The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. Though we know her today as the Belle of Louisville, she was originally named the Idlewild when she was built in 1914 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was designed to be a ferry and day packet vessel, for freight work, and was also outfitted for her later career as an excursion boat. Completely paddlewheel-driven with a steel hull that draws only 5’ of water, she was able to travel on virtually every navigable inland waterway, earning her the distinction of being the most widely traveled river steamboat in the nation. The Belle was named a National Historic Landmark on June 30, 1989.

The Belle’s Big Birthday Bash is the featured event of the Centennial Festival of Riverboats. Everything has been leading up to her 100th birthday celebration, and we’re celebrating in style! Enjoy entertainment like, the riverboat parade, live concerts, the Bourbon pavilion and a grand firework show to end the celebration. A party like this will only happen once, so don’t miss your opportunity to attend the biggest event of the year!

Belle of Louisville Cruises