Delta Queen Steamboat Company

America’s last authentic overnight steamboat

The legendary Delta Queen invites you aboard to experience a nostalgic return to America’s past!

Step aboard this historic vessel and into another century, when steam-powered paddleboats churned up and down the waterways of America. Adorned with teak handrails, Tiffany-style stained glass and crystal chandeliers, the Delta Queen’s grand decor exudes lavish Victorian charm.

The Delta Queen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She is also a National Historic Landmark, a member of the National Maritime Hall of Fame, and most recently designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Once the renovation process is complete, the Delta Queen will return to the waterways of America’s Heartland and Deep South, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the rivers from America’s only authentic 1927 overnight paddlewheel steamboat.

At this time, the historic vessel is securing resources to begin major renovations so she can once again invite passengers to relive the age of Mark Twain and his cast of river characters.

Don’t miss your chance to escape to an era of elegance and grandeur aboard the Delta Queen! Be the first to receive updates about the Delta Queen’s renovations and future sailings by signing up for updates here and following us on Facebook and Twitter .

Delta Queen Overnight Steamboat

Don’t miss the boat!

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We appreciate your patience as the Delta Queen secures the necessary funds and resources to begin our extensive renovation process. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as it’s possible to do so.

To stay in the loop, please sign up for updates here .

Mississippi River Cruises

Image of a paddle steamer on the Mississippi River near New orleans at dusk

Mississippi River Cruises – Everything You Need To Know

Julie Green

| December 29, 2022

Thinking about what options you have for Mississippi River cruises? These are fantastic adventures and are really a lot of fun. Fact is, people have wanted to travel up and down the Mississippi River ever since Mark Twain wrote “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi.” This river has been one of America’s endearing symbols of America’s waterways ever since. The romance of this cannot be truly appreciated unless you take a Mississippi River cruise. The river is 2,320 miles long and goes from Lake Itasca in upstate Minnesota to Pilottown, La., before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Wouldn’t it be fun to take a cruise on this historic river?

Those wanting to experience river boat travel on the Mississippi have several companies to choose from. However, two major ones stand out: the American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines. These are also the only two that offer journeys lasting more than a couple days as their trips take at least a week to reach their destinations.

The American Queen Steamboat Company returned to the Mississippi River in 2012, and it now offers various cruises between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn. The company promotes its cruises as some of the most sedentary vacations one can sign up for. Passengers will enjoy their trips on a 436-passenger American Queen boat that possesses a beautiful Victorian décor. Cruises cost from about $2,100 and up. This cost includes all meals and entertainment.

The company offers 10-day cruises that depart St. Louis and head north to St. Paul, Minn. Nine-day cruises travel the same route in the opposite direction. The stops that last from 4-9 hours vary depending on which direction the boat is traveling. These places include Hannibal, Mo., Burlington, Iowa, Davenport, Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, La Crosse, Wis., Winona, Minn., and Red Wing, Minn.

There are also round-trip journeys lasting eight days traveling from St. Louis to Memphis, Tenn., and back. Stops on these routes also depend on the direction taken. These cities include New Madrid, Mo., Paducah, Ky., Cave-In-Rock, Ill., Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Chester, Ill. A nine-day trip from St. Louis to New Orleans stops in Memphis, Tenn., Natchez, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and Burnside, La.

Nine-day single-way trips in both directions are available between New Orleans and Memphis, Tenn. These trips stop, depending on direction, at Vacherie, La., Burnside, La., Baton Rouge, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., and Helena-West Helena, Ark. There are also journeys scheduled that start in New Orleans and head north before turning around and finishing back in the Crescent City. These stop at Vacherie, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and Burnside, La.

American Cruise Lines utilizes the Queen of the Mississippi riverboat for cruises along this great river. The boat can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The company offers a variety of seven-night cruises with a cost that ranges from $4,200 upward. That cost includes food and entertainment. This company, like the American Queen Steamboat Company, offers service on various routes between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minn.

The cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minn., like the identical trip on the American Queen Steamboat Company, stops in Hannibal, Mo., Burlington, Iowa, Davenport, Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, La Crosse, Wis., Winona, Minn., and Red Wing, Minn. The trip from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn., makes stops in Vacherie, La., Baton Rouge, La., St. Francisville, La., Natchez, Miss., and Helena-West Helena, Ark.

Cruises from Memphis, Tenn., to St. Louis stop in Alton, Mo., Cape Girardeau, Mo., Paducah, Ky., Columbus, Ky., New Madrid, Mo., and Tunica, Miss. There are also trips that start and end in New Orleans that make stops in Natchez, Miss., Vicksburg, Miss., St. Francisville, La., Baton Rouge, La., and Vacherie, La.

Many of these stops have interesting features to them.

Hannibal, Mo., is where Mark Twain grew up and where many of his stories are based. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city and its largest for much of the 1800s. Winona, Minn., is home to the popular Winona Steamboat Days every June. Davenport, Iowa, is the largest city of the Quad Cities, a metropolitan area that is home to 383,000 people. There were more than 1,000 earthquakes from 1811-12 in New Madrid, Mo. Some are estimated to have reached or surpassed magnitude 8.0.

Cape Girardeau, Mo., is home to the beautiful Riverfront Park. There is a 900-pound Popeye the Sailor Man statue in Chester, Ill. Cave-In-Rock State Park is located near Cave-In-Rock, Ill. Paducah, Ky., is actually just off the Mississippi River at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Natchez is the former capital of Mississippi and home to an impressive collection of antebellum homes. Louisiana’s capital city, Baton Rouge, is home to Louisiana State University.

The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens may be found in Burnside, La. The Oak Valley Plantation is in Vacherie, La. More than 140 buildings on the National Register are in St. Francisville, La. The Southern Cultural Heritage Center is in Vicksburg, Miss. Alton, Mo., was the site of the last debate between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln in 1858. Columbus-Belmont State Park is in Columbus, Ky. The Civil War’s Battle of Belmont also took place there. Tunica, Miss., is the site of a growing gambling resort area just south of Memphis, Tenn.

There are several companies that offer day cruises along the Mississippi River.

Riverboat Twilight offers two-day trips in addition to its one-day cruises. This company’s boats travel between Le Claire, Iowa, just north of the Quad Cities, up to Dubuque, Iowa. It stops at Fulton, Iowa, and Bellevue, Iowa, on the two-day cruises. Its costs range from $399 and up for the one-day cruises and from $419 and up for the two-day cruises. The prices include meals and entertainment.

Spirit of Peoria offers several cruises. However, only one of them is primarily on the Mississippi River. This is a nine-hour trip that consists of a cruise north from St. Louis to Grafton, Ill., and a coach ride back to the Gateway to the West. Grafton is a city of 674 that is located about 37 miles driving distance from St. Louis right where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers come together. The Spirit of Peoria is a 487-passenger boat. The cost for this journey is $140. Live entertainment and stops at the Chain of Rocks and Mel Price Locks are included.

Two companies, Natchez and Creole Queen, offer cruises lasting from 2-3 hours that depart from New Orleans and feature breathtaking views of this beautiful city. Many of the journeys include live jazz music and focus on the history of the area. The cost for these trips ranges from $25 and up.

Whatever cruise that you choose, a voyage along the Mississippi River is one you won’t soon forget!

bellevue queen riverboat

ABOUT JULIE

My name is Julie Green and I am the head writer, content contributor, and chief, cook, and bottle washer too! My goal is to provide you information about the Mississippi River.

It’s a wonderful place that I call home. I’d like to think I know a thing or two about this area!! Please stop by often and pay us a visit.

LATEST POSTS

A Cruise Down The Mississippi River – A Review From A Real Traveller

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Mississippi River Paddleboat Cruises

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Mississippi River Cruises From Memphis

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Mississippi River Cruises From New Orleans

Overnight cruise on the mississippi river.

River Boat Cruises On The Mighty Miss!

