spirit of evansville riverboat

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American Heritage Riverboat Returning to Evansville Through September

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Say what you will about the Ohio River, but we are pretty fortunate to have it as a border to the city we call home. If you're a boater and you want to get out and enjoy a nice summer day on the river, it's right there, and there are plenty of places along it where you can drop your boat in and go without having to drive a long distance. Plus, it makes a great backdrop for hosting events like the annual fireworks, Shrinersfest, or any of the other numerous events that take place along the Evansville riverfront over the course of the year. It also provides us opportunities to experience things we wouldn't have the chance to if it weren't there. For example, the recent announcement from Explore Evansville that the American Heritage riverboat will be returning to town to offer more cruises for the next couple of months.

American Heritage Riverboat Announces Return to Evansville

This isn't the first time the American Heritage has come through town. It made a few stops last August as well. As was the case with those stops, local residents will not be able to take a ride on the boat as it's stops in Evansville will be part of an ongoing cruise. But, the city's tourism bureau, Explore Evansville (formerly Visit Evansville), and American Cruises, who operates the riverboat, is inviting residents to stop by and see the boat when it docks at Marina Pointe on the following dates:

• Thursday, July 27, 2023 - 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Wednesday, August 16, 2023 - 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, August 22, 2023 - 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Monday, September 11, 2023 - 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Monday, September 25, 2023 - 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Passengers on the boat will visit area attractions, including the Evansville Wartime Museum, Audubon Museum & Nature Center, Wesselman Woods, and others while they're in town.

Tours of the boat will not be available to the public. However, Marina Pointe will be open for beverage service starting at 10 AM and lunch service at 11 AM on dock days.

Volunteers Needed

Explore Evansville is looking for anyone interested in being part of the "Evansville Welcoming Committee" to welcome passengers as they come off the boat and begin their tour of the area. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Explore Evansville at [email protected].

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Introducing explore evansville, allow us to reintroduce ourselves  .

The Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Tourism Department, the CVB, the ECVB, Visit Evansville, those people in the pagoda with all the maps...  Our organization has had a variety of names over the years since our official formation in 1983.  We have seen our beloved city through so much, and we look forward to continuing our service under a new name, Explore Evansville.  It is our hope that as we transition into our new identity, our community is inspired that whether you’re a native or a newbie, we are all explorers. 

Why The Change? 

If you look at the logo we previously have used, you will notice some notes from our past, like the double “L” of “Evansville” representing the smokestacks of the riverboat that previously housed Casino Aztar, and the phrase “Visit” representing our focus on the tourism industry.  With our new identity, we wanted to capture and honor the spirit of our city.  From our early days as a thriving commercial town with river trade, to the manufacturing powerhouse that supported the efforts of WWII, Evansville has always been a major center of industry and inspiration.  And it’s through that pioneering spirit that our River City continues to evolve. 

Our organization has and will continue to roll out the red carpet for our visitors and collaborate with our partners in the hospitality industry.  But now, we also want to spend a little more time working with our best salespeople, our own local community.  Through those efforts and redesigned resources, we encourage you to discover your inner explorer and find something new or revive something forgotten in Evansville, Indiana. 

What We Do, and Why We Do It 

The hospitality and tourism industry is a critical contributor to the local economy in Evansville, Indiana. From hotels and restaurants to attractions and events, our industry generates jobs, revenue, and economic growth that benefits visitors and local citizens alike.  As the City and County’s official tourism bureau, Explore Evansville is what’s referred to as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).  A DMO serves to work collaboratively with local governments, tourism boards and industry stakeholders to develop and execute strategies for attracting visitors and driving economic growth.  By showcasing our unique attractions, cultural heritage, infrastructure, and business opportunities, Explore Evansville aims to enhance the overall visitor experience, foster sustainable tourism practices, and position our region as a desirable and competitive choice for leisure, business, and events tourism. 

How Explore Evansville is Funded  

Like most DMOs across the country, Explore Evansville is funded predominantly through accommodation and tourism taxes.  Vanderburgh County carries an 8% Innkeeper’s Tax that is divided into 3 separate funds: a Tourism Capital Improvement fund which directs 3.5% towards tourism infrastructure, a Convention Center Operating fund which receives 2% to support Old National Events Plaza operations, and finally, a Promotional Fund at 2.5% that supports Explore Evansville’s operations and promotional activities.  So how exactly does Explore Evansville use those funds? 

