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Nashville.com official guide to nashville, tn, general jackson showboat.

General Jackson Showboat prices include boat cruise, hotel pickup (select hotels), dropoff, lunch or dinner, live entertainment, local taxes. Convenient online booking : 4.5 star reviews! (note: additional food & drinks are extra). Subject to change

While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater in the center of the boat.

One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson Showboat is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.

Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the Old South.

The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817 which was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose historic home—The Hermitage—is 15 minutes from the dock.

Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.

General Jackson Showboat Tickets Here!

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*Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat.

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Your cruise lets you experience Nashville as it can best be seen from the beautiful Cumberland River.

While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater.

One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.

Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the South.

The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817.

Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Ohio River in Indiana to start the journey to its new home on Nashville’s Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.

Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat. 

Accommodations

Stay the night for the ultimate Nashville experience. Book your trip today!

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When was the General Jackson launched?

Our launch date was April 20, 1985!

Who built the General Jackson?

The Jeffboat Inc from Jeffersonville, Indiana built it.

When was it christened?

On July 2, 1985, by Mrs. Thelma Gaylord

What is the capacity?

The capacity of the General Jackson is 1,000 passengers plus crew members.

What is the length of the boat?

274 feet; 300 feet including gang plank

How wide is the boat?

63 feet, 6 inches (width)

How tall is the General Jackson?

55 feet, fixed; 77 feet to the top of folding stacks

What is the draft?

The boat sits 7 feet in the water.

Which engines are used?

2 Caterpillar 3512’s; 1050 hp per engine; 880 kw generators

Which motors are used?

Two 600 HP General Electric motors turn the paddlewheel – 1,200 hp total

What is the speed of the General Jackson?

13 mph top speed; 4-8 mph average speed

How large is the Paddlewheel?

36 feet long, 24 feet in diameter; weighs 36 tons

How heavy is the General Jackson?

1,489 tons dead weight

Bow Thruster

200 hp propeller

What kind of search light does the General Jackson use?

Xenon bulb; 120 million candle power

How big is the Dock?

195’ X 35’ barge

What is the Mooring Cell?

Large cylinders on each end of the dock filled with sand and rock, topped with concrete and used to support and secure the barge/dock.

About the Cumberland River

River Navigable for 381 miles; the General Jackson dock is at mile 197.5; average depth is 15-25 feet; normal (pool) level is 385 feet elevation. A round trip to downtown Nashville and back is 14 miles. The head waters are in Harlin County, Kentucky, and the mouth is at Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.

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Nashville Boat Tours and Cruise

Boat tours and cruises in nashville.

Do you love to spend time on the water? Nashville area cruises are the perfect combination of relaxing comfort with adventurous sightseeing. Often beverages are a part of the attraction and viewing the vast green middle Tennessee landscapes will relax the soul. There is something about being on the water that helps slow down a day that is moving too fast. Take a deep breath, and take in the beauty and a view of Nashville that can only be seen from the rivers edge. Visit these sites for find the best Water Tours and Cruises in middle Tennessee. Enjoy Life, Nashville Life!

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Experience The Nashville City Tour, Voted The #1 Tour In Music City! 🎉

General Jackson Showboat Lunch/Dinner Tour

Wine & dine on the General Jackson Showboat!

Quick Details

• Bus Vehicle Type: Mini bus
• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours
• Star Outline Must See: The General Jackson Showboat is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Nashville
• Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

Take a Musical Lunch/Dinner Riverboat Cruise in Nashville!

Cruise down the scenic Cumberland River on the General Jackson Showboat, on one of the largest paddlewheel riverboats in the country. Enjoy lunch or dinner and a musical performance in the riverboat’s beautiful Victorian dinner theatre.

Lunch Cruise

A mid-day cruise. This thrilling show includes a delicious lunch and a cruise down the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat.

Dinner Cruise

What a thrill to cruise the Cumberland River on the beautiful General Jackson Showboat. Your night will include a Las Vegas style show with a dynamic cast of entertainers, elaborate costumes, dancers and a live orchestra. The evening includes a delicious dinner, the show and a three-hour cruise.

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The Riverboat Cruise In Nashville You Never Knew Existed

Meghan Kraft

Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.

