Cincinnati hosted America’s River Roots, a riverboat celebration showcasing the nation’s inland waterways heritage, in October 2025. The event featured American riverboats of all sizes, with the vessels serving as the focal point of the gathering.
Over five full days, America’s River Roots brought Cincinnati’s Ohio River to life with two parades — one during the day and one at night — and filled the city with lights, music, and constant motion. Every riverboat in the event joined at least one race, and several participated in two. And of course, as tradition demands, no riverboat race was complete without a lively dispute over the results.
Riverboats have fascinated Americans for generations, and their place in history is significant. They are symbols of American ingenuity and adventure, and the vessels that participated in America’s River Roots are true industry icons.
Leading the fleet was the steamboat Natchez from New Orleans, magnificent in every respect, from her thunderous whistle and calliope to her fashionable presence along the waterfront. The Dow family and former president Gordon Stevens always operated the Natchez with unmatched pride, and I still recall Wilbur Dow teaching me about Plimsoll markings back in 1980.
From Louisville, Ky., came the Belle of Louisville, immaculately maintained and a true credit to her city. Her whistle and calliope playfully competed with the Natchez.
The Celebration Belle from Moline, Ill., brought passengers upriver from Indiana to Cincinnati, serving as a reminder of what these riverboats were historically meant to do.
The Belle of Memphis ably represented her home state of Tennessee, the Anson Northrup hailed all the way from St. Paul, Minn., and the Three Rivers Queen made the trip from Pittsburgh.
The Mary M. Miller was another proud representative of Louisville, and the Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen were local favorites.
Organizing America’s River Roots was a massive undertaking, but one well worth the effort. It marked a moment in time when the river, the riverboats, and the people who love them all came together in the Queen City to celebrate our country’s heritage and its rich riverboat history.