Explore Evansville Advocates for Our Community and Promotes Our Destination 

Explore Evansville functions as a sales and marketing agency with a focus on promoting the city and driving tourism.   Some of our essential functions include:  

Event Promotion: Explore Evansville plays a significant role in attracting and promoting major events, conferences, and conventions to Evansville.  We do this by showcasing the city's venues, facilities, and hospitality services to event organizers and marketing the destination as a prime location for hosting successful events. 

Partnership Development: We establish and nurture partnerships with meeting and event planners from all over the country to identify new tourism-related business and retain existing customers.  We also collaborate with local stakeholders, including hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers to enhance the experience of our city and showcase the best of what we have to offer. 

Visitor Services: Explore Evansville provides comprehensive visitor services to assist tourists in planning their trips.  We offer a variety of resources including maps, brochures, and guides to help visitors navigate the region and access relevant information about their travel needs and surroundings. 

Marketing and Advertising: We implement marketing strategies and advertising campaigns to increase awareness of the Evansville Region as a desirable destination.  Nowadays, that includes utilizing various channels such as digital media, social media, print media, television, and radio to reach potential visitors and target markets. 

Research and Analysis: More recently, Explore Evansville conducts geo-tracking research and is constantly gathering data on visitor demographics, behaviors, and market trends. By analyzing this information, we are more equipped than ever to make informed decisions about marketing strategies, target audiences, and initiatives to further develop and grow the tourism industry in the Evansville Region. 

How Explore Evansville Directly Invests in the Community 

Along with the economic impact that comes with direct and indirect business sales resulting from events held in our community, Explore Evansville’s Tourism Capital Improvement fund is a part of our unique legislation that provides for the funding of projects that directly impact our tourism infrastructure.  Since 1995, our DMO has invested over $40 million in brick-and-mortar projects throughout Vanderburgh County, including the construction of Deaconess Sports Park and capital improvements at Goebel Soccer Complex, expansions and renovations at several area museums, support of new exhibits at Mesker Park Zoo, the BMX track at Burdette Park, enhancements throughout Downtown Evansville, artwork at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), land purchases for future development and so much more.   

Why Are YOU, Our Local Neighbors, Friends and Relatives Our Most Important Tourism Advocates?  

Local community members being tourism advocates can contribute to the economic, social and cultural well-being of our region in many ways: 

Economic Benefits: Tourism can bring significant economic benefits to a destination, including increased job opportunities, business growth, and revenue generation.  Local community members who act as tourism advocates can help promote our destination, attracting more visitors and encouraging them to explore local attractions, accommodations, and businesses.  

Diversifying the Tax Base: Explore Evansville’s efforts indirectly help relieve the tax burden on local constituents by helping to fund local infrastructure development, public services and other projects and initiatives.  As tourism grows and develops, revenue generated from related activities can contribute to a broader base for public funding rather than relying solely on local taxpayers. 

Preservation of Heritage and Culture: Tourism advocates from our local community can actively promote and preserve our destination's unique cultural heritage and rich history.  You can educate visitors about local traditions, historical sites, arts, and crafts, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect.  By showcasing and valuing our heritage, we can protect and promote it for future generations. 

Community Pride and Identity: There is no better publicity than locals taking an active role in promoting and celebrating our community.  Your sense of pride and identity contributes to a stronger community spirit and fosters a positive environment for both residents and visitors.  Tourism advocates can highlight the hidden gems, local stories, and authentic experiences that make their destination special, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the local community. 

Quality of Life: A thriving tourism industry can have spillover effects that improve the quality of life for our local community.  Increased tourism can lead to the development of better infrastructure, more vibrant amenities, and public services that benefit both residents and visitors alike.  By advocating for tourism, you indirectly advocate for the improvement of your own living conditions and the overall well-being of the community. 

