Belle of Louisville

at 401 W River Rd, Louisville , 40202 United States

1. Transportation
2. Tours & Sightseeing

Description

Belle of Louisville is a steamboat owned and operated by the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and moored at its downtown wharf next to the Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere during its annual operational period. Originally named Idlewild, she was built by James Rees & Sons Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the West Memphis Packet Company in 1914 and was first put into service on the Allegheny River. Constructed with an all-steel superstructure and asphalt main deck, the steamboat is said to hold the all-time record in her class for miles traveled, years in operation, and places visited. Belle of Louisvilles offices are aboard Mayor Andrew Broaddus, also a National Historic Landmark.HistoryIdlewild operated as a passenger ferry between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas. She also hauled cargo such as cotton, lumber, and grain. She then came to Louisville in 1931 and ran trips between the Fontaine Ferry amusement park near downtown Louisville and Rose Island, a resort about upriver from Louisville. Idlewild operated a regular excursion schedule from 1934 through World War II, during which she was outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.

Specialities

Price category

$$ (10-30)

Reviews for Belle of Louisville

Tulio T.

I've taken my wife on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown, and that's what I compare this experience to. If you'll look at my dinner, you'll notice a... Read more

Kent H.

I made a last minute decision to ride the Belle, and I got on as a sightseeing passenger only. The price was right at about $22 for a two hour tour. There... Read more

Brad G.

Whether you take advantage of the Belle, drive by it, or just hear people talking about it..It would be difficult to imagine Louisville without this 100+... Read more

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Company Rating

3115 FB users likes Belle of Louisville, set it to 1 position in Likes Rating for Louisville, Kentucky in Transportation category

Summary

Belle of Louisville is Louisville based place and this enity listed in Tours & Sightseeing category. Located at 401 W River Rd KY 40202. Contact phone number of Belle of Louisville: (502) 574-2992