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The Cumberland River is one of Nashville’s most defining features, and we found a way to see our beautiful city while cruising down this iconic Nashville river. Whether you’re looking for a great way to see the city’s lights from the water or for a romantic and unique dinner-and-a-show experience, this riverboat cruise in Nashville is an experience that no one should pass up. Sit back, relax, and let the lazy waters of the Cumberland River carry you back in time on this old paddle-wheel riverboat.

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Public River Boat Cruises in Nashville

River boat cruises in downtown nashville, cruise the river on a pontoon party cruise.

Our public cruises are famous in Nashville. It’s hard to beat the unique guided party experiences from our distinguished crew and views only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. Our public river boat cruises are BYOB and available at various times and will typically host about 40 people per cruise. Each group will be greeted by our licensed USCG Captain & Deck Hand who will help ice down your drinks while you settle aboard the Pontoon Saloon in preparation for the scheduled cruise departure. The bar-style atmosphere is amplified by your Deck Hand bringing hit tunes, entertainment, and engaging games that bring a crowd together on the dance floor. Thanks to our amazing crew, unique boat design, and amazing views, no other party bus or booze cruise knows how to get the party started like the Pontoon Saloon. Aside from the time of day, our public cruises are all similar—each offering BYOB or purchase buckets of beer/seltzer.  

What’s Included

• USCG Licensed Captain & Deckhand
• Party Host, Server, DJ
• 2 hours on the water
• Mimosa Cruise includes juices
• Beer & Seltzer Buckets for pre-purchase
• The best views of Music City
• Ice, cups, coolers, Coke, & water
• Large sound system
• Bar area & Dance Floor
• High-top tables & Stools(we do not have seating for everyone, standing & seated room at tables)
• Koozies, Hats, T Shirts
• Beer & Seltzer Buckets
• Professional Photographer

Departure Locations

Riverfront Dock East — All public cruises will depart from the east bank dock except for event dates noted below or stated otherwise in your confirmation email. Lock One Marina — We reserve the right to change dock locations due to city events. Public Cruises will depart from Lock One Marina on the following dates: April 27th, May 2nd – May 4th, June 6th- June 9th, July 2nd – July 5th, Sept. 5th

BOOK A PUBLIC CRUISE

Plan Your Ideal Day on the Water

Mimosa Cruise

The USS Mimosa departs each morning before noon. This cruise is the best way to start your day in Nashville. Bring aboard your favorite bottle of Champagne, and we provide a variety of juices for mimosas. This cruise will cure your hangover as you sip on mimosas, enjoy the river breeze, and listen to our curated Pontoon Playlist. Two mimosas later, you’ll be dancing to Cardi B with all new friends and ready for Broadway! This is a bachelorette must-do!

Pontoon Party Cruise

Our afternoon Pontoon Party Cruise is the best activity you can do before hitting Broadway! There is no better place to be on a hot sunny day in Music City than aboard this party barge enjoying a cool breeze and making some great Nashville memories. Grab a friend and come experience it for yourself. Our Deck Hand gets the pontoon party started with a curated playlist, and our famous pontoon dance-off will surely get you moving! Enjoy the beautiful views along the Cumberland River and skyline views of Downtown Nashville.

Sunsets & Skylines Cruise

The evening cruise brings the best nighttime skyline views of Downtown Nashville. Our licensed captains will first cruise downriver for a picturesque sunset view only available aboard the Pontoon Saloon. As the sun sets, drinks flow, and the party starts to hit the dance floor, you’ll be cruising by Broadway soaking up all the city lights. This Nashville river boat cruise is a Honky Tonkin’ blast!

Reviews From Our Guests

It’s a great way to get off Broadway and still have some good ‘ole Nashville fun!!! Seriously so much fun! Beautiful views, awesome crew, clean bathroom and great music.

My bridesmaids surprised me with the boat cruise for my Nashbach! It was the best time ever! Highly recommend this event for any group looking to spend an evening partying on the river!

Went on the pontoon saloon for my bachelorette party. We had a blast!! There were multiple parties with us and we all danced together. At one point we were playing limbo with a broomstick. I do recommend getting there earlier to secure a good spot on the boat. Plus, having the bathroom on board made life so much easier.

