dixie belle riverboat harrodsburg ky

The Riverboat Cruise In Kentucky You Never Knew Existed

The Dixie Belle riverboat cruise in Shaker Village offers a scenic and historical journey along the Kentucky River.

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There's something magical about a riverboat, quietly waiting on the shores of a river, ready to come back to life. Within the popular destination of Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, the Dixie Belle has come back to life and it's carrying passengers down the Kentucky River. There may be other more popular cruises available in Kentucky, but this one that you may not have heard of is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

If you've ever spent time in Harrodsburg's Shaker Village, then you know its historical significance and interesting past. But you may not realize that they offer a cruise aboard their 115-passenger riverboat, the Dixie Belle. It's a unique way to learn more about this treasured area of Kentucky.

If you wish to take a ride aboard the Dixie Belle, then you can purchase tickets at the Trustees' Office and then head to Shaker Landing. The boat cruises May - October, everyday and departs at 2pm and 4pm for an hour long trip.

You'll have plenty of opportunity to view the scenic Kentucky River Palisades, high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty along the banks of the river. You can relax in a seat and take in the views.

The peaceful cruise down the river also includes a narrated history of the area and the importance of the river to the Shakers. It's a great extension to the interactive history you experience in the village.

One of the most unique views during the trip comes when you pass under High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877. If the weather is right, the reflection of the bridge on the water is breathtaking.

Now that you know about this delightful riverboat cruise along the Kentucky River, you should definitely consider adding it to your Shaker Village Itinerary. It's a vintage excursion that takes you back in time to learn about this fascinating area and will have you falling even more in love with the Bluegrass State.

Have you been aboard the Dixie Belle? Did you learn something new about Kentucky's fascinating history? Share your experience with us in the comments! And for more information on this riverboat cruise, including location, pricing and cruise dates, check out their website here .

And for more exciting day trip ideas, check out our recent article here .

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Waverly Hills Sanatorium In Kentucky Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned haunted location offering year-round tours and ghost hunts.

If you're a fan of ghostly tales and haunted places in Kentucky then every season is creepy season in the Bluegrass State. While fall and October specifically do seem to have their fair share of ghosts and ghouls, many of these supposedly haunted spots can be visited all year long. Perhaps the most popular ghostly residence in Kentucky is Waverly Hills Sanatorium. This historic building in Louisville is well-known, especially by those who enjoy ghost hunts, and it's even known around the world as one of the most haunted places in the U.S.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a historic former hospital in Louisville that came close to being demolished. A historical society saved it and has offered tours, ghost hunts, and other events for several years.

The building (and its ghostly residents) has gained much notoriety over the years thanks to famous ghost hunters, tv shows, and word of mouth from visitors. If you enjoy history, haunting tales, and meeting ghosts, a tour should be on your bucket list.

The building has been maintained and stabilized to allow visitors to take guided tours, both paranormal and historical. You can even arrange a private investigation and bring along equipment.

This image was captured during a visit. It looks like Casper the friendly ghost was perhaps a former patient or employee of the hospital.

If you do book a private investigation, you have the option of staying in a building that's original to the property.

It's actually a nice accommodation with modern furnishings. But don't be fooled - this is one of the creepiest areas of the property.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium often offers a haunted house event (event is cancelled for 2021), a Christmas light display and it's always offering its tours. Be sure to follow along on the website and Facebook page, linked below, to find out more information and to plan a visit.

If you were to do a search for "haunted places near me," this place would most certainly appear near the top of the list!

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville is basically a haunted house all year long. Tours and overnight stays are available throughout the year and be sure to keep an eye on the Waverly Hills Sanatorium website and the The Waverly Hills Sanatorium Facebook page for details on upcoming events.

Have you ever been to this creepy haunted sanatorium in KY? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is among the most haunted places in Kentucky? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

And for more places to enjoy paranormal activity in Kentucky, check out this creepy list of 15 spooky destinations .

Thinking about taking a Kentucky vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club .

If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:

Most People Don’t Know The Story Behind This Hidden Tunnel In Kentucky

Nada Tunnel, a historic 900-foot tunnel in Kentucky, offers a unique and scenic entrance to Red River Gorge.

Known as "The Gateway to Red River Gorge," Nada Tunnel is a historic 900-foot tunnel that is without a doubt the most fascinating way to enter the gorge. If you’re driving along KY-77 in Powell County, you’ll encounter this hidden tunnel, which looks like a hole carved into the face of a mountain, with the greenery of the surrounding trees ready to swallow your car. Turn on your headlights, make sure oncoming cars aren’t moving through the tunnel, and get ready to drive through this remarkable piece of Kentucky. Bone up on your Nada Tunnel history, and the spooky stories that have been told about this dark, hidden tunnel in Kentucky .

