Explore Belle of Louisville Riverboats

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.

About Us

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.

our passenger vessels

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

our historic wharf boat

Mayor Andrew Broaddus

Recent News

Crew Spotlight: Captain Pete Oconnell, Alternate Master Captain

Captain Pete OConnell was just 19 years old when he started his job as a seasonal deckhand aboard the Belle of Louisville. Over the years, he continued to learn and grow in his role, rising to the role of Alternate Master Captain, a position in which he best enjoys piloting the vessel and telling great jokes (to the dismay of the crew). With so many years of history at Belle of Louisville Riverboats, Captain Pete OConnell is proud to say that he grew up aboard the Belle, even meeting his wife onboard. In this Crew Spotlight chapter, we interview Captain Pete OConnell to learn more about his unique role.

2022 Year-End Letter From Krista Snider, CEO

A year-end letter from our CEO featuring 2022 facts and accomplishments!

Crew Spotlight: Sabrina Edmonson, Controller

Each crew member at Belle of Louisville Riverboats holds a unique role in maintaining these vessels and preserving their legacies for generations to come. In this month’s chapter of the Crew Spotlight Series, we interview the Controller of Belle of Louisville Riverboats, Sabrina Edmonson, to learn more about the important role she holds within Belle of Louisville Riverboats and its 108-year-old legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking is available in the Parc Wharf lot (BLUE LOT) at 131 W. River Road (entrance by Joe’s Crab Shack). To pre-pay for parking, click here. Payment can also be made day-of at the blue and yellow Pay Station along the wharf. (If you pre-pay for parking, there is no need to visit the Pay Station on the day of your cruise.) If the Wharf lot is full, the Riverview Parking Garage off of 6th Street is another nearby option.

Masks are currently optional at Belle of Louisville Riverboats, pending federal litigation.

Belle of Louisville Riverboats cruises rain or shine. Cruises will be cancelled if the National Weather Service predicts sustained winds 25 mph or more or gusts of over 30 mph. Additionally, if the U.S. Coast Guard issues a storm/lightning alert, the cruise will be cancelled. Each boat also has covered decks and enclosed areas. If a cruise is cancelled, we will send out an email, phone call, or text to notify guests with tickets.

Yes. The Belle of Louisville has an elevator lift to help with wheelchairs and provide access to the Ballroom Deck, however the Texas and Hurricane decks are not accessible. On the Mary M. Miller, wheelchairs can access the first deck. If you have any specific needs, please let us know upon booking.

  • Reservations cancelled within 72 hours (3 days) of the cruise are entitled to a 90% refund.
  • Reservations cancelled less than 48 hours (2 days) of the cruise are not entitled to a refund but will be issued a temporary open date cruise number. Call our ticket office within 60 days to reschedule your cruise. After 60 days, the credit is removed.
  • Reservations cancelled within 24 hours (1 day) of the cruise are not entitled to any refunds or in-store credit. No refunds are issued for inclement weather.
  • Reservations for Special Event cruises are only eligible for a 90% refund when cancelled at least 14 days of the cruise.
  • Coupons must be mentioned at the time of booking and will not be accepted after your reservation is made.
  • Refunds are not issued for inclement weather unless the cruise must be cancelled.
Please view our full cancellation/refund policy here.
Yes, both boats have full bars with a broad selection of liquors, beer and wine, as well as soft drinks available for purchase. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Our bar menu can be found here.

Outside food and drink are not allowed on our vessels with the exception of formula/bottles for babies. Food and drinks are available for purchase at our concession stand and bar. You can find the menu for each boat here.

However, we do allow birthday cakes or cupcakes if you are celebrating a special occasion. We kindly request that you notify our Guest Services Team prior to your cruise so we can notify our crew that you will be bringing a cake/cupcakes onboard. Please note that we do not allow knives or open flames (sorry, that means no candles) and we ask that you provide your own decorations, plates, napkins and utensils.

Yes, and we thank all who serve. Discounts are available for active military and veterans. Identification will be required for verification.

Strollers are allowed onboard, but the guest is responsible for carrying the stroller up or down the stairs between decks. The handicap elevator cannot be used for the transportation of strollers between decks.

Thank you for thinking of a Belle of Louisville Riverboats experience for your fundraiser! As a non-profit organization ourselves, we understand the importance of fundraising. Because we receive hundreds of donation requests every year and want to help as many organizations as possible, we require adherence to the following guidelines. Due to overwhelming demand, we can only process donation requests from Jefferson County. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at jessica.banner@louisvilleky.gov.

  • Requests must be mailed in on letterhead of the nonprofit organization for which you’re soliciting, explaining what you are raising funds for.
  • Please include a contact name, address, phone number, date of your event.
  • Mail to: Belle of Louisville Riverboats – Attention Donations, 401 W. River Road, Louisville, KY 40202

Belle of Louisville Riverboats does not make any cash donations to any organization.

All letters are reviewed and, if approved, you will be sent a sightseeing pass for two, good on the Belle of Louisville or the Mary M. Miller. Not valid on special events, cannot upgrade to a meal.