In conclusion , as we embark on this new chapter as Explore Evansville, we are filled with excitement and optimism.  Together, as a community, we can embrace our role as tourism advocates and showcase the beauty, history, and vibrant spirit of our beloved community.  By supporting Explore Evansville and promoting our destination, you not only boost our local economy but also preserve our heritage, strengthen our community pride, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.  Let us unite as explorers and share the wonders of the Evansville Region.  Together, we can shape a brighter future for our community and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. 

The Spirit of Sacramento: an abandoned riverboat with a fascinating tale

Sitting along the Garden Highway is an incredible roadside attraction with a fascinating tale. This giant paddlewheel boat (the Spirit of Sacramento) was originally created as a snagboat, but went on to star in a Hollywood film, was owned by John Wayne and eventually provided hundreds of cruises up and down the Delta River.

At about 100 feet long and roughly three stories tall, the “spirit” of this boat lives on with each wide-eyed visitor.

The Putah was built in 1942 by the Berkeley Steel Construction Company as a snagboat for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). This organization is responsible for developing, investigating and maintaining the nation’s water resources and related environmental resources.

A snagboat’s primary purpose was to remove snags and other obstructions from rivers so that people and other boats (like steamboats) could safely pass through. Snags could cause serious damage to a boat by puncturing the exterior and causing it to sink.

In the late 1940’s, the Putah was still actively working up and down the Sacramento River. According to the Oakland Tribune (Apr 25, 1948), the stern wheeler was diesel electric, 98 feet long and mastered by Marshall Fall.

The Putah is believed to have been in operation with the USACE until purchased by John Wayne in the fall of 1954 for his film Blood Alley . Wayne’s company purchased the boat from William Mitchell.

The following details about the Putah is from an August 21, 1954, article in the Daily Independent Journal out of San Rafael:

“Built of iron, her length is 82 feet and her beam 24 feet, and she does 10 knots. A V8 Caterpiller Diesel electric engine, turns the generator providing electricity for the enormous paddle wheel in the stern. Her hull, composed of ballast tanks, can be filled with water and give her great drive, or emptied and enable her to navigate in extremely shallow waters”

The article also stated that the Putah had a galley, stateroom, a comfortable crew’s quarters, was skippered by Cass Gidley and had an engineer named Bill Lowden.

Spirit of Sacramento Boat Stars in Blood Alley

Blood Alley, produced by John Wayne’s company Batjac, was a 1955 film about an anti-Communist merchant marine who was freed from a Chinese prison and would rescue hundreds of villagers by taking them on a daring boat escape to Hong Kong.

The film was based on a novel by Aaron Sidney Fleischman and directed by William A. Wellman. It starred John Wayne as the hero and Lauren Bacall as the “love interest.” Ironically, John Wayne was a last minute substitution for this leading role as Robert Mitchum was the original choice.

However, after a falling out with the director, Mitchum was removed. Gregory Peck was next in line, but turned down the offer. Next was Humphrey Bogart who reportedly asked for too much money. So, Wayne stepped in.

The Putah would make its Hollywood debut and receive a makeover to play the part. Named the Chicu San/Chiku Shan in the film, some could even argue that our beloved Putah played a major role and quite possibly stole the spotlight from Wayne and Bacall.

The following excerpt is from a 1955 film review of Blood Alley by the New York Times :

“Their grand plan is to take all of its 189 souls aboard an ancient, wood-burning, stern-wheeler ferryboat, with Captain Wayne as the expert, intrepid pilot at the wheel, along the dangerous 300-mile route to Hong Kong and freedom. And before the battered Chiku Shan makes port at Hong Kong, it has weathered a chase by a gunboat, a storm, the sinister machinations of a Communist family aboard, a waning food and fuel supply and a bombing by a destroyer.”

The Mansion Belle

Sometime after the film was completed, John Wayne sold The Putah to Frank Parisi, a Sacramento businessman that owned Parisi’s Fine Italian Food located on Fulton Ave.

He renamed the sternwheeler the Mansion Belle and offered river cruises along the Sacramento River and through the Delta. According to the Center For Sacramento History , the boat was docked at Front and O streets. Parisi promoted the boat as ‘the only sternwheeler West of the Mississippi’.

