evansville indiana riverboats

Riverboat cruise coming to Evansville next month

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Riverboat tours will start making stops in Evansville starting with one this summer.

Visit Evansville President Alexis Berggren shared the news during a visit to the 14 News studio for Midday with Mike.

She says it will be American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage , which is a traditional paddleboat.

Berggren says it’s expected to bring in tourism to downtown businesses.

The old LST dock is where the boat will come in. It won’t be docked full time, but will be a stop on the riverboat’s tour.

The first stop is set for Aug. 8, with more possible in the future.

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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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The Riverboat Cruise In Indiana You Never Knew Existed

Courtney Johnston

Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.

More by this Author

Riverboats might be a term that reminds you of the south, but Indiana actually has its fair share of historic riverboats that you can still climb aboard. One incredible riverboat you’ve likely never heard of is a true Indiana treasure – and you’ll want to book a cruise this summer.

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Will you be checking out this charming riverboat cruise this summer? For another incredible boat experience, check out this awesome wine cruise .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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River City Star Riverboat Tours

Information

The River City Star Riverboat offers Public Sightseeing Tours offering guests a truly unique, fun and memorable experience! Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Missouri River on this 1 hour Cruise. Take in sights such as Freedom Park Naval Yard, the Illinois Central Swing Bridge, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and the banks of Omaha’s Riverfront and Council Bluffs Rivers Edge Park.

Bring the entire family or a fun group of friends out to enjoy this relaxing cruise featuring a short Captains Narration & Music. Most Sunday Sightseeing Cruises feature Park Rangers from the National Park Service offering interesting facts on Lewis & Clark’s expedition on the Missouri River! Appropriate for all ages.

The River City Star Riverboat is a 1940’s era Paddlewheel style Riverboat. Featuring a fully enclosed lower deck with viewing windows, a full bar, seating, and restrooms along with a canopy covered upper deck, the River City Star holds up to 145 passengers, offering public and private cruises that truly capture the personality of a great river city…Omaha. Come Cruise with Us!

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Visitors in Omaha should not miss the Flora Markers of the Interpretive Garden at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center. The Interpretive Garden at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail commemorates…

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American Heritage Riverboat to dock in Evansville throughout Fall

by: Jana Garrett

Posted: Aug 23, 2022 / 02:14 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 24, 2022 / 11:33 AM CDT

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – Visit Evansville and American Cruise Lines announced the American Heritage will return to Evansville for four more stops through the Fall of 2022. 

A news release says the American Heritage, a newly renovated paddlewheeler, will moor at the dock once occupied by the LST 325 at Marina Pointe on the following dates:   

A news release says people are invited to Marina Pointe to view the riverboat and welcome passengers, but tours of the American Heritage will not be available. 

“We are excited to welcome the American Heritage and American Cruise Lines back to Evansville. As we look to reactivate these activities from our bend in the Ohio River, this is a first, important step. In addition to these tremendous cruise opportunities, we continue to work towards attracting a riverboat to Evansville full time that can accommodate our local community and visitors alike,” said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO of Visit Evansville. 

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AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERBOAT TO DOCK IN EVANSVILLE THROUGHOUT THE FALL

Evansville, IN – July 25, 2024 – Explore Evansville and American Cruise Lines have announced that the American Heritage will return to Evansville for eight stops throughout the summer and fall of 2023.  The American Heritage, a classic newly renovated paddle-wheeler carrying 150 passengers, will moor at the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325 at Inland Marina on the following dates:

With one stop in the market already this summer, the passengers will visit regional attractions while in Evansville, including the Evansville Wartime Museum, Audubon Museum & Nature Center, Wesselman Woods and others.

Members of the community are invited to Inland Marina to view the riverboat and welcome passengers, but tours of the American Heritage will not be available to the public.  Marina Pointe will be open for beverage service starting at 10 AM and lunch service at 11 AM.

“We are thrilled to welcome the American Heritage and American Cruise Lines back to Evansville again this year!  We are excited about this growing partnership, and Explore Evansville continues to seek ways to bring more attractions to the riverfront that will serve both visitors and the local community,” said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a member of the Evansville Welcoming Committee is encouraged to contact Explore Evansville at [email protected] .

About American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small-ship cruising in the U.S.A. American continues to launch the newest U.S.-built ships for Cruising Close to Home ®. On all American cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. In 2023, America will operate 17 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays in cities across the country.