We had a team meeting (12 people) in Nashville and took an evening cruise on the pontoon saloon. It was the perfect choice for a group activity as they had dinner and beer as we cruised the Cumberland River. Awesome views of the Nashville skyline!! Andrew was great!

Pontoon Saloon was a great experience! The owner and staff are super cool, the boat was clean and roomy! It was a beautiful day on the Cumberland River even in November! We had a big group, so did the private tour! Highly recommend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellation policy.

PUBLIC CRUISE CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund 14 days prior to cruise departure time. Cancellations within 14 days, no-shows, late for departure are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable. Please contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you on another cruise with a 20% change fee, we understand life happens. The 14+ day cancellation policy applies to any change in the guest count for a reservation. Public Cruises include Mimosa Cruise, Pontoon Party Cruise, & Sunset Party Cruise.

CHANGES TO EXISTING RESERVATIONS

If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at  [email protected] . We will not make changes or cancel bookings over the phone.

BYOB ALCOHOL POLICY

We allow Beer, Hard Seltzers, Wine, and Champagne only onboard the Pontoon Saloon. We do not allow beer in glass bottles (cans only) but we do allow wine and champagne in glass bottles. Glass items will be stored behind the bar and we have cups and fresh ice. We do sell buckets of Beer & Hard Seltzer (Miller Lite, Coors Light & Whiteclaw) for pre-purchase. Please plan appropriately , we do not allow the removal of opened cases of beer/seltzer from the boat due to city ordinance. Only unopened cases are allowed to be taken from the boat after your cruise.

WEATHER POLICY

Cruises operate rain or shine since 3/4 of the boat has a covered roof. If Pontoon Saloon cancels due to severe weather we offer a refund of 50% or 100% toward a gift card for use at any future date. We will notify you 1.5 hours in advance if we need to delay or cancel your cruise. We are more flexible during our winter months (November-March) if we have random severe cold weather.

If you need to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, including adding or reducing the number of people in your party, please email us at  [email protected]  or call us at  (615) 601-1464 .

IS THERE PARKING?

How early should i book my trip.

We recommend booking as soon as you decide on your cruise time. Especially if you have 8+ in your group, you will want to book at least 45 days out. Our Friday & Saturday cruises sell out fast.

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Body found floating in Cumberland River

Authorities said the body did not fit the description of missing mizzou student riley strain or missing 15-year-old sebastian rogers..

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Crews arrived on the scene after a body was reported floating down the Cumberland River.

The body was reported at around 1 p.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of Cleeces Ferry Road. The Nashville Fire Department said the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reported the body floating before the Martin Luther King Bridge.

NFD said the deceased person was seen wearing a maroon-colored shirt and did not fit the description of the missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain. His family said the body was not Strain.

The body also did not match the description of missing 15-year-old Sebastian Rogers, according to crews on the scene.

Office of Emergency Management crews have launched a boat with a Metro Nashville Police Department officer on board to recover the body.

TWRA is still on the scene.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.

‘Something needed to be found’: 2 women find Riley Strain’s bank card near Cumberland River

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Full press conference: Riley Strain's family provide update on search efforts

Riverfront Park

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100 1st Ave N Nashville, TN 37213

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Directly across First Avenue is Riverfront Park, created in the early 1980s to commemorate Nashville’s river history. In the 1780s, Nashville’s first settlers came both over land and via the river to settle here along the Cumberland River. Those settlers built a two-acre fort around a freshwater spring and tucked among the cedar trees on the river bluff. A 1930 replica of that first settlement, Fort Nashborough, stands north of Riverfront Park in Bicentennial Park. Also located in Bicentennial Park is Alan LeQuire’s statue of Timothy Demonbreun, an early French Canadian fur trader who settled here, and Puryear Mims’s sculpture of town founders James Robertson and John Donelson. Across the river, but highly visible from Broadway, sits Alice Aycock’s monumental sculpture Ghost Ballet for the East Bank Machineworks, installed in 2007. The artist’s concept combined elements from the industrial heritage of the east bank as well as the modern driving energy of today’s city, and symbolically connects the east bank to the west, unifying the city. *Reconstruction of Fort Nashborough is in process: creating a modern interpretation of the frontier settlement.

