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The Advocate-Messenger

Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

Published 3:04 pm Monday, May 9, 2022

By Special to The Advocate-Messenger

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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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The Interior Journal

Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

Published 7:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2022

By Special to the Interior Journal

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

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

player ready...

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.”

Email newsletter signup

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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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.

Written by  

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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A post shared by Only In Your State (@onlyinyourstate)

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Connect with us.

Landing in the right place.

Billy Rankin, Vice President of Public Programming and Marketing

This is the third article in an ongoing series outlining long-range planning at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

One Project at a Time

Our first article in this series provided an overview of the long-range planning process at Shaker Village, while the second article shared the list of projects we have included in the plan. We’ve been thrilled at the response we’ve received from the public so far, with so many supporters of Shaker Village reaching out to share their excitement, ask questions and offer to help in a variety of ways. As they say, “It takes a Village!” We have certainly found that to be the case here, and truly cherish the enthusiasm our community has for this unique historic site.

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

Now that everyone has been “introduced” to our Long-Range Plan, our next articles will each take a more detailed look into specific projects from the plan. We’ll begin by sharing the vision for Shaker Landing, with a bit of history and context to set the stage.

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

A Place on the River

The Pleasant Hill Shakers began acquiring land for river access as early as 1813, when they purchased Fulkerson’s Ferry a few miles downriver.

By 1843 the Shakers had amassed an additional 200 acres of land on both sides of the Kentucky River. At its peak, Shaker Landing spanned from Brooklyn to the mouth of the Dix River, about a mile upstream. Along this site the Shakers built 13 structures, including a dwelling, warehouses and a stable.

Shaker Landing served as the launch point for Shaker trade deacons for almost 50 years. The river connected the Shakers to markets as far south as New Orleans, where they would sell their goods and return with precious cargo such as sugar and coffee. Shorter trade routes were more common, with Louisville and Cincinnati as the most visited destinations.

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

For nearly 100 years, the Shakers operated a ferry that would shuttle travelers across the Kentucky River for a small toll. Due to the construction of High Bridge and the increase of railroad travel, operation of the Shaker Ferry ceased in the late 1890s.

The Pleasant Hill Shakers sold their ferry, and Shaker Landing, in 1909. Non-Shakers continued to run the ferry as a tourist attraction under its original namesake until 1940.

The impact of flooding is one major reason why more original Shaker structures are not standing at Shaker Landing. During the historic flood of 1978, river waters reached 53 feet. Currently, the only remaining Shaker building at the Landing is the 1866 Timber Frame Stable.

Recent History

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

In 1982, Shaker Village purchased the Dixie Belle riverboat, which had been previously operating at Fort Boonesborough. The riverboat operated from 1982 – 2021, when it was decommissioned due to age, ongoing maintenance challenges and declining use.

Hiking trails to and from Shaker Landing comprise roughly two miles of the Village’s 33-mile trail system, and provide some of the only dog-friendly trails on the property.

Plans for the Future

As with all plans for the property at Shaker Village, or for that matter, any National Historic Landmark, great pains will be taken to ensure our work is not disruptive to the natural and cultural landscape, but rather, supportive of it. Archaeological assessments will be completed where necessary, care will be taken to consider the aesthetics of the Shakers and their land in any new designs, and the safety of all guests and staff will be paramount to our completed projects.

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

Upcoming Projects at Shaker Landing

We plan to outfit the 1866 Timber Frame Stable as an event venue, providing space for dinners, receptions, social gatherings and educational programs. This work will begin in 2023 thanks to a generous contribution from a private donor.

  • Dining seating for 90-100 guests
  • Add market lights, fans, event tables and chairs, accessible entry path, exterior lighting, exterior restrooms, exterior patio seating, kitchen prep equipment, historic images and interpretation.

We will modify and add to the current dock system on the Kentucky River. This work will provide a safer and more efficient launch for private canoes and kayaks, create space for educational programming and allow visitors a scenic location to relax and enjoy river views.