About Explore Evansville

Explore Evansville is the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County.  Explore Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area’s economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business.  Additionally, Explore Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex.

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Ohio River cruises are stopping regularly in Evansville for the first time in decades.

American Cruise Lines is scheduled to dock its American Heritage riverboat at Inland Marina eight times between July 13 and Sept. 25. Officials with Explore Evansville say they are receiving positive feedback from passengers and crew members.

About 100 passengers typically are aboard when the riverboat docks, and two-hour excursions are offered to Wesselman Park, the Evansville Wartime Museum, or John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky.

“We’ve heard a lot of people say they want to come back,” says L’Oreal Mitchell, Explore Evansville’s assistant director of sales.

Rather than take an excursion, some passengers and crew opt to enjoy a meal at KC’s Marina Pointe restaurant. Explore Evansville stations ambassadors, ready to greet and assist the guests.

Next year’s calendar of stops is in the works. Mitchell says Explore Evansville has spoken with American Cruise Lines about making excursions longer, allowing other attractions to receive visitors.

Mitchell says Explore Evansville wants to attract additional cruise lines, and it remains a goal to have a riverboat permanently docked in Evansville, where it would be available to local groups and organizations.

“That is one of the things we have heard over and over again, getting a boat here,” says Mitchell, who came to Explore Evansville from Louisville, Kentucky. “I think it would benefit the community. I spent years on the Belle of Louisville, and I’ve seen first-hand what it can do.”

How long has Evansville gone without river- boat activity? According to Explore Evansville records, the Delta Queen made a stop in 2008, but the city hasn’t seen significant riverboat activity since the 1970s.

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Officials with Visit Evansville and American Cruise Lines say the American Heritage riverboat will return to the city for four more stops this fall.

American Heritage riverboat docking in Evansville in the fall

Digital Content Manager

Born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. Writing stories from around the Tri-State for 44News since 2019.

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• Aug 23, 2022
• Aug 23, 2022 Updated Aug 23, 2022

Officials in Evansville say the American Heritage riverboat will be back this fall.

On Tuesday, Visit Evansville and American Cruise Lines said the American Heritage riverboat would be returning to the city for four more stops in the fall.

The four stops are currently scheduled for Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 17, and Oct. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

According to a news release, the public will be invited to view the riverboat and welcome passengers, but tours will not be available.

“We are excited to welcome the American Heritage and American Cruise Lines back to Evansville. As we look to reactivate these activities on our riverfront, this is a first, important step. In addition to these tremendous cruise opportunities, we continue to work towards attracting a riverboat to Evansville full time that can accommodate our local community and visitors alike,” said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO of Visit Evansville.

The American Heritage had just docked in Evansville at the start of August .

Anyone interested in volunteering as a member of the Port of Evansville Welcome Committee is encouraged to contact Visit Evansville at [email protected] . Musicians interested in providing live music during riverboat arrivals can also reach out to Kasia Koontz at [email protected] .

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Evansville IN (Indiana)

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Evansville is an Ohio River cruise port and city in Indiana USA (Vanderburgh County). By population (around 120,000), the city is ranked Indiana's 3rd-largest, following Indianapolis (state's capital) and Fort Wayne (Southern Indiana's largest). Evansville was founded in 1812 (1817-incorporated) and received city status in 1847.

Port Evansville (locode USEVV) is a major Ohio River port with a modern infrastructure and direct rail and highway connections. Evansville is also designated as a Port of Entry, allowing it to handle both domestic and international cargo shipping. The Port's largest international exports include chemicals (64%), heavy equipment (18%) and foods (5%). Ohio River also connects Evansville with the Great Lakes and also with foreign markets (via New Orleans' Port NOLA) .

As cruise port, Evansville was introduced with American Cruise Lines/ACL 's 2024 summer program and included in the schedule of the ACL riverboat American Heritage (fka Queen of the Mississippi) . The news was announced by ACL in August 2022.

Next table shows ACL's 13-night/14-day itinerary (between Missouri and Pennsylvania via Kentucky-Indiana-Ohio) which was scheduled for the period July-August 2024 and promo-priced from USD 7755 per person with double occupancy.