In 1957, the boat was involved in an accident, which was just the beginning of a long line of incidents that this vessel would endure. The Mansion Belle apparently rammed into a cottage and lost 10 blades from the stern wheel.  The following article is from the Sausalito News dated August 24, 1957:

In 1959, the Mansion Belle made a voyage up to Oregon for the “Oregon Centennial.” It provided opportunities for passengers to cruise up the rivers and envision what life used to be like when boats like these were a main source of transportation.

After this voyage north, things get confusing in regards to the ownership and whereabouts of the Mansion Belle.

According to The Independent (Feb 19, 1959) out of Long Beach, a California corporation allegedly purchased the Mansion Belle for $65,000. The ship was supposed to be renamed the Lillian Belle and towed from Oakland down to San Diego’s Mission Bay. As of now, I’m unable to find any information on this actually happening. However, quite the opposite happens.

By the summer of 1961, the Mansion Belle was back in Sacramento providing cruises from Sacramento down to Walnut Grove and back. But, it’s time in Sacramento seemed short lived.

Three years later, the Mansion Belle finally made its way down to Southern California, but it started running cruises out of Marina del Ray. According to the Los Angeles Times (Oct 28, 1964), the Mansion Belle was the new “party boat” in town. The ship was all cleaned up and had a Victorian décor. There was an upper and lower salon and two bars that made this ship like a floating restaurant. A renowned chef named John Cirner was in charge of the food services.

The Mansion Belle earned quite the reputation for a good time. In addition to running regular cruises, the Mansion Belle was also privately chartered for many different events. Some of the more “memorable” events included proms and the Miss Marina del Ray pageant.

A year later, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Mansion Belle was operated by Bob Morris whose family ran Paradise Cover for many years. 

In 1966, the sternwheeler made its way down to Long Beach where it provided romantic cruises around the harbor. She could only stay within the harbor’s limits due to the potential damage she would suffer from going into the ocean. In October of 1966, the Mansion Belle took on the Princess in a grudge riverboat race. This was the first of its kind in California and our beloved sternwheeler won the race. She was skippered by Gary LaMont. ( Independent Press Telegram – Oct 23, 1966)

Unfortunately, I have no idea what happened to the boat in the 70’s and 80’s. Eventually, it would make its way back to the Sacramento region by the early 90’s and once again, provide cruises along the river.

The Spirit of Sacramento

In 1991, the boat was purchased by Channel Star Excursions and renamed the Spirit of Sacramento . Along with the Matthew McKinley , this boat was docked at the Old Sacramento Waterfront and provided river cruises. At this point, the Spirit of Sacramento held 350 passengers and offered dinner cruises, sightseeing ventures, and even a murder mystery. After 5 years of successful cruises, the Spirit of Sacramento suffered a fire that ultimately sealed its fate.

The Fire of 1996

On February 3, 1996, the fire department responded at 3:30 a.m. to a fire aboard the Spirit of Sacramento , which was docked near the K Street landing. They found the boat “fully involved” and a second alarm was called, according to the Sacramento Bee . Fortunately, the fire department was able to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby Delta King. Sadly, the Spirit of Sacramento was completely destroyed.

A New Owner, Same Bad Luck

In 1997, William Barker purchased the damaged boat with the intentions of restoring it to its glory days and renaming it “The Duke.” Barker also owned another boat the Grande Romance , which he took passengers on river cruises and attempted to model it after the Spirit of Sacramento .

Despite dropping over a half million dollars in repairs on the Spirit of Sacramento , Barker’s plans were foiled due to what he called “pirates” constantly damaging his ship. Eventually, the paddlewheel riverboat was left abandoned, tied up along the Sacramento River. For the rest of the 90’s and into the 21 st century, the boat could be seen half sunk in the river.

Around 2006, a massive effort was undertaken to raise the partially sunken boat. You can see this effort in the KCRA news video above.

However, this large vessel was causing concerns with other businesses and people throughout the river area. Over the next few years, growing fears of the boat floating down river and destroying everything in its path led to a public lobbying for its removal.

