"Tall Stacks" takes place every two or three years on the Ohio River where it passes between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. Check the Cincinnati Enquirer for information on schedules.
Riverboats from up and down the Ohio River come to Cincinnati and the feeling is at times very much like it might have been back in the riverboat days when such gatherings were routine. It's an extraordinary celebration and well worth your time to visit.
(Give this page a little time to load if you've got a slow connection. It has lots of pictures)
Captain Ann
This was the last moment of quiet before the crowds started arriving for the day's events.
Riverboats in Flog
Seeing the boats in the fog, it was easy to believe a hundred years had melted away.
Belle of Louisville
It looks like it's almost time to sail.
Delta Queen
The Delta Queen sails regularly from Cincinnati and has an annual 'race' with the Belle of Louisville.
The Delta Queen has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is available for three-day tours of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
All Board
The Riverboats line up along the Public Landing for boarding.
Memphis Queen
The Memphis Queen cruises the Ohio River.
Evening Cruise
The best way to see the collected riverboats was by cruising the river and the best time for a cruise was in the evening.
Ohio River and Mississippi River Steamboats |
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Name |
Home Port |
Year |
Builder |
Pass. |
Length |
Levels |
Anson Northrup |
Minneapolis, MN | 1988 | Jennings, LA | 250 | 93 Feet | 2 enclosed decks with outside deck space on both |
Belle of Louisville |
Louisville, KY | 1914 | Pittsburgh, PA | 650 | 200 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed and 1 open-air) |
Celebration Belle |
Moline, IL | 1986 | Pensacola, FL | 800 | 190 Feet | 3 enclosed decks with outside deck space on the 3rd deck |
Chattanooga Starr |
Chattanooga, TN | 1982 | Chattanooga, TN | 145 | 65 Feet | 2 decks (first deck is enclosed and 2nd deck is open air with a canopy for protection) |
Colonel |
Galveston, TX | 1985 | Escatawpa, MS | 770 | 152 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed with outside deck space and 1 open-air) |
Creole Queen |
New Orleans, LA | 1983 | Moss Point, MS | 800 | 190 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed with outside deck space and 1 open-air) |
Delta Queen |
Cincinnati, OH New Orleans, LA |
1926 | Glasgow, Scotland | 180 | 285 Feet | 4 decks |
General Jackson |
Nashville, TN | 1985 | Jeffersonville, IN | NA | 274 Feet | 4 levels (3 completely enclosed and 1 partially enclosed) |
Harriet Bishop |
Saint Paul, MN | 1987 | Utica, IN | 350 | 98 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed decks with outside space on 2nd deck and 1 open-air) |
Spirit of Jefferson |
Louisville, KY | 1963 | Dubuque, IA | 250 | 118 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed decks with outside space on 2nd deck and 1 open-air) |
Spirit of Cincinnati |
Cincinnati, OH | 1967 | Ottawa, IL | 140 | 77 Feet | 2 decks (1 enclosed and 1 open-air) |
River Queen |
Covington, KY | 1986 | Chattanooga, TN | 350 | 136 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed with outside deck space and 1 open-air) |
PA Denny |
Charleston, WV | 1930 | Charleston, WV | 150 | 109 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed and 1 open-air) |
MS Queen |
Minneapolis, MN | 1976 | Jeffersonville, IN | 436 | 382 Feet | 7decks |
Majestic |
Pittsburgh, PA | 1987 | Pensacola, FL | 900 | 277 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed and 1 open-air) |
Keystone Belle |
Pittsburgh, PA | 1983 | Cincinnati, OH | 300 | 80 Feet | 3 decks (2 enclosed and 1 open-air) |
Island Queen |
Memphis, TN | 1984 | Memphis, TN | 390 | 85 Feet | 3 decks (1 enclosed and 2 open-air) |