Cruise ships in Evansville dock at Inland Marina. On the waterfront and to the north are two of the city's unique tourist attractions - the LST Dock (where is permanently moored USS LST-325 /a 1943-built landing ship tank, now serving as a WW2-themed museum) and Bally's Evansville (Hotel & Casino).

Indiana's first casino Bally's Evansville (1995-opened) was originally functioning on a riverboat (City of Evansville). The casino boat was an exact replica of the 1866-built Robert E. Lee (paddlewheel/sidewheel steamboat). In 2013, the casino boat (length 94 m / 310 ft, width 21 m / 70 ft, total public space 47863 ft2 / 4447 m2) was renamed Tropicana Evansville. Since 2018, Bally's Evansville is land-based (hotel and casino) property and owned by GLP-Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.

Evansville Airport serves 30+ regularly scheduled domestic flights linking to Sanford/Orlando FL (by Allegiant Air), Charlotte NC and Dallas TX (by American Airlines/American Eagle), Atlanta GA (by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection), and Chicago IL (American Airlines and Delta Air). Cargo flights (by FedEx Express) link to Memphis TN .

Four major railways serve Evansville's freight rail shipping - CSX, Evansville Western, Indiana Southwestern, and Norfolk Southern. The cargo trains are sorted at Howell Yard, which facilities have monthly capacity to handle ~3000 containers and trailers.

The current-day city's economy is largely based on trade, being Evansville Metro's principal city and serving a large tri-state (Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky) area that groups 30 counties (10x in Illinois, 11x in Indiana, 9x in Kentucky) and has combined population 0,9+ million. Evansville's major industries include healthcare/medical sciences (Deaconess Health System, Ascension St Vincent Evansville, hospitals), banking/finances, higher education (Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Indiana Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville University, Southern Indiana University), manufacturing, logistics/transportation, energy-related businesses, retail shopping.

In Evansville are headquartered large corporations like Escalade Inc (sporting goods), Old National Bank, OneMain Holdings (finance), Berry Global (plastic packaging products), Shoe Carnival (footwear), AmeriQual Group (food processing/production-packaging-assembly-distribution), Accuride (commercial vehicle components), Atlas World Group (moving and storage), Anchor Industries (ship anchors and mooring equipment), Evana Tool & Engineering (industrial machinery), Traylor Bros Inc (heavy construction), Koch Enterprises (heavy equipment), Lewis Bakeries (bakery foods), MetroNet (internet, TV, voice services), Red Spot Paint & Varnish (coatings for plastics), Karges Furniture.

The tourism industry benefits from several large museums (Children's, African American, Wartime, Reitz Home, Arts, History & Science), Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden (1928-opened). Angel Mounds State Historic Park (located approx 8 mi / 13 km southeast of the city), Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve (200 acres / 81 hectares of virgin forest), Wesselman Park (golf course, outdoor sports courts, playground), large-capacity sports facilities (Ford Center, Bosse Field, Double Cola Soccer Complex, Goebel Soccer Complex, Swonder Ice Arena), annual festivals and street fairs (West Side Nut Club Fall, Germania Mannerchor Volksfest).

Evansville IN - user reviews and comments

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.

Riverboat Cruises in Indiana

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Several companies offer riverboat cruises in Indiana. (Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images )

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Although once a key mode of transportation on the Mississippi River and other waterways, riverboats now serve primarily for entertainment and recreational purposes. Several Indiana companies offer riverboat cruises during warm-weather months, serving as a way to enjoy a bit of nostalgia along the water. Many of the cruises offer dinners, live music or even murder-mystery events to amplify the excitement.

Cruise Options Abound on Madam Carroll

The Madam Carroll, self-proclaimed as Indiana's largest boat, offers public and private cruises on Lake Freeman. Public cruises sail each Saturday night and some Friday nights from Memorial Day until the weather gets too chilly in September or October. Madam Carroll is based in Monticello in north-central Indiana. Take in the sights from an enclosed lower deck, open upper deck or small top deck, where passengers can say hello to the captain. This boat offers a variety of cruise options, such as sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises and even special cruises such as a murder mystery event. Cruises last from two to three hours. Some include live music and dancing. The Madam Carroll accommodates up to 400 passengers. Private charters are available.

