On Sunday, October 7, 2018, you can join Lifestyle Tours on a "Lock Brunch Cruise" aboard the Belle of Louisville.

Belle of Louisville

The cruise is scheduled to lock through the McAlpine Lock and Dam on the Ohio River at Louisville. These cruises are scheduled on Sundays when barge traffic is lighter. As you enjoy the lunch and the cruise and take in the engineering of a lock, you'll also be taking in the history of this magnificent ship.

In 2014 the Belle celebrated its 100th birthday and people came from all over the country to celebrate the occasion. The Belle has served in many capacities and its history and its relationship with the city are interesting.

Launched in Pittsburg in 1914, the boat was named Idlewild and it spent its first 25 years as a ferry boat and cargo ship on many of the rivers in the United States. During World War II years the ship served in several ways from pushing barges to serving as a nightclub for soldiers

In 1948 the Idlewild was renamed Avalon and spent several years traveling from town to town offering entertainment with her calliope and local excursions.

In 1962 the Avalon was purchased by Jefferson County and renamed the Belle of Louisville and made its home on the Louisville waterfront. Lifestyle Tours has been taking groups to enjoy cruises on the Belle since 1985, enjoying delicious food, enjoyable entertainment and interesting scenery.