crossing the ohio: exploring the underground railroad & river connection | october 8, 4-5 p.m.
Join us aboard the Mary M. Miller for a very special narrated excursion exploring the Underground Railroad here in our region and the role the river played in connecting enslaved people to freedom. In partnership with Town Clock Church and the Frazier History Museum, passengers will be experience both a narration and poignant historical interpretation during a 60-minute cruise.
Completed in 1852 and serving as a connecting point between cities in a slave state and a free state, the Town Clock Church in New Albany was as a beacon of hope and a safe haven in a hostile environment on a long journey to freedom. During this river excursion, you’ll hear the story of the people that worshiped here and helped freedom seekers on their way to liberation.
Also during the cruise, Frazier Teaching Artist Brian West will share a performance of first-hand accounts of life along the Ohio river during the 1850s, including the hardships a runaway would have faced and the support a freedman working on a steamboat could have provided a fugitive, based on accounts about the Underground Railroad in New Albany and Louisville during that time period.
Tickets are $10 for adults (15-64) & seniors (65+); $5 for children (5 – 14); free ticket for children 4 & under.
dream within a dream: a journey with edgar allan poe | october 13 & 14, 8 – 10 p.m.
“Dream Within A Dream: A Journey With Edgar Allan Poe” explores a number of works of the 19th century poet and author during a two-hour excursion onboard the Belle of Louisville. Come experience Poe’s haunting tales performed in the round aboard the Belle on two evening cruises, October 13 and 14, from 8 to 10 p.m.
Rhythm Science Sound will present a soundscape to complement the macabre mood and music specially created for the evening. The score creates an enchanting and moody backdrop to the evening. Some of the works performed include “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Bells,” “Alone,” “The Raven,” “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and a collection of poems. Tickets are $39.99 for adults, $38.99 for seniors and $18.99 for children ages 5 to 14. There will be a cash bar and concessions available through the cruise
belle’s 108th birthday cruise! | october 16, 12-2 p.m.
Come aboard the oldest Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world, the Belle of Louisville, to celebrate her 108th birthday! There will be festive decorations, cupcakes for everyone, special birthday narration and music. Passengers have the option of purchasing a ticket with or without a boxed meal.
The Belle, originally known as the Idlewild, was launched from Pittsburgh in 1914 and represents the last of the Great Steamboat Era, which shaped our country’s literal and economic landscapes and overall history for more than 150 years.
Dining tickets for this event include a boxed meal* and are $32.50 for adults (ages 15-64), $31.50 for seniors (ages 65+), $21.50 for children (ages 5-14) and free for children 4 & under. Sightseeing tickets for this event are $18.50 for adults (ages 15-64), $17.50 for seniors (ages 65+), $10.50 for children (ages 5-14) and free for children 4 & under.
*Special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) require a 72-hour notice for the caterer to accommodate your request. Please notify our ticket office at 502-574-2992 with any special dietary requests at least 72 hours before your cruise.
fall foliage & geology cruise | october 22, 1-3:30 p.m.
We are cruising into Autumn with a Fall Foliage & Geology Cruise! Join us for a two and a half hour narrated cruise on the historic Belle of Louisville to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of year in the Ohio Valley. Enjoy live narration and learn how the Ohio River and other natural structures were formed, the history of the Ohio River and more while enjoying nature at her finest! A fossil matching game from Falls of the Ohio, a foliage-themed craft and Adventure Passports will also be available. This cruise departs at 1 p.m. and returns at 3:30 P.M. on October 22. Both dining and sightseeing tickets are available.
Dining tickets for this event include a boxed meal* and are $39.99 for adults (ages 15-64), $38.99 for seniors (ages 65+), $23.99 for children (ages 5-14) and free for children 4 & under. Sightseeing tickets for this event are $24.99 for adults (ages 15-64), $23.99 for seniors (ages 65+), $12.99 for children (ages 5-14) and free for children 4 & under.
*Special dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) require a 72-hour notice for the caterer to accommodate your request. Please notify our ticket office at 502-574-2992 with any special dietary requests at least 72 hours before your cruise.
ghost cruise (for kids!) | october 29, 1-3 p.m.
As unsuspecting passengers step aboard the Belle of Louisville, a 108-year-old steamboat once known as the Idlewild, they step back in time to October 31, 1947. On this date, sheriffs conducted a night raid on the vessel, searching for illegal gambling machines installed by Idlewild Captain Ben Winters.
The surprise raid shook Capt. Winters so severely that he suffered a heart attack on the spot and died onboard. This Halloween, these tragic moments make up a time loop that guests now find themselves a part of…
While onboard, your family will explore the haunted Belle, come face-to-face with ghosts and apparitions—real and imagined– and visit the cabin that Captain Winters actually died in.
During the cruise, play a few card games in Old Captain Ben’s honor, have your tarot cards read (to make sure you’re not next!), trick-or-treating around the boat, crafts and concessions— After all, interacting with spirits requires are lot of energy! For those ages 21+, a cash bar will also be open onboard.
This spooky (not scary!) family cruise departs at 1 P.M. and returns at 3 P.M. Halloween costumes and period apparel are encouraged for this Halloween cruise, but not required. Tickets are $39.99 for adults (15-64), $38.99 for seniors (65+), $18.99 for children (5-14) and a free ticket for infants ages 4 & under.
ghost cruise | october 29, 8-10 p.m.
As unsuspecting passengers step aboard the Belle of Louisville, a 108-year-old steamboat once known as the Idlewild, they step back in time to October 31, 1947. On this date, sheriffs conducted a night raid on the vessel, searching for illegal gambling machines installed by Idlewild Captain Ben Winters.
The surprise raid shook Capt. Winters so severely that he suffered a heart attack on the spot and died onboard. This Halloween, these tragic moments make up a time loop that guests now find themselves a part of…
While onboard, guests explore the haunted Belle, come face-to-face with ghosts and apparitions—real and imagined– and visit the cabin that Captain Winters actually died in.
During the cruise, play a few card games in Old Captain Ben’s honor, have your tarot cards read (to make sure you’re not next!) and enjoy a cash bar and concessions— After all, interacting with spirits requires are lot of energy!
This adults-only (ages 21+) cruise departs at 8 P.M. and returns at 10 P.M. Halloween costumes and period apparel are encouraged for this Halloween cruise, but not required. Tickets are $39.99 for adults (21-64) and $38.99 for seniors (65+).
first mates’s market | november 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a trip to the river for our second annual First Mate’s Market! Climb aboard the historic Belle for a dockside shopping event featuring vendor booths (hosted by local small businesses!) and giveaways. This fun shopping and social event is the perfect opportunity to discover unique holiday gifts for friends and family, all while supporting Louisville’s small business community!
This event will run from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. on November 19, just a week before our community celebrates Shop Small Saturday! No tickets are required for this dockside shopping event. Our Captain & crew look forward to having you aboard for this one-of-a-kind small business event!
(Are you a local small business interested in hosting a vendor booth? Learn more and apply here.)