Ride the Renovated Elkhart River Queen

Elkhart River Queen in the northern Indiana town of Elkhart offers public and private cruises on the St. Joseph River. This river boat recently underwent massive repairs and has returned to the waterways. Sightseeing cruises take place during warm-weather months, with the season typically ending around Labor Day weekend. Private cruises are available June through October, with two- or three-hour options available. The Elkhart River Queen has an enclosed lower deck and canopied upper deck. Cruises last two to three hours, with beverages offered for sale on board. The boat carries 110 passengers.

Take a Cruise During the Swiss Wine Festival

Riverboat cruises offer yet another way to enjoy the Swiss Wine Festival, held each August in the town of Vevay. Festival organizers charter the 210-passenger Queen City Clipper from a Kentucky company for this three-day festival weekend. Several cruises along the Ohio River take place each day of the festival, including dinner options, a moonlight cruise, a sightseeing cruise and a fireworks cruise after dark. The boat has an enclosed lower deck and an open-air, covered upper deck. Advanced reservations are required for dinner cruises. Dinner includes a main course, side dish, salad, rolls, a beverage and dessert.

Ride the Rivers Aboard the Dixie

The Dixie, a riverboat based in North Webster, offers at least daily cruises from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting. Rides last about 75 minutes. Most tours are for sightseeing and do not include food, although light snacks such as beverage, popcorn and candy are available for cash purchase. The boat has bench seating for 100 passengers on the upper open-air deck, with room for 40 more seated or standing passengers on the lower deck. Private charters for groups of 20 or more are also available, even beyond Labor Day.

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Serena Brown graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in communication. She has more than 15 years of experience in newspaper, radio and television reporting. Brown has also authored educational, medical and fitness material.

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Evansville Officials Hope To Attract River Cruises With Former LST Dock

Evansville, Ind., tourism officials want to rehabilitate the former dock for a World War II amphibious vessel and use it to attract riverboat cruises.

Inland Marina was the home of LST-325 until the ship relocated alongside a new museum in a downtown area adjacent to a riverfront park in June 2020. That move was made possible when the Tropicana Casino moved from a riverboat to a land-based operation in October 2017. LST-325 is now located where the casino boat had been moored from 1995 to 2017.  

On April 28, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention and Visitors Commission board voted to request that the Vanderburgh County Council permit $60,000 of the money raised from hotel room taxes be used to cover maintenance work and other expenses at the former LST-325 dock at Inland Marina, as well as to create fresh promotional materials to show cruise lines.

While the meeting to discuss the proposal will be June 1, Alexis Berggren, president and CEO of Visit Evansville, mentioned the need during a quarterly budget update to the council on May 4.

‘We are working very hard to bring riverboats back to our shores,” she said. “We are actively engaged with the three riverboat companies that are currently sailing the Ohio, and all three are very, very interested in Evansville as a potential port of call.”

Those companies are American Queen Voyages, American Cruise Lines and BB Riverboats, although Berggren said discussions are furthest along with American Cruise Lines.

“We’re also going after Viking River Cruises,” she told the board. “They are not currently sailing the Ohio, but they are building 22 new boats, so we don’t see why they can’t.”

Berggren said Visit Evansville is working closely with the city of Evansville, which owns Inland Marina, and the marina managers to make the dock viable again.

“And like I said, there is a lot of interest,” she told the board.

She added, “We need to do not only some work to that area itself, but we’re also in the process of developing excursion ideas for these boats so that once the guests get off we can take them to our attractions, take them to our retailers and restaurants, things like that. There’s a lot of work to be done, but I think it’s very doable, and I think there is a lot of excitement surrounding that.”

While no cruise lines currently visit Evansville as a port of call, some do stop at Henderson, Ky., across the river.

Work on the dock is not expensive but includes several “deferred maintenance” items not attended to during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

That includes replacing ballasts, pumping out some tanks, greasing hinges and applying fresh paint, along with some minor electrical work, she said.

“It just needs a little TLC,” Berggren said. “It’s still a great asset.”

There will be a need for ongoing funds for maintenance once it is in use, however, she added.

Positive attributes of the site include that it has already been permitted by the Corps of Engineers as a docking space when LST-325 used it and that it already has adequate parking facilities, a gangway and a bar and restaurant on-site.

“It’s really just an untapped treasure, I feel, at this point,” she said.

