When a student steps aboard the Belle of Louisville they step into over 100 years of history. She uniquely represents the Age of Steam in America. Steamboats transformed our rivers in the mid-19th century and, thus, the whole country. Every year, over 100 million tons of cargo is shipped on the Ohio River alone. Countless cities owe their existence to the rivers– including Louisville! What better way to experience our rich river history than by taking a trip on the oldest-operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world?