Construction of the tunnel began in 1910. Dynamite, drills, and various other tools were used to blast through the face of the limestone rock.

The tunnel was completed in 1911. Its initial purpose was to allow locomotives to transport timber from logging operations in the Gorge to a sawmill in Clay City, about 15 miles away.

These next few Nada Tunnel photos show a darker side to this historic tunnel.

During its construction, one man was killed when he put a stick of frozen dynamite next to a fire to thaw it, and it exploded. Due to the tunnel’s rugged nature and unique appearance, there are a few different creepy stories and legends associated with Nada Tunnel. Many say it’s haunted by the ghost of the man who was killed in the dynamite blast. Others say a rock climber fell to his death while attempting to scale the cliffs above the tunnel entrance.

Both of these stories are attributed to the legend that sometimes at night, an eerie green orb can be seen floating at the entrance of Nada Tunnel. Is Nada Tunnel haunted?

Some say that unidentifiable moaning sounds can be heard in the tunnel, seemingly coming from inside the rock walls. However, if you are on foot or on a bike, it is not advisable to enter the tunnel, even if you do want to try to hear these ghostly noises. The tunnel has no interior lighting, and it’s very narrow, so don’t get hit by a car and become the next ghost of Nada Tunnel.

If you’re looking for the Red River Gorge tunnel and planning on entering the Gorge through Nada Tunnel, be advised that the tunnel can only let one car through at a time. Be sure to stop at the entrance and check for the headlights of oncoming cars, and turn your lights on as well. The tunnel is 12 feet wide and 13 feet high, so if you’re driving a larger vehicle, be careful.

The entirety of Red River Gorge is a captivating look back into Kentucky’s history, with little shreds of evidence of life from previous centuries everywhere.

Nada Tunnel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, transports you back to the early 20th century and reminds you of the manpower and hard labor that went into its construction. We love these Nada Tunnel pictures.

To get to Nada Tunnel, take exit 33 off the Bert T. Comb Mountain Parkway. From there, take KY-11 N for 1.5 miles. Turn right on KY-77 N and continue for about two miles until you eventually reach the tunnel. Once you make it through the Nada Tunnel in Kentucky, there are tons of trailheads and beautiful scenery on the other side. Welcome to Red River Gorge! Grab some maps from AllTrails+ and enjoy your outdoor adventures.

Have you ever learned this Nada Tunnel history? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section!

Looking for more fun tunnels to visit? Make sure to read all about the Cumberland Gap Tunnel .

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/cumberland-gap-tunnel-ky/

Another natural wonder in Kentucky that could tell a story or two is the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. There is one phenomenon that you don't want to miss - the spectacular moonbow that only occurs under certain conditions under the full moon:

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We Can’t Get Enough of This Small Town Farm With Candy Apples, Ice Cream, and a Cow Train

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Kentucky – Dixie Belle Riverboat

• Terri Weeks

With departures from Shaker Landing at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky , the Dixie Belle is a 115-passenger riverboat that offers one-hour sightseeing cruises on the Kentucky River.

The cruise was narrated by the captain and included both cultural and natural history of the area. To be quite honest, my kids were expecting it to be boring, but the captain’s engaging style held their attention and they were pleasantly surprised that they found it to be very interesting.

Early in the cruise we crossed under High Bridge, which is a National Civil Engineering Landmark that was constructed in 1876. It is the tallest bridge above a navigable river in North America and was the tallest bridge in the world when it was constructed. Our captain told us that it is seven feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.

The cruise explores a very peaceful section of the Kentucky River that extends far beyond what can be traveled during the one-hour cruise. There are very few boats on this section of river because no fuel is available. That makes it ideal for kayaks and canoes to explore and keeps it clean as a source of drinking water for the region.

The Kentucky Palisades, formed of limestone, stretch along the river for 100 miles. We were able to see a relatively small section of the beautiful rock formations.

We passed a waterfall, but it was a little hard to see with all the lush vegetation surrounding it.

The captain did an excellent job spotting and pointing out wildlife.  We saw several turtles on logs along the shore.

We saw a vulture in the trees and followed a blue heron down the river.

My kids really enjoyed this cruise and definitely give it a thumbs up as a kid-friendly attraction.

Although the Dixie Belle Riverboat is part of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, admission to the village is not required for the riverboat.  If you’d like to spend a full day exploring the village (which I recommend), you could ride the Dixie Belle the following day without having to pay for admission to the village again.