Berggren stressed to the county board that the tourism industry is in an “intense time of evolution” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The tastes and interests of travelers have changed dramatically, and destinations just like ours are fighting fiercely to attract them,” she said.

While cruise lines often determine their ports of call two to three years in advance, Berggren said some companies, including BB Riverboats, might have the ability to come in earlier than that to provide daytime or evening river cruises.

“We’re developing our packages, looking at what our marketing efforts are going to look like, looking at our excursion opportunities, talking to our downtown retailers,” Berggren said. “We’ve just been met with nothing but excitement and enthusiasm.”

Caption for photo: Inland Marina in Evansville, Ind., is the former home of LST-325. Tourism officials hope to renovate it so that Evansville can become a port of call for visiting river cruise ships. (Photo courtesy of Visit Evansville)

• Alexis Berggren
• Inland Marina

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Indiana Riverboat Casinos

Riverboat Casinos in Indiana offer players a one of a kind unique gambling experience.

Indiana, like many other states, has recently expanded its gambling laws.  The Hoosier State has a rich history of gambling, with Indiana horse racing dating back to the 1800s. In Indiana, sports betting is legal, and residents can download mobile sports betting apps to wager on their favorite teams and sports on the go. For example, BetRivers Indiana is one of the online gambling sites currently available in the Hoosier State. As well as betting on sport, Indiana residents can now participate in casino gambling, but only at sweeps casinos.

In terms of casino gaming, there is also legislation that Sen. Jon Ford has introduced to bring new Indiana casino laws to fruition. The Indiana legislature accepted the proposals. Ford predicts that online casinos could bring in between $45-60 million  worth of tax revenue every year. For now, players can only access sweepstakes casinos in Indiana , with sites like Chumba Casino , Pulsz , BetRivers.net , and games like LuckyLand paving the way. These sites will still offer your favorite casino game, but you will be playing for virtual currency instead of real money.

The legalization of iGaming would build on the revenue generated by current land-based casinos in Indiana . Indiana gambling law authorizes ten land-based or riverboat casinos on the Ohio River or Lake Michigan, one physical casino in French Lick, and racinos at the two horse tracks in the state.

The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees all gambling activity in the state. Whether you are playing at Caesars Indiana, Indiana Grand, or a table game at an online casino, you are gambling in a safe environment. This is the case for a land based casino and an online site.

This page covers everything you need to know about Riverboat casinos in Indiana. Whether you love slot machines, classic table games, or you fancy yourself as a pro at poker, these riverboat casino locations provide all of that and more.

Indiana’s Riverboat Casinos Background

Legal gambling in Indiana began in 1988 when voters approved a state lottery. The first. Consequently, the first lottery tickets went on sale in October the following year. The momentum for casinos in Indiana grew, and the Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act passed in 1993. This opened up the possibility for the construction of ten riverboat casinos, the first of which opened in 1995.

Recently, the largest riverboat casino in the world set sail for a new home. The  Caesars Southern Indiana,  formerly known as the Horseshoe Southern Indiana riverboat casino, moved locations to Alabama. The casino called the riverboat its home for over 20 years; however, in 2015, Indiana passed a law permitting riverboat casinos to move from the water to land-based properties.

Players in Indiana can now access games of chance at a mixture of tribal, land-based, and riverboat casinos in addition to playing slots at horse tracks. You don’t need to travel to Las Vegas to enjoy live dealers or the latest slot machine. You can experience all of that in Central and Northwest Indiana. You are eligible to play the lottery at track events if you are 18; however, the legal gambling age in Indiana to visit a casino is 21 .

Ohio River Casinos

If you are looking for a Cincinnati riverboat casino, unfortunately, riverboat gambling is illegal in the Buckeye State. However, neighboring Indiana is has a thriving casino resort scene. Some of the most prominent riverboat casinos on the Ohio River are a short drive from Cincinnati.

Belterra Casino Indiana

The Belterra is the leading gambling boat in Indiana, boasting two floors of the newest and most entertaining slot machines and table games. With the addition of side bets, whether you are gambling in Indianapolis, Louisville, or Cincinnati, players tend to choose Belterra more often than not.

Some of the games include  Three Card Poker  and  Caribbean Stud . In addition to the numerous games and entertainment, the Belterra Hotel and Resort offers spa treatments, golf, and indoor shopping. If you want a break from the buzz of the casino floor, the full-service spa provides numerous treatments to recharge your batteries.