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• Human Interest

Missing Student Riley Strain's Bank Card Found Near River in Nashville as Search Continues

Riley Strain has been missing since March 8, when he was last seen walking through Nashville after he was asked to leave a local bar

Abigail Adams is a Human Interest Writer and Reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working in journalism for seven years.

Christopher Whiteid

New evidence has been discovered in the case of missing college student Riley Strain more than a week after he disappeared during a trip to Nashville.

Strain's bank card was found Sunday afternoon “on the embankment between Gay St. and the Cumberland River,” according to a post on X from the Metro Nashville Police Department .

Two women, Anna Clemdening and Brandy Baenen, were sifting through trash along the riverbank when they located Strain’s bank card among “pieces of clothing, shoes, bottles, cans” and more, according to NBC affiliate WSMV-TV .

“I don’t really know how we found it,” Clemdening told the outlet. “I would love to say just dumb luck divine intervention — it was just sitting there.”

Baenen added, “Something needed to be found. We found something. I don’t know if that’s something enough.”

Strain “ was last seen on camera on the Gay St Connector at 9:52 p.m.” local time on March 8, according to police.

Authorities have not yet found any conclusive evidence in the Cumberland River, FOX affiliate WZTV reported. Foul play is still not suspected in connection with Strain’s disappearance.

A body was found in the Cumberland River on Sunday, but the Nashville Fire Department said the individual found in the water did not match Strain’s description, according to WSMV-TV and ABC affiliate WKRN-TV .

Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for an update on Monday.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Surveillance footage from the night of Strain’s disappearance showed the University of Missouri student stumbling down the road on March 8, the same night he was asked to leave Luke Bryan 's 32 Bridge Food + Drink restaurant and bar .

There is no footage of Strain past 10 p.m. on March 8, nor has there been any activity on his cellphone, WZTV reported.

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is looking into whether Strain was overserved before he went missing.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE Friday afternoon, the TC Restaurant Group, which oversees Bryan’s establishment, said that it has provided information to help authorities.

“During Riley’s visit to Luke’s 32 Bridge, our records show he purchased and was served one alcoholic drink and two waters," the statement read. "At 9:35 p.m., our security team made a decision based on our conduct standards to escort him from the venue through our Broadway exit at the front of our building. He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs.”

The TC Restaurant Group’s statement concluded: “Our prayers continue to be with Riley’s friends and family during this difficult time and for his safe return.”

Christopher Whiteid, Strain’s stepfather, recently told PEOPLE that his stepson was traveling with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers to Nashville as part of their annual formal. He is thankful for the attention the case as received, and hopes Strain will be found soon.

"We're looking for you. We are not leaving until we have you. We're going to be with you at graduation...and everything's going to be fine," Whiteid said. "We're going to get you. We know you're out there."

Watch CBS News

Missing college student's debit card found along Nashville river; police share new video

By Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: March 19, 2024 / 3:42 PM EDT / CBS News

As the search for a college student missing in Nashville continues into its second week, authorities are sharing new clues with the hope of learning more about what may have happened to 22-year-old Riley Strain the night he disappeared. Meanwhile, Strain's family asked the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer organization that mainly assists in natural disaster response scenarios, to join the search as more and more community members interested in the case have themselves become involved in the effort. 

"We feel that we need the extra resources to come in and help us as we try to get more organized for our family, and see if we can't bring some more clues to light," said Strain's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Strain's mother, Michelle Whiteid, appeared beside him. 

David Flagg, the national director of operations for the United Cajun Navy, also spoke at the conference. He said that the volunteer group lent its services to Strain's case since being contacted early last week by his family, and they have so far provided an airboat and a hovercraft that was expected to begin probing the area later on Tuesday or early Wednesday. 

But, with community volunteers trying to investigate on their own, Strain's family said they wanted to share a public call for individuals to come together and work with the organization instead.

"We're very grateful for everyone that's done everything so far. We ask that you continue. We ask that you work with us and help us to become more organized," said Strain's stepfather. He added: "Our goal is still to bring Riley home."