In 2012, the Abandoned Vessel Program was underway and the Spirit of Sacramento was one of the first abandoned boats to be targeted by authorities. Eventually, a court ordered that the boat be removed from the water and placed on land where it still sits today.

Visiting This Historic Vessel

The Spirit of Sacramento (now referred to as the “old” Spirit of Sacramento due to a newer vessel taking on the same name) is incredible to see in person. In fact, it’s almost surreal when you first lay eyes on it.

Here’s a massive riverboat among the trees, just screaming to be restored and placed back in the water. Sadly, it appears that this could be the boat’s final resting place as there has been no word of any future restoration plans.

This is without a doubt, one of the coolest Roadside Attractions that I have seen in all of California and I’m sure you will enjoy it too.

Directions to the Spirit of Sacramento

Since the boat is on private property, I am unable to give the exact location. However, it is along the Garden Highway, north of the Sacramento airport, and on the west side of the highway.

Additionally, there are no parking spots along the highway where the boat is located. There are numerous “No Trespassing” signs all around this area. I suggest adhering to these signs.

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Largest riverboat on Mississippi started life as Evansville's casino boat

EVANSVILLE, Ind. —  The city's former Tropicana casino riverboat this weekend reopened as a New Orleans luxury entertainment venue.

After it was rechristened as Riverboat Louis Armstrong in a private ceremony Saturday, the newly refurbished boat was opened to the public with a free concert.

However, New Orleans' newest and largest riverboat won't be used for sightseeing cruises. Instead, it is a venue for music events, concerts, weddings, conventions and large-scale private parties, according to its website .

The boat was acquired by Hospitality Enterprises New Orleans/BigEasy.com in 2017 after a change in Indiana law allowed Tropicana Casino to move its gambling operations to land .

The boat formerly known as the City of Evansville departed the city's riverfront in October 2017 bound for New Orleans. The boat had docked at its namesake city on the Ohio River since 1995, where it was the first of its kind in Indiana.

The rebuilt riverboat is now the largest on the Mississippi River, according to a news article about the renovated riverboat on the nola.com website. 

Extensive would be an understatement in describing the remodeling that transformed the boat into the Louis Armstrong. 

More than 900 gaming machines were removed and its interior completely demolished. Brand new floor plans were created for the boat. With three levels and a top-level deck, the boat can now accommodate up to 3,000 passengers.

Not only was the interior completely redone from top to bottom, but the riverboat also received a complete mechanical rework and new electrical, audio, air conditioning and safety systems, according to the company website. Its three engines and two generators were overhauled, and the radiator underneath the boat, that is used to clean the engines, was rebuilt.

It's exterior was sandblasted and repainted, with 30-foot-by-30-foot Louis Armstrong logos on each side. A 12-foot high image of the famous jazz musician adorns the back of its pilothouse, where the ship's steering wheel and navigation is.

Its four levels, including the open-air top, are each named for an aspect of the music that helped make New Orleans famous: blues, soul, jazz and Satchmo (Armstrong's nickname).

The various levels include meeting spaces, a concert hall and stage, a 3,500-square-foot lounge, two bars, 4,000 square feet of wedding space, an 8,000-square foot banquet hall, and a 2,800-square foot Armstrong Room lounge that will honor the bandleader and trumpeter's life.

According to the nola.com article, dozens of events are already booked for the Louis Armstrong. These include a private party hosted by ESPN during the College Football National Championship weekend Jan. 11-13 in New Orleans.

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Women of all ages are invited to visit any of our chapters.  Sitting in on one of our rehearsals is the perfect way to find out more about us and what we can do for you!  Click a state below for more information about each chorus.  A gallery of these choruses at our 2019 Regional Competition is available on the Photos page .

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Penny Lane announces new northside coffee shop in Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Penny Lane Coffeehouse says they’re opening a new location on the north side of Evansville.

Owners say it will be across the street from the Schnucks on Highway 41, behind the CVS.

“It will be the same coffee, same vibe, awesome baristas and a tremendous love for local art and music... except we’re going to have a nice shiny drive thru,” shared the coffee shop on social media.

Penny Lane Coffeehouse on S.E. 2nd Street is open every day. Click here for more information.

Copyright 2024 WFIE. All rights reserved.

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