When you visit Belterra, you will discover retail sports betting courtesy of the FanDuel sportsbook among the 42,000 square feet of gaming space.

Hollywood Casino Barge

The Hollywood Casino was formerly known as Argosy Casino. This riverboat gambling facility and hotel is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It boasts 270,000 square feet of fun and entertainment, including  150,000 square feet of gaming space. There are 88  table games to choose from, in addition to 41 poker tables. The casino has one of the best poker rooms in Indiana .

If slots are more your thing, there are over 3,000 titles for you to play at your pleasure. Make sure you check the casino schedule to see what is in store regarding entertainment. The Hollywood casino lives up to its name, bringing in several entertainment acts every night. The onsite hotel provides luxury accommodation and includes restaurants such as the Final Cut Steakhouse.

Sports betting fans can also place bets via the retail sportsbook located in the casino, provided by the Barstool Sportsbook .

Grand Victoria Casino & Resort

The Rising Star Casino Resort is known for its excellent links golf course. This beautifully designed course features panoramic views of the Ohio River Valley . If you want some gambling action, the live casino floor has over 1,000 slot machines comprising fun themed reels. Additionally, the resort has over 200 hotel rooms, including suites, complete with an indoor pool.

If you want to relax after a day of gambling, the Grand Theatre offers superb entertainment, with favorites such as David Cassidy and Huey Lewis and the News having performed there.

Caesars sportsbook is available for players in the casino looking to wager on their favorite sports and team.

Lake Michigan Casinos

The Ameristar Casino Hotel is one of the most convenient land-based properties in Indiana. It is 25 miles from Chicago and close to Interstate highways. Additionally, if you are a Chicago resident, you can take advantage of a free shuttle bus service that runs from the city center. If you are a fan of Baccarat, you are in luck, as the Ameristar has a room dedicated to the game.

Ameristar is part of the Pinnacle Entertainment group. Consequently, the casino has a private club for high rollers with free food and drink.

Another Lake Michigan casino,  the Majestic Star Casino , features numerous quirky slots, including video poker penny slots and table games. Additionally, there is a dedicated poker room that sponsors daily tournaments and promotions. There is no hotel connected to the Majestic Star; however, there is a connected shuttle bus service.

The Horseshoe Hammond similarly does not have a dedicated casino hotel but does have a free shuttle bus service. This land-based property has stunning lake view suites spanning more than 1000 square feet. The gaming floor contains slots, table games, and poker rooms.

There is something very nostalgic about stepping on to a riverboat casino. No need for the bright lights and towering buildings of Vegas, Indiana riverboat casinos provide a one of a kind gambling experience for all who visit.

List of Indiana Riverboat Casinos

Below is a list of the riverboat casinos available in Indiana:

• Beltrerra Casino Resort
• Caesars Southern Indiana
• Grand Victoria Casino Resort
• Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg
• Ameristar East Chicago
• Horseshoe Casino
• Bally’s Evansville (Formerly Tropicana Evansville)
• Blue Chip Casino
• Grand Victoria Casino

Indiana News

For $16 million, indiana’s first riverboat casino can be yours.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana’s first riverboat casino is up for sale again.

New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc. has announced it is pursuing a sale of the Riverboat Louis Armstrong . That riverboat initially served as Casino Aztar’s gambling riverboat on the Ohio River in Evansville. 

The boat, originally named City of Evansville, opened as Indiana’s first riverboat casino in 1995. In 2017, the casino, then operating as Tropicana Evansville, moved to land-based gambling and closed the riverboat.

The riverboat was sold to the New Orleans-based group, where it underwent renovations and opened as the city’s “most luxurious, and most unique concert and events venue on the Mississippi River.”

“In light of the recent changes to the local tourism market and hospitality industry, especially the ones that have resulted in the cancelling of future conventions in New Orleans, New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., has decided to pursue the potential sale of the Riverboat Louis Armstong,” company president Walter Reuther Jr. said in a statement. “Although this is somewhat unexpected, the change in circumstances arising out of the significant post-COVID changes has necessitated this path, and the sale of the vessel will permit the company to redeploy assets and personnel in other areas.”

The company is reportedly seeking $16 million for the 3,000-passenger riverboat. A Facebook video released in January 2022 features a tour of the riverboat .

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