  • A new kayak and canoe launch will be added in 2023 to the downstream side of the current dock at Shaker Landing. Continuing plans will be to expand the dock system with a design to complete all of the above functions, while being more aesthetically pleasing to guests.

dixie belle riverboat shaker village

We plan to invest in a new motorized touring boat , and explore opportunities to provide additional canoe and kayak programming on the Kentucky River.

  • Add a new, motorized touring vessel with a minimum capacity of 35 guests for interpretive programs, student activities and general river cruises.
  • Continue our ongoing partnership with Canoe Kentucky to offer guided paddling experiences, while investigating options for purchasing large, touring canoes for guided group programs.

We plan to beautify Shaker Landing and River Road by manicuring the grounds, determining locations for future activities and adding interpretive elements where needed.

  • Create interpretive signage for historic and natural features, build hardscape for paths, fire pits and dock access, and sight locations for large event tents. Begin promoting Shaker Landing for weddings, social events, youth camping trips and public boat launches.

Another important project will be to provide shuttling and guest parking options that allow safer access to Shaker Landing.

  • Rent 15-passenger vans to shuttle guests to Shaker Landing for events. School buses and private boat launches may still access the Landing directly.
  • Construct a new, semi-permeable parking area with a 60-car capacity off River Road, behind the current gated access. Install a shelter that can be used by Village staff for check-ins, and for guests shuttling to and from the landing.

Follow Our Progress

As projects develop, you can expect to hear more about the progress on social media , through emails and on the Shaker Village blog. We hope you follow along!

If you have questions about master site planning at Shaker Village, or if you would like to support our efforts, please reach out to our Vice President of Public Programming & Marketing, Billy Rankin at [email protected] or 859.734.1574.

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Billy Rankin

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Kentucky River in Kentucky

Trip overview.

We put in at Shaker Village's dock, where the Dixie Belle Riverboat launches, and paddled upstream on the Kentucky River to Dix River.

Gorgeous views of the palisades on both rivers. Quiet except for two small fishing boats.

Accommodations:

Parking, port-a-john.

Directions:

From Lexington, take Harrodsburg Road (Rt. 68) south to Shaker Vilage. Look for signs for the Riverboat launch across from the Village.

Road to boat launch is locked except from 1-5:30pm. You can get a key from Shaker Village hotel front desk for other times.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location

IMAGES

  1. Kentucky

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

  2. Dixie Belle Riverboat Ride (1)

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

  3. Shaker Village to focus on Civil War during riverboat cruises; hosting

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

  4. The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Holiday: Bon Voyage

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

  5. Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

  6. Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

    dixie belle riverboat shaker village

VIDEO

  1. Liberty Belle Riverboat l Magic Kingdom l Walt Disney World l Soundscapes

  2. Southern Belle Riverboat Calliope: View From The Steerage

  3. An Amazing Place on the Powell River: Shelly Belle's in Tazewell Tennessee

  4. P.S. Dixie Queen

  5. Discovery Riverboat Cruise…The Village 6E…7/28

COMMENTS

  1. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

    The Dixie Belle Riverboat Ride is a part of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. It is a one hour cruise along the Kentucky River pallisades, which are beautiful. I enjoyed the portion of the cruise that passes under the High Bridge railroad bridge. The guide provided an interesting narration about this bridge.

  2. Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

    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 ...

  3. Shaker Village to close riverboat cruises

    Published 7:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2022. By Special to the Interior Journal. 1 of 4. 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.

  4. The River

    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.

  5. 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. 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 ...

  6. Kentucky

    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.

  7. Sticking the Landing

    The 1861 Shaker River Road winds its way along the Kentucky River Palisades and past an overlook of High Bridge, ending at Shaker Landing. ... The Dixie Belle, the Village's paddlewheel riverboat, was retired in 2022 after 40 years of service. Rather than sell or disassemble the boat, the Village elected to restore it and install it at Shaker ...

  8. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

    The Dixie Belle Riverboat Ride is a part of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. It is a one hour cruise along the Kentucky River pallisades, which are beautiful. I enjoyed the portion of the cruise that passes under the High Bridge railroad bridge. The guide provided an interesting narration about this bridge.

