magnolia belle riverboat paducah kentucky

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Paducah to Welcome River Boats this Spring

Paducah is pleased to announce American Queen Voyages (AQV) and American Cruise Lines will make an historic amount of stops in Paducah this spring, beginning the final week of April.

“Paducah is delighted to see a steamboat season with more scheduled stops than ever before.  There are 63 planned visits by six ships,” said Mary Hammond, executive director of Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Each cruise line’s proven safety protocols led to successful voyages in 2021 and paved the way for expanded itineraries in 2022. Passengers from around the globe visit Paducah via America’s inland waterways, where they are free to immerse themselves in Paducah’s unique creative culture and unmatched hospitality.”

American Queen Voyages, whose American Duchess , American Countess and American Queen ships make stops in Paducah, will be following SafeCruise health and safety protocols. Guests will be required to comply with health and safety protocols that AQV has set forth; all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

American Cruise Lines, whose American Jazz , American Splendor and American Heritage ships make stops in Paducah, will be sailing through the spring. American Cruise Lines will require a negative COVID-19 test result for all guests and crew members boarding its ships .  Rapid testing will be conducted on the day of embarkation or at check-in at a pre-cruise hotel. A certified Medical Officer will be aboard each ship.

While in Paducah, passengers will learn about Paducah’s origin and prosperity that are attributed to the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Guests will experience Paducah’s creative culture at the River Discovery Center and the National Quilt Museum, as well as be given the opportunity to visit downtown art galleries, shops and restaurants.

For more information about visiting Paducah, visit https://www.paducah.travel/ .

Riverboat cruises to stop in Paducah in spring

PADUCAH, Ky. (KFVS) - Beginning in the final week of April, there will be more visits than ever by American Queen Voyages and American Cruise Lines.

“Paducah is delighted to see a steamboat season with more scheduled stops than ever before. There are 63 planned visits by six ships,” said Mary Hammond, executive director of Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Each cruise line’s proven safety protocols led to successful voyages in 2021 and paved the way for expanded itineraries in 2022. Passengers from around the globe visit Paducah via America’s inland waterways, where they are free to immerse themselves in Paducah’s unique creative culture and unmatched hospitality.”

According to a news release from the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, the American Queen Voyages ships, American Duchess, American Countess and American Queen, will follow SafeCruise health and safety protocols. Guests will be required with health and safety protocols, such as guests and crews must be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines.

American Cruise Lines ships, American Jazz, American Splendor and American Heritage, will require a negative COVID-19 test result for all guests and crew members boarding its ships.

They say rapid tests will be conducted on the day of embarkation or at check-in at a pre-cruise hotel. A certified medical officer will be aboard each ship.

Find more information about the stops at www.paducah.travel.

Copyright 2022 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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Paducah KY (Kentucky)

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Local Time 2024-08-24 05:06

Port Paducah KY cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Paducah KY, Kentucky. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Paducah is an Ohio-Tennessee river cruise port and city in Kentucky USA (McCracken County) with population around 25,000. The town is located at the confluence of two rivers (Ohio and Tennessee), and approx halfway between St Louis Missouri (northwest) and Nashville Tennessee (southeast).

The initial settlement was founded in 1821. The town was named in 1827 (during the Lewis and Clark Expedition) after the Comanche Indians (back then known as Padoucas). The town was officially founded in 1830 and incorporated in 1838. Local economy was based on river shipping, with several large port facilities serving trade and passenger transportation, including drydocks for steamboats and buildings for headquarters of cargo barge companies. As a hub of the Illinois Central Railroad (aka Main Line of Mid-America), the town's economy also benefited from the rail industry - locally served by a brick factory, a locomotive workshop and a factory producing rail tracks and locomotive parts.

The city's current-day economy is also based mainly of river shipping, with 23 barge shipping companies headquartered in Paducah KY. In 2017 was inaugurated a 340-ft (104-m) long boat dock providing transient boaters with short or overnight berthing. Dock's amenities include fueling, fresh water supply, sewage pumpout. Paducah KY's top employers are Western Baptist Hospital, Lourdes Hospital, 3 Walmart, Paducah Public Schools, WKCTC (West Kentucky Community and Technical College), Computer Services Inc, Parkview Convalescent Center, Paxton Media Group.

As cruise port, Paducah KY is included in the schedules of USA's largest river cruise companies - ACL ( American Cruise Lines ) and AQSC ( American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company ). The port is regularly visited by the riverboats Queen of the West/American West , American Duchess , American Harmony , America/American Splendor .

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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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Riverboats to return to Mississippi River with biggest cruise season ever

Published 5:05 pm Thursday, October 29, 2020

By Magnolia State Live

Riverboats will return to the Mississippi River with a new fleet, new programs and the biggest cruise season ever.

Officials with American Cruise Lines say they have plans for its “biggest season ever” on the Mississippi for 2021. Introducing: Two new modern riverboats, a brand-new “Music Cities” cruise between Nashville and Memphis, 15 new shore excursions, all-private transportation onshore, and new enrichment programs onboard. From late February through December, American’s new modern riverboats and classic paddlewheelers will ply the “Mighty River” from St. Paul to New Orleans.

Next year, American will introduce two new Mississippi modern riverboats, American Jazz and American Melody, which will join American’s fleet of paddlewheelers. Beginning in summer 2021, American’s brand new eight-day “Music Cities” cruises will transport guests between Memphis and Nashville, along the Mississippi and its tributaries—the Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers—aboard American Jazz. These voyages will operate throughout July, August, and September with port stops in: Nashville, TN; Clarksville, TN; Dover, TN; Paducah, KY; and Memphis, TN; as well as cruising Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

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Also new for next year, American has added over 15 new shore excursions, as well as new enrichment—focusing on culinary and active explorations on shore and musical entertainment onboard. American has expanded its shore-side options by adding 100 percent private transportation aboard new luxury “cruise coaches,” which follow the riverboats from port to port.

American Cruise Lines is also offering one-night complimentary pre-cruise packages from every Mississippi River departure port in 2021, plus new extended pre and post-cruise packages and luxury Four Seasons pre-cruise packages in select cities along the Mississippi and across the country. At the end of the year, American’s wonderful 2021 Mississippi offerings culminate with festive holiday cruises—from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s.

New cruise schedules through 2023 are available on the company’s website for all American’s small ship and riverboat cruises across the country. Visit www.americancruiselines.com.

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MAGNOLIA BELLE sighting

Keith, who is computerless on weekends, spotted the MAGNOLIA BELLE tonight at Louisville's Waterfront Park.

She is here in Louisville, has been since Tuesday, and will be here till Monday. Capt. Joe Baer's deckhand got sick and had to leave so he has made arrangements to have a deckhand to move her Monday.

They have decided to winter that beautiful Dubuque-built sternwheeler here in the Louisville area and take advantage of the facilities in this area to address some repairs to the vessel.

The original plan was to drop down river for this. I think rates here were the reasoning for this last minue change of plan.

Travis, Capt. Baer must have had a change in plans(?). They told me on the radio that they were wintering the MAGNOLIA BELLE at Paducah...

As a boat owner, you well know things change on the river. Gotta go where the best deal is nowdays to keep your head above water!

I'm glad that they are staying closer to this area for the winter. Would be interesting if they tramped between Louisville and Cincinnati next summer. I don't think the local Madison excursion market has been tapped much since the BONNIE BELLE left.