manager