Help Friends of the Belle #StaySteamy

She's #StillSteamyat110! The world's oldest operating Mississippi River-style riverboat is right here in Louisville's front yard. 

The Belle of Louisville is a testament to 19th century technology. She is still operating with her original engines, which date back to the 1890s. At nearly 110 years old, she’s a singular, lasting piece of history from a bygone era – a time machine here from the past to help us share the river’s stories in a way that no one else can.  We are the proud home of two National Historic Landmarks, the Belle and her wharfboat, the Mayor Andrew Broaddus. As historic artifacts still in frequent use, these antique vessels require year-round care and maintenance. It takes specialized training and years of experience to adequately operate and preserve this living, floating museum. 

Built in an era where the life expectancy of a steamboat was a mere five years, the Belle has survived 11 decades. Twelve million passengers have made memories on our vessels just since we became the Belle in 1963. You can read about some of those memories here on our 110th Birthday page.