Flagg reiterated that sentiment. 

"Understanding what's been happening here regarding the search efforts of individuals, we thought it would be a real good idea to organize a structured and organized search activity for this," he said. "I would ask any volunteers that are here and are searching to please come under the umbrella of the United Cajun Navy search."

Strain was last seen on Friday, March 8. Only scattered details about where he went after being kicked out of a Nashville bar that night have surfaced since his disappearance, although some new developments in the case surfaced over the weekend. First, his debit card was found Sunday on an embankment of the Cumberland River, which runs through the downtown area where he was last seen. The card was found by two women who had followed the case and joined the search of their own accord. Then, on Monday, Nashville police shared body camera footage taken by an officer who briefly interacted with Strain that night, in the same general area.

Strain's bank card was found Sunday afternoon along a section of the embankment between Gay Street and the river, Nashville police said in an update posted to social media. Strain had previously been seen in surveillance footage crossing an intersection from 1st Avenue onto Gay Street around 9:50 p.m. ET on the night of his disappearance, after being ordered to leave a bar several blocks from there some 15 minutes earlier. 

Riley Strain's bank card was discovered this afternoon on the embankment between Gay St. And the Cumberland River. The search for him continues. — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 17, 2024

Police detectives, helicopters and boat crews have been searching that area, including the riverbank, for the better part of 10 days. They had not found any signs of Strain or his belongings before the bank card was discovered, but another video clip released on Monday seemed to corroborate, at least, that he was physically there that night. 

Police body camera footage showed Strain walking alone along a portion of Gay Street that runs parallel to the Cumberland River near the Woodland Street Bridge, Nashville police said in a social media post with the video clip. It was recorded by Nashville officer Reginald Young, who was at that location on a burglary call and remained there for about 45 minutes. The police department did not specify what time it was when Young interacted with Strain, who was walking past him, although they noted in a subsequent social media update that "no video has been discovered that shows Riley away from Gay St after the 9:52 p.m. timeframe."

Strain greets Young first in the footage. The officer then replies and asks, "How are you doing, sir?" 

"I'm good, how are you?" Strain replies, before continuing to walk past. The exchange is fleeting, and Strain does not turn to look at Young in the video.

Shown was Riley's brief exchange of greetings w/ Officer Reginald Young on Gay St., south of the Woodland St. Bridge, on the night of 3/8. Riley did not appear distressed. Officer Young was there on a vehicle burglary call & remained on that portion of Gay St. for 45 min. pic.twitter.com/z0xeEzeieK — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 18, 2024

Nashville police said they have not found any evidence suggesting foul play was involved in Strain's disappearance. His parents traveled from Springfield, Missouri, to Nashville after he went missing and "received a full briefing on the work being done" to find him when they met with detectives on Sunday evening, the department said.

Strain is from Missouri and studies at Mizzou, the state university in Columbia. Now in his senior year, he had traveled to Nashville for the weekend with some of his fraternity brothers and booked a downtown hotel not far from the bar where he and his friends were out drinking just before he vanished. 

The bar, Luke's 32 Bridge, is owned by the country music artist Luke Bryan. After the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced that it would investigate whether Strain had been "overserved" at the bar, its management company said in a joint statement with Bryan over the weekend that their records show the college student only purchased one alcoholic drink and two waters while he was there. Security at Luke's 32 Bridge ultimately escorted Strain out the bar at 9:35 p.m., according to the statement, which called the order for him to leave "a decision based on our conduct standards."

One of Strain's friends reported him missing about four hours after he was escorted from the bar. Attempts to determine Strain's whereabouts using Snapchat's location feature were not successful, and police said they are still working to learn more from his cell phone records. They said earlier in the investigation that his phone last pinged near a cell tower less than two miles from Luke's 32 Bridge.

Strain is 6 feet 5 inches tall, with blue eyes and light brown hair, and police as well as his friends, family and community members now involved in the search have shared multiple photos of him along with descriptions. Video footage of him taken the night of March 8 showed Strain wearing denim pants and a brown button-up shirt with dark short sleeves and a matching dark front pocket.

• Missing Person

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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