Facebook Post Might Be Confusing, But Kentucky’s Belle of Louisville Is Just Fine

Is it just me, or have there been more noteworthy riverboats floating down the Ohio River in 2025 than what is typical? I couldn't put my finger on what all of them were, but I do know we've had a pirate ship and a river cruise visit Owensboro.

We did not, however, see the iconic Belle of Louisville on our banks this year. Oddly enough, I couldn't find a definitive answer about when she last visited Owensboro. It must have been a long time ago. I find that strange, since it's docked just a couple of hours up the river. Well, maybe more than a couple of hours, considering the speed at which such watercraft travels.

Belle of Louisville

The beautiful Belle was built in 1914 and has been entertaining river cruise enthusiasts ever since. With a capacity of 650 passengers, you could get all of Whitesville, Kentucky, on board with room to spare. The dining hall seats 180.

But the Belle of Louisville itself is merely one of three in the Belle of Louisville line. The Mary M. Miller and the Wharf Boat complete the trio. And there's some exciting news about the "mothership"; she will be part of America's 250th celebration in 2026.

But I do know this about the Belle of Louisville. She's just fine and open for business. I say that because a circulating Facebook post has raised a few red flags, based on responses I read in the comments section. If you don't know the story, this would be somewhat alarming.

The Belle sank in 1997, but not all the way, and it was an act of sabotage. Twenty years later, the Louisville Courier-Journal covered the incident and revealed some pretty bizarre information about the case.

The main thing is, though, the Belle of Louisville is just fine and ready for the holiday season and any season that comes after.