Nashville Riverboat Cruise: Paddlewheel Sightseeing Tour

Watch historic steam engines turn while the riverboat moves downriver

A 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on the Steamer Nashville, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, travels the Cumberland River past downtown Nashville with live narration and music. The boat is wheelchair accessible, has restrooms on board, and allows service animals. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase; boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nashville riverboat sightseeing cruise

• Board the paddlewheel riverboat
• Enjoy live narration and music
• Relax in Victorian dining rooms or promenade deck
• View historic steam engines in operation
• Purchase lunch and drinks onboard (optional)
• Disembark after 1.5-hour cruise

The Experience

The cruise lasts 90 minutes on the water, with 30 minutes of boarding time before the boat leaves the dock. You'll see downtown Nashville from the river while a live guide narrates the history and culture of Music City. The Steamer Nashville is one of only three remaining western river steamboats, and you can tour its historic steam engines in operation during the voyage. The boat has both indoor Victorian dining rooms and an open promenade deck, so you can choose between shelter and river breeze depending on the weather and what you want to see.

The atmosphere is family-friendly, and the boat accommodates strollers, wheelchairs and service animals. A full bar and lunch options are available on board if you want to eat or drink during the cruise, though these come at an additional cost. A souvenir boarding photo is also available for purchase. The experience works well for groups and families looking for something different than a walking tour of the city.

What’s included

• Admission to the cruise.
• 90-minute sightseeing voyage on the paddlewheel riverboat.
• 30-minute boarding period.
• live narration and music.
• access to indoor Victorian dining rooms and outdoor promenade deck.
• on-board restroom facilities.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Nashville Riverboats

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying downtown Nashville and want to see the city from the water without needing a car—the boat departs right from the city center with public transit nearby.

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Top questions

How long is the actual time on the water?

The cruise itself is 1.5 hours on the Cumberland River. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure for boarding.

Can I bring my young children or a stroller on the boat?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The atmosphere is family-friendly throughout.

What can I see from the river?

You'll see downtown Nashville and the historic steam engines of the Steamer Nashville in operation. A live guide provides narration about the city's history and culture during the cruise.

Is there food and drink on board?

A full bar and lunch options are available for purchase during the cruise. You can order food and drinks while you're on the water.

Is the boat accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Yes, the Steamer Nashville is wheelchair accessible, with restrooms on board. Transportation options to the dock are also wheelchair accessible.