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

bellevue queen riverboat

  • Cruises and Sailing
  • River Cruises
  • Types of Travel

I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

The American Queen in Madison, Indiana

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

The Grand Ballroom of the American Queen

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

Fresh pastries on the American Queen

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

The author and Colleen riding bikes in Cincinnati

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

The author at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

Deck chairs on the American Queen

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

The author on a steamboat cruise on the Ohio River

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

Related Reading:

  • 9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean
  • 7 Things People Always Forget To Take On A Cruise Plus 8 Things They Should Leave At Home
  • I Just Sailed On Royal Caribbean With My Grandchildren — Here Are My 10 Key Tips

Image of John Roberts

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

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  • 2051 Bridge View Ct., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
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The Barefoot Queen

The Barefoot Queen

Riverboat Cruises

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Barefoot Queen Riverboat Cruises

Cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway on the Barefoot Queen, South Carolina’s newest Riverboat attraction!

Come join us on board the Barefoot Queen Riverboat for an exciting cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your lunch or dinner as you let the gentle waves carry you past the stunning million-dollar homes that line the coast. As you glide through the serene waters, let our talented entertainer serenade you with captivating tunes and regale you with fascinating facts of the Waterway’s rich history.

This is more than just a leisurely boat ride – it’s an adventure waiting to unfold! Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this cruise promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to return.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind journey. Book your tickets now and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat! Spaces are limited, so don’t delay – set sail with us today and discover the magic of the Intracoastal Waterway.

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More Fun to Be Had at the Marina!

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Rent a Pontoon and take the whole crew out for a day on the water!

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Bounce is on a mission to provide the best prices, the best service, the best features — delivered by the happiest drivers. In fact, the company’s slogan is: “Owner-Drivers, Happy-Riders.” https://www.joinbounce.com

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Queen City Beach, c. 1910  Queen City Beach, c. 1910 Queen City Beach
The Queen City Beach was opened in 1902, and ran from Washington Street to O'Fallon. Horseshoe Gardens was a the same place. It was renamed in the 1920's.
A description of the Queen City Beach from 1909 is .

Beaches

William E. Kroger, the man who ran Queen City Beach From a Facebook post by Tammy Cornett

Queen City Beach

1915. Queen City Beach, and the steamer Princess

Manhattan Besach

Sanborn Fire Map showing exact location of Manhattan Beach What's a Sanborn Fire Map? More here .

Queen City Beach, Bellevue Bellevue Beach, from Ohio

Beaches

Beaches painting by Thomas Satterwhite Noble

The Passes
 Queen City Beach 
  The Passes
 Queen City Beach, 
1909
Thanks! to K Sutkamp for this one.
Dayton & Bellevue Beaches
The Riverboat is the
The steamer coming
downstream at the Queen City Beach 
Beach Scene
On the Beaches of Bellevue, Kentucky
“Bellvue” Bathing Beach,
 1906 
“Bathing Beach, Opposite
Cincinnati, Ohio”  1912 
Queen City Bathing Beach,
Bellevue, Kentucky, 190

lne

Queen City Bathing Beach Horseshoe Gardens
Notice Eden Park in the distance

Beaches

Beach Scenes, 1922

Manhattan Bathing Beach, Bellevue
image on the right is from the Vanishing Cincinnati Facebook page.
Bathing Beach, Bellevue, Kentucky
Thanks! to K Sutkamp for this one.
Queen City Beach in 1907
 Flood, Bellevue 
Queen City Beach,
Bellevue 
     
The Keonac Klub (It's Canoe K, backwards)
from a Facebook post by Bary Lusby
, May 23, 1918 , May 21, 1919
These are the good old days.  

Bellevue, Kentucky

Queen City Beach, from an old stereoview, c. 1900  

Bathers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bathers at Queen City Beach Thanks! to K Sutkamp for the image.

 

Queen City Beach, Bellevue 
On the Ohio River 
Thanks! to K Sutkamp for this one.