  9. An added adventure at Shaker Village

    Whenever I visit Shaker Village it includes a trip on the Dixie Belle. The river is stunning and so peaceful. It is a guided historic trip that takes you back in time. You have to buy your tickets in advance before heading down to the dock. It is not a long trip but worth the time. If you are up for the hike you can walk down to the dock.

  10. The Dixie Belle...

    Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. May 30, 2016 ·. The Dixie Belle riverboat is now open for the season! Join us for a ride down the Kentucky River! We ARE open for Memorial Day and will be offering regular daily tours and programs. Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!

  11. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

    If you are at the Shaker village, be sure and take the $10.00 paddle boat ride. It is an hour long tour and such a lovely area of the river to see. The staff is great and friendly and give you are running commentary about what you are seeing. The speaker system was working fine the day we were there. We were lucky that the weather was perfect.

  12. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides (Harrodsburg): All You Need to Know

    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 Cruise is weather and river conditions permitting).

  13. Landing in the Right Place

    The "Dixie Belle" began operating at Shaker Landing in 1982. In 1982, Shaker Village purchased the Dixie Belle riverboat, which had been previously operating at Fort Boonesborough. The riverboat operated from 1982 - 2021, when it was decommissioned due to age, ongoing maintenance challenges and declining use.

  14. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

    Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides, Harrodsburg: See 49 reviews, articles, and 35 photos of Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides, one of 14 Harrodsburg attractions listed on Tripadvisor. ... Purchased tickets at the Shaker Village booth 45 min prior to the 4 pm ride, then drove about 10 min to the boat dock. Warning -- road there is winding and only 1-lane in ...

  15. Rollin' on the River

    Dixie Belle riverboat ride at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Admission: $10, ages 13 and up; $5, 6-12; free, 5 and under. Cruise times: Daily at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Cruise dates: May through October. Purchase tickets at Shaker Village Welcome Center. 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg.

  16. PDF Shaker Village Riverboat Cruise Focuses on Civil War

    The Dixie Belle Riverboat embarks every day at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Tickets should be purchased at the Welcome Center. Pricing for ages 13+ is $10, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for ages five and ... 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 ...

  17. Shaker Village in Kentucky: A haven of simplicity and peace

    Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest historic site associated with this religious group. Located 25 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., it was founded in 1805. By 1823 it encompassed ...

  18. Dixie Belle from Shaker Village

    "Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard Shaker Village's 115-passenger riverboat, through high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty. One-hour narrated cruises...

  19. Paddle boat on Kentucky River

    Paddle boat on Kentucky River. Review of Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides. Reviewed October 26, 2016 via mobile. It was a very relaxing 1 hour boat ride. Beautiful scenery. Good for all ages. Availability depends on weather so call ahead. Purchase tickets at Shaker Village. Date of experience: October 2016.

  20. Dixie Belle Riverboat Review

    A Dixie Belle Riverboat ride is a memorable way to see the Kentucky River and the beauty that surrounds it. Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard Shaker Village's 115-passenger riverboat, through high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty. One-hour narrated cruises describe the historical importance of the river to the Shakers and pass under ...

  21. Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides

    The Dixie Belle Riverboat Ride is a part of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. It is a one hour cruise along the Kentucky River pallisades, which are beautiful. I enjoyed the portion of the cruise that passes under the High Bridge railroad bridge. The guide provided an interesting narration about this bridge.

  22. Kentucky River in Kentucky

    We put in at Shaker Village's dock, where the Dixie Belle Riverboat launches, and paddled upstream on the Kentucky River to Dix River. Gorgeous views of the palisades on both rivers. Quiet except for two small fishing boats. Accommodations: Parking, port-a-john. Fees: No. Directions: From Lexington, take Harrodsburg Road (Rt. 68) south to ...

  23. A View of the Palisades

    Dixie Belle Riverboat Rides: A View of the Palisades - See 49 traveler reviews, 35 candid photos, and great deals for Harrodsburg, KY, at Tripadvisor. ... The Shaker Village has partnered with a company for two daily trips along the Kentucky River. Departing from a dock below the Village, the Dixie Belle is a comfortable boat to explore the ...