What to Expect on Your First Kentucky River Cruise Experience
A Kentucky river cruise experience with Kentucky River Tours is unlike anything else in the region. From the water, you get a truly historic look at the river bottoms and limestone bluffs that led to the settlement of Kentucky—including sights of the bourbon industry warehouses that predate Prohibition, and a vital lock and dam system that still supports the river the way it did a century ago.
If this is your first time booking with us, here's what to expect from the moment you choose a tour to the moment you step off the boat. Think of this guide as your Kentucky boat tour FAQ, covering the questions first-time guests ask us most.
Choosing the Right Tour for Your Visit
At Kentucky River Tours, we run several different cruises out of downtown Frankfort, and each one tells a different piece of the river's story. The Bourbon History Tour and Kentucky Heritage Tour lean into the history along the banks, while the Old Taylor Tour and The Trace Tour pairs the river with a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Sunset Cruise and Bourbon Paddle Tour offer a different pace for guests who want something more relaxed or more active. If you’re weighing tour options against each other, we broke every tour down in Which Kentucky River Tour Is Right for Me? Several tours run on limited days, so check the tour calendar and book ahead, especially in peak Kentucky Bourbon Trail season.
Where to Meet Us, and When to Get There
We board at the covered floating dock at 101 Riverboat Landing, behind the Paul Sawyier Public Library and just below the St. Clair Street Bridge — the one locals call the Singing Bridge. The dock is a short walk from downtown parking behind the library or on Wapping Street and all connecting streets. It’s easy to miss on a first visit, so we keep turn-by-turn directions on the site.
Plan to arrive before your departure time and enjoy a drink or snack at The River House before launch. Boats begin boarding 15 minutes before launch and leave on schedule.
What to Wear on a Kentucky River Cruise
Comfort matters more than dressing up for a river cruise. Flat, closed-toe or secure sandals make boarding and moving around the boat easier than heels or flip-flops, and a hat or sunglasses go a long way on a sunny afternoon since there's limited shade on the water. If you’re booked on a tour that also features a trip to a distillery, keep in mind the distillery portion involves a fair amount of walking—wear shoes you can feel comfortable walking in. The river tends to feel a few