 

Bathers at Queen
City Beach

Michelle Denham Swaw sent
us this picture of her great-
grandmother, Violette Grimsley
Herfurth, at the Queen City
Beach in 1915. Thanks Michelle!
Three more Beach Scenes.
 Notice that plagiarism is rampant in  pre-WWI postcards. Except for the coloring, these are identical. All three of these cards have a different publisher.  We're thankful to Don Prout for sending them to us.  He notes he has three more  different cards with the same exact scene!  
Horseshoe Gardens at the Bellevue Beach
Thanks to Roy Klein for this one.
John Nichols' Queen City Beach March 
Thanks! to Bill Wray for this one!

Bellevue Beach

Here's the guy who ran Queen City Beach.

Bellevue, Kentucky

The Blu-J Boys are playing at Bellevue's Riviera Dansant, at the foot of Ward Street

The Riverboat Cruise In Kentucky You Never Knew Existed

The Dixie Belle riverboat cruise in Shaker Village offers a scenic and historical journey along the Kentucky River.

Written by  

There's something magical about a riverboat, quietly waiting on the shores of a river, ready to come back to life. Within the popular destination of Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, the Dixie Belle has come back to life and it's carrying passengers down the Kentucky River. There may be other more popular cruises available in Kentucky, but this one that you may not have heard of is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

If you've ever spent time in Harrodsburg's Shaker Village, then you know its historical significance and interesting past. But you may not realize that they offer a cruise aboard their 115-passenger riverboat, the Dixie Belle. It's a unique way to learn more about this treasured area of Kentucky.

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If you wish to take a ride aboard the Dixie Belle, then you can purchase tickets at the Trustees' Office and then head to Shaker Landing. The boat cruises May - October, everyday and departs at 2pm and 4pm for an hour long trip.

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You'll have plenty of opportunity to view the scenic Kentucky River Palisades, high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty along the banks of the river. You can relax in a seat and take in the views.

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The peaceful cruise down the river also includes a narrated history of the area and the importance of the river to the Shakers. It's a great extension to the interactive history you experience in the village.

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One of the most unique views during the trip comes when you pass under High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877. If the weather is right, the reflection of the bridge on the water is breathtaking.

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Now that you know about this delightful riverboat cruise along the Kentucky River, you should definitely consider adding it to your Shaker Village Itinerary. It's a vintage excursion that takes you back in time to learn about this fascinating area and will have you falling even more in love with the Bluegrass State.

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Have you been aboard the Dixie Belle? Did you learn something new about Kentucky's fascinating history? Share your experience with us in the comments! And for more information on this riverboat cruise, including location, pricing and cruise dates, check out their website here .

And for more exciting day trip ideas, check out our recent article here .

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Waverly Hills Sanatorium In Kentucky Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned haunted location offering year-round tours and ghost hunts.

If you're a fan of ghostly tales and haunted places in Kentucky then every season is creepy season in the Bluegrass State. While fall and October specifically do seem to have their fair share of ghosts and ghouls, many of these supposedly haunted spots can be visited all year long. Perhaps the most popular ghostly residence in Kentucky is Waverly Hills Sanatorium. This historic building in Louisville is well-known, especially by those who enjoy ghost hunts, and it's even known around the world as one of the most haunted places in the U.S.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a historic former hospital in Louisville that came close to being demolished. A historical society saved it and has offered tours, ghost hunts, and other events for several years.

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The building (and its ghostly residents) has gained much notoriety over the years thanks to famous ghost hunters, tv shows, and word of mouth from visitors. If you enjoy history, haunting tales, and meeting ghosts, a tour should be on your bucket list.

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The building has been maintained and stabilized to allow visitors to take guided tours, both paranormal and historical. You can even arrange a private investigation and bring along equipment.

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This image was captured during a visit. It looks like Casper the friendly ghost was perhaps a former patient or employee of the hospital.

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If you do book a private investigation, you have the option of staying in a building that's original to the property.

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It's actually a nice accommodation with modern furnishings. But don't be fooled - this is one of the creepiest areas of the property.

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Waverly Hills Sanatorium often offers a haunted house event (event is cancelled for 2021), a Christmas light display and it's always offering its tours. Be sure to follow along on the website and Facebook page, linked below, to find out more information and to plan a visit.

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If you were to do a search for "haunted places near me," this place would most certainly appear near the top of the list!

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville is basically a haunted house all year long. Tours and overnight stays are available throughout the year and be sure to keep an eye on the Waverly Hills Sanatorium website and the The Waverly Hills Sanatorium Facebook page for details on upcoming events.

Have you ever been to this creepy haunted sanatorium in KY? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is among the most haunted places in Kentucky? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

And for more places to enjoy paranormal activity in Kentucky, check out this creepy list of 15 spooky destinations .

Thinking about taking a Kentucky vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club .

If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:

Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind This Hidden Tunnel In Kentucky

Nada Tunnel, a historic 900-foot tunnel in Kentucky, offers a unique and scenic entrance to Red River Gorge.

Known as "The Gateway to Red River Gorge," Nada Tunnel is a historic 900-foot tunnel that is without a doubt the most fascinating way to enter the gorge. If you’re driving along KY-77 in Powell County, you’ll encounter this hidden tunnel, which looks like a hole carved into the face of a mountain, with the greenery of the surrounding trees ready to swallow your car. Turn on your headlights, make sure oncoming cars aren’t moving through the tunnel, and get ready to drive through this remarkable piece of Kentucky. Bone up on your Nada Tunnel history, and the spooky stories that have been told about this dark, hidden tunnel in Kentucky .

Construction of the tunnel began in 1910. Dynamite, drills, and various other tools were used to blast through the face of the limestone rock.

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The tunnel was completed in 1911. Its initial purpose was to allow locomotives to transport timber from logging operations in the Gorge to a sawmill in Clay City, about 15 miles away.

These next few Nada Tunnel photos show a darker side to this historic tunnel.

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During its construction, one man was killed when he put a stick of frozen dynamite next to a fire to thaw it, and it exploded. Due to the tunnel’s rugged nature and unique appearance, there are a few different creepy stories and legends associated with Nada Tunnel. Many say it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was killed in the dynamite blast. Others say a rock climber fell to his death while attempting to scale the cliffs above the tunnel entrance.

Both of these stories are attributed to the legend that sometimes at night, an eerie green orb can be seen floating at the entrance of Nada Tunnel. Is Nada Tunnel haunted?

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Some say that unidentifiable moaning sounds can be heard in the tunnel, seemingly coming from inside the rock walls. However, if you are on foot or on a bike, it is not advisable to enter the tunnel, even if you do want to try to hear these ghostly noises. The tunnel has no interior lighting, and it’s very narrow, so don’t get hit by a car and become the next ghost of Nada Tunnel.

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If you’re looking for the Red River Gorge tunnel and planning on entering the Gorge through Nada Tunnel, be advised that the tunnel can only let one car through at a time. Be sure to stop at the entrance and check for the headlights of oncoming cars, and turn your lights on as well. The tunnel is 12 feet wide and 13 feet high, so if you’re driving a larger vehicle, be careful.

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The entirety of Red River Gorge is a captivating look back into Kentucky’s history, with little shreds of evidence of life from previous centuries everywhere.

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Nada Tunnel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, transports you back to the early 20th century and reminds you of the manpower and hard labor that went into its construction. We love these Nada Tunnel pictures.

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To get to Nada Tunnel, take exit 33 off the Bert T. Comb Mountain Parkway. From there, take KY-11 N for 1.5 miles. Turn right on KY-77 N and continue for about two miles until you eventually reach the tunnel. Once you make it through the Nada Tunnel in Kentucky, there are tons of trailheads and beautiful scenery on the other side. Welcome to Red River Gorge! Grab some maps from AllTrails+ and enjoy your outdoor adventures.

Have you ever learned this Nada Tunnel history? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section!

Looking for more fun tunnels to visit? Make sure to read all about the Cumberland Gap Tunnel .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/cumberland-gap-tunnel-ky/

Another natural wonder in Kentucky that could tell a story or two is the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. There is one phenomenon that you don't want to miss - the spectacular moonbow that only occurs under certain conditions under the full moon:

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Enjoy fine italian fare at this delicious farm to table restaurant in massachusetts.

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We Can’t Wait to Attend New Hampshire’s Most Charming Harvest Festival This Fall

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The Panoramic-View Restaurant at Mirror Lake State Park in Wisconsin Is a Must-Visit

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Sleep In A Landmark Home When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Washington

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BELLEVUE LAKE CRUISES

Duffy boat Outline with base white.png

DISCOVER THE BELLEVUE WATERFRONT

bellevue queen riverboat

Welcome to Bellevue Lake Cruises! 

Embark on an unforgettable guided water tour along the scenic Bellevue shoreline on Lake Washington aboard a well appointed Duffy Electric Boat.

We are thrilled to announce that our Bellevue Lake Cruises are now available for the Summer and Fall seasons, and we can't wait to take you an adventure that you'll not soon forget. Our lake cruises will welcome you to experience our eco-friendly and sustainable electric vessel and deliver breathtaking, romantic views of the Seattle and Bellevue city skylines, majestic Mt. Rainier and the impressive nature and wildlife of the greater Puget Sound area. Whether you are a local or a visitor, our team is dedicated to providing you with the premier sightseeing experience within the Pacific Northwest.

So what are you waiting for?

Book your captained rental cruise today and get ready to set sail on an exciting and memorable adventure on beautiful Lake Washington from Meydenbauer Bay in downtown Bellevue!

The Experience

bellevue queen riverboat

Bellevue Travel

History and Luxury, Adrift Together on America’s Waterways

The authentic paddlewheel riverboats, boutique coastal vessels and expedition ships of American Queen Voyages allow guests to encounter and explore the cultures, customs and communities of North America, from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to the Yucatán Peninsula and the great land of Alaska. Aboard intimate ships designed for discovery, adventure and camaraderie, groups large and small are welcomed into a world of small ship cruising, genuine hospitality, masterful cuisine, curated enrichment, and all-inclusive value.

Nothing in the world quite compares with the rhythmic splashing sound of a paddlewheeler. And there is nothing more authentic than exploring the rivers, lakes, and coastal landscapes of North America’s storied waterways and coastlines than with American Queen Voyages.

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IMAGES

  1. The Riverboat Queen Is Back! Online Reservations Now Available

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  2. Famed riverboat Delta Queen on the move again

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  3. Riverboat Queen back to cruising the Christina

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  4. ★ นั่งเรือไปตามเรือ Queen Queen Riverboat ในสะวันนา ★

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  5. 7 Reasons to Take a Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise

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  6. Riverboat Queen Photograph by Robert Potts

    bellevue queen riverboat

COMMENTS

  1. When the Queen ruled Bellevue

    Fifty years ago, on the banks of the Missouri River in Haworth Park, construction began on a landmark restaurant in Bellevue.

  2. The Bellevue Queen, built to resemble...

    The Bellevue Queen, built to resemble a paddlewheel river boat, never carried a single passenger up or down the Mighty Mo, but the Queen was synonymous with Bellevue and the Missouri River. What...

  3. Bellevue Queen

    Bellevue Queen - c. 1960's - "The Bellevue Queen restaurant on Highway 370 and the Missouri River at Bellevue, Nebraska; a replica of the Bellevue Queen which made its last visit to Omaha in 1869." -...

  4. The Belle of Cincinnati

    The Bellevue Deck is the third and highest deck of The Belle of Cincinnati and has a seated capacity of 200. It features forward and aft dining areas as well as a semi-private parlor that is the perfect spot for up to 24 people. Two dance floors are available as well as a full bar, restroom facilities and elevator access.

  5. Directions and Maps

    In the heart of the city, its easy to get lost. Locate directions to BB Riverboats for your cruise or find our address and navigate your own way.

  6. Queen City Riverboats

    Queen City Riverboats, Dayton, Kentucky. 2,757 likes · 30 talking about this · 3,736 were here. Come Aboard and Celebrate!

  7. American Queen to cease river cruises

    The company purchased American Queen, which had been started in 2011 as a successor to a well-known Mississippi River cruise line, and built up its operations with four other traditional river cruise boats, as well as adding two small coastal ships and chartering a cruise ship for Alaska cruises.

  8. Queen City Riverboats

    Queen City Riverboats 25 reviews #1 of 1 Tours & Activities in Dayton Boat Tours Write a review See all photos About Dayton, Kentucky Contact

  9. A Flotilla of History locks through Bellevyue

    A flotilla of river history, as well as a taste of Hollywood passed through Bellevue last week, as the towboat Laura K pushed the former Julia Belle Swain and the Spirit of Peoria through Lock and Dam 12 on a journey from La Crosse, Wisconsin south for renovations. The classic vessels, wired up to barges, were being pushed by local riverboat ...

  10. Queen City Riverboats Destiny Yacht Charters

    Get more information for Queen City Riverboats Destiny Yacht Charters in Bellevue, KY. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions.

  11. Thousands swam in Northern Kentucky's riverfront beaches

    A 1919 article in the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune reports William N. Barrett, the proprietor of Queen City Beach, asking Bellevue City Council to "change the course of a sewer emptying into ...

  12. Queen River View Lower Level

    Queen River View Lower Level (2 Queen Beds) - Experience the river's charm from a lower vantage point with a balcony, tile shower/tub combo, granite counters, and a business desk.

  13. Delta Queen Steamboat Company

    The Delta Queen is a National Historic Landmark and America's last authentic overnight steamboat that has been cruising the rivers of America since 1927.

  14. BB Riverboats: Official Riverboat Cruises

    BB Riverboats is the Official Riverboat Cruise Line of Cincinnati since 1979, offering premier sightseeing, dining, and private event cruises on the scenic Ohio River. Experience Cincinnati like never before aboard one our many themed event and dining cruises - one of Cincinnati's top things to do!'.

  15. Creole Queen

    Enjoy a beautiful cruise aboard the historic Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and explore the Mississippi River.

  16. Mississippi River Cruises

    Riverboat Twilight offers two-day trips in addition to its one-day cruises. This company's boats travel between Le Claire, Iowa, just north of the Quad Cities, up to Dubuque, Iowa. It stops at Fulton, Iowa, and Bellevue, Iowa, on the two-day cruises.

  17. 7 Reasons To Cruise The Ohio River On The American Queen Riverboat

    I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

  18. The Barefoot Queen

    Come join us on board the Barefoot Queen Riverboat for an exciting cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your lunch or dinner as you let the gentle waves carry you past the stunning million-dollar homes that line the coast. As you glide through the serene waters, let our talented entertainer serenade you with captivating tunes and regale you with fascinating facts ...

  19. Explore All of BB Riverboats Famous Cruises

    Discover the perfect cruise experience for any occasion. Choose from dinner cruises, brunch cruises, specialty cruises, sightseeing cruises and more.

  20. Bellevue Beaches, Campbell County, Kentucky

    Bellevue Beaches, Campbell County, Kentucky. Queen City Beach, c. 1910. Queen City Beach, c. 1910. Queen City Beach. The Queen City Beach was opened in 1902, and ran from Washington Street to O'Fallon. Horseshoe Gardens was a the same place. It was renamed in the 1920's. A description of the Queen City Beach from 1909 is here.

  21. The Riverboat Cruise In Kentucky You Never Knew Existed

    The Dixie Belle riverboat cruise in Shaker Village offers a scenic and historical journey along the Kentucky River. There's something magical about a riverboat, quietly waiting on the shores of a river, ready to come back to life. Within the popular destination of Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, the Dixie Belle has come back to life and it's ...

  22. Home

    Welcome to. Bellevue Lake Cruises! Embark on an unforgettable guided water tour along the scenic Bellevue shoreline on Lake Washington aboard a well appointed Duffy Electric Boat. We are thrilled to announce that our Bellevue Lake Cruises are now available for the Summer and Fall seasons, and we can't wait to take you an adventure that you'll ...

  23. American Queen Voyages

    History and Luxury, Adrift Together on America's Waterways . The authentic paddlewheel riverboats, boutique coastal vessels and expedition ships of American Queen Voyages allow guests to encounter and explore the cultures, customs and communities of North America, from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to the Yucatán Peninsula and the great land of Alaska. Aboard intimate ships designed for ...