Belle of Louisville (Louisville-Jefferson County, Kentucky)

 excursion, steamboat, interesting place, tourist attraction

401 West River Road
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-2992
www.belleoflouisville.org/

The 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 the 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. Later inthe 1930's under the name Avalon she ferried passengers between Louisville and the Fontaine Ferry and Rose Island amusement parks. Jefferson County Judge Marlow Cook purchased her at auction and volunteers restored her to her former beauty. 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 number of places visited.