Ready to Visit?

Dixie Belle Riverboat

Purchase tickets at the Carpenter’s Shop Craft Store at Shaker Village Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill 3501 Lexington Road Harrodsburg, KY 40330 (800) 734-5611

Admission: $10 (13 & above), $5 (6-12), free for children 5 & under Ride Dates: Daily April 27 through November 3 Ride Times: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Arrive at Shaker Landing 30 minutes prior to departure.  Bring an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is expected!

Many thanks to the Shaker Village and Harrodsburg / Mercer County Tourist Commission who provided complimentary tickets to me and my kids  so that I could write about our experience on the Dixie Belle.  All opinions here are our own.

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Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

Published 3:04 pm Monday, May 9, 2022

By Special to The Advocate-Messenger

Shaker Village’s Dixie Belle riverboat will close after 40 years in operation. Photo submitted.

Shaker Village’s Dixie Belle riverboat took passengers under High Bridge and beyond on its voyages. Photo submitted.

Families enjoyed taking rides on Shaker Village’s Dixie Belle riverboat in its 40-year lifespan. Photo submitted.

Historical photo of Shaker Village’s Dixie Belle riverboat, which will close after 40 years in operation. Photo submitted.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill will end operations of its paddlewheel riverboat after 40 years of cruises along the Kentucky River. The nonprofit   organization will pursue other opportunities for public programming on the Kentucky River and   at Shaker Landing, where the riverboat is docked.

In recent years the age of the vessel, built in 1970, and the difficulty of procuring specialty parts   for maintenance had led to challenges in operating cruises as regularly scheduled. This, combined with the rising costs of maritime insurance and the difficulty of dry-docking the   vessel for inspections, led to the decision to shut down riverboat operations.

“Our riverboat has been an integral part of the Shaker Village experience for forty years,” said   Shaker Village President and CEO Maynard Crossland. “Thousands of people have been   introduced to the Kentucky River aboard this boat, and countless wonderful memories have   been made. We’ve explored every option to continue riverboat cruises, but have come to the   realization that it’s time to move in a new direction. There are a lot of exciting ideas being   discussed, and I look forward to announcing our plans very soon.”

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Riverboat Cruises began at Shaker Landing in the spring of 1982. The double-decker riverboat   had a capacity of 112 passengers, and typically operated from May through October. Annual   attendance often exceeded 20,000 passengers for one-hour cruises through the Kentucky River   Palisades.

Riverboat Captains, and brothers, Richard and Bruce Herring, have worked on the boat for   nearly as long as it has been managed by Shaker Village. Richard began in late summer 1982,   while Bruce joined the crew in 1984. The Captains stated, “We’re sorry to see the end of this   era at Shaker Village, but we look forward to continuing to work here at the Village and be a   part of all the great things to come.”

Shaker Landing remains open to the public for hiking and for canoe and kayak launches. Shaker Village also hosts a monthly series of daytime and nighttime guided paddling experiences on   the Kentucky River, with tickets available on the online event calendar.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg is located just 40 minutes away from Lexington,   and 80 minutes outside of Louisville. To plan your visit to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, or to   learn more, visit shakervillageky.org or call 859.734.5411.

About Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Named a top hidden travel destination by BBC News and awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of   Excellence, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a landmark destination that shares 3,000 acres of   discovery in the spirit of the Kentucky Shakers. With 34 original Shaker structures, the site is   home to the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the   largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite services at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill   include overnight accommodations, dining, beverage and catering services, three craft shops,   exhibitions in historic buildings, a farm and garden area and 1,000 acres of restored native   prairie. For more information, please visit shakervillageky.org.

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Dixie Belle Riverboat

Located just minutes outside of Harrodsburg, KY is a great riverboat cruise down the Kentucky River. The Dixie Belle Riverboat is a hidden jewel in our bluegrass area and well worth the trip. We took a cruise this last week and discovered some of the most beautiful parts of Kentucky that I’ve ever seen.

This post includes affiliate links. Tickets were given for the purpose of this post.

The captain of the boat was very knowledgeable about our KY history and the area. I have driven over the Kentucky River thousands of times, seen High Bridge and the limestone cliffs from up high on the roads, but floating down the river is a unique perspective and experience.

2012 Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

Admission: $10 (13 & above), $5 (6-12), free for children 5 & under Ride Dates: Daily April 28 through October 28 Ride Times: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM Website

Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard the Dixie Belle, Shaker Village’s 115-passenger riverboat. Cruise the scenic Kentucky River palisades, along a stretch of river with high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty.

A few things to know:

• The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.
• It is best to use the restroom facilities at the Shaker Village main entrance. There is a port-o-pot when you arrive at the boat landing and very small facilities on the boat. My kids were glad we had stopped at Shaker Village before coming down the hill.
• The road is very narrow once you turn down toward the boat dock. You should drive very slowly and be aware that cars could be coming toward you. There are a few pull off areas on the road.
• You can carry your own drinks on the boat or purchase them for $1.00 during the cruise.
• There are chairs and tables available on the first deck of the boat or you can choose to climb to the top level where you will have a free view of the river, the cliffs and the scenery.
• You are free to walk around and enjoy the different views from around the boat while you cruise.
• The boat is handicapped accessible and user friendly for strollers.  If you have difficulty walking, give yourself a few extra minutes to walk to the boat.

My family received a free trip in exchange for this review.

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I would love to visit with my family!

Sounds like fun! I will have to remember this when I am in the area.

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Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Discover the Panoramic Kentucky River Palisades

Explore the unique Kentucky River Palisades by riverboat, kayak or foot. Shaker Landing provides one of the few public access points to the sweeping Kentucky River Palisades, with steep, scenic gorges and limestone outcroppings that stretch for miles.

The Kentucky River was a source of livelihood for the Pleasant Hill Shakers and regular trading expeditions ventured as far as New Orleans. The same landing used by the Shakers is now the launching point for private river adventures. Hike a Shaker roadbed built in 1826 or drive the scenic road to Shaker Landing. The 400-foot descent will take you through rock formations between 400 and 500 million years old. Along the river’s edge, find river bottom hardwoods, spring waterfalls and the sheer vertical cliffs of the Palisades.

Paddle by Canoe or Kayak

Bring your canoe or kayak and launch into pool 7 on the Kentucky River from Shaker Landing. Venture upriver on the Kentucky, or take a detour onto the Dix, a stocked trophy trout stream.

Shaker Village Launch Fee

• $10 per vessel. Non-motorized vessels only.
• Fee must be paid and waiver signed in advance at the Welcome Center.
• To inquire about hosting your paddling event at Shaker Landing, please call  859.734.5411 .

Paddler Safety: For the safety of our guests, paddling from Shaker Landing is only permitted when pool 7 of the Kentucky River is at 12 feet or lower.

You can check the river level here , or by calling 859.734.5411.

Must-See Adventures

Take in the View

From Shaker Landing, you can see High Bridge, the site of the first cantilever bridge in North America, towering above the river to the east. Hike the Palisades Trail and view a waterfall that cascades down 50 feet of geological history. Visit the 1866 Timber Frame Stable that the Shakers used to provide a change of horses for stage coaches.

Hit the Trails

Our 36-mile multi-use trail system allows hikers of all ages and skill levels to roam at their own pace—whether you’re a walker, hiker, runner, bicyclist or horseback rider. Hike the 1.5-mile River Road Trail down to Shaker Landing, or drive down and hike the 1-mile Palisades Trail through the Kentucky River floodplain. The trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Visit the Welcome Center to pick up keys which need to be checked out to drive down to the Landing. Learn more .

Conservation at Work

Shaker Village has restored more than 1,000 acres of native prairie to re-establish one of the rarest ecosystems in North America. Recognized as a national model for large-scale habitat management, The Preserve has become a learning laboratory for many local, state and federal conservation partners.

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Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

Attraction location, dixie belle riverboat rides videos, dixie belle from shaker village, dixie belle on the kentucky river, dixie bell boat ride shakertown kentucky ky, more attractions in harrodsburg.

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Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

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Dixie belle riverboat rides reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Nice tour over the river. Great view of Cincinnati. Next time should beautiful at the sunset. It is a must if you are visiting Cincinnati downtown.

Fun River Cruise

We had a great time on the Dixie Belle cruise on the Kentucky River. Captain Bruce was entertaining, knowledgeable and an excellent navigator! Also along for the ride was Becca who shared the history ...

Educational and Informative

On this particular day the weather was great and being on the riverboat was an awesome experience. Besides the fun the narrative was so much of an education of how the civil war affected the Shakers....

An inexpensive opportunity to get on the water for a little while

Riverboat rides are generally pretty pricey. This one costs $10 a person. Tickets are sold only at the Shaker Village Welcome Center on the day of the cruise - so make sure you stop there first. (The ...

Wedding on The Dixie Bell

We had a marriage ceremony on the Dixie Bell 28 yrs ago. We still go for a ride every other year. The captain gives you a history lesson of the area and river. Just sit back and enjoy the ride an...

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