We’re going to be honest with you: it’s been a very tough year for Louisville’s riverboats.
In February and April of this year, Louisville experienced historic flooding that wreaked havoc on our 2025 season before it even got started.
While the February flood impacted our ability to conduct necessary off-season maintenance, the even bigger April flood forced cancellation of cruises and events in what would have been the first month of our 2025 season. This impacted both the Belle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller. It also included our dockside Thunder Over Louisville event, which is typically a big fundraiser for Belle of Louisville Riverboats.
That was followed up by yet another, even bigger blow.
When a fuel leak was discovered in one of the Belle’s internal bulkheads, we were forced to scratch her from the crown jewel in her season, the Great Steamboat Race. The repairs left her unable to cruise until July, three months later than planned. Since then, we’ve been working hard to make up for lost time. But the impact of our flag bearer being unable to cruise for three months has been hugely damaging to the bottom line.
So, while we’re thrilled our Legendary Lady is now ship-shape leading up to the America’s River Roots Festival in Cincinnati, October 8 – 12, we need your help.
This Give for Good week, please make a gift to support Friends of the Belle. Now more than ever, we need your help.
Last year, in 2024, we had record-breaking attendance. We hosted 89,161 passengers in the Belle’s 110th year, the most since 2006!
Next year, we’re committed to welcoming even more visitors, locals, students and passholders onboard. We have exciting plans for new experiences, expanded educational efforts and new community partnerships. But we must have your help to stay afloat.
Louisvilllians have a long history of supporting their icon, the Belle of Louisville. From our functional 1890s engines to our social media star the calliope, we’re something truly unique to the River City.
Every dollar supports our mission of connecting our community to the river and keeping our historic vessels afloat. Your donation helps create opportunities for thousands to make memories out on the water that will last them a lifetime.
We’re making the call this Give for Good, and we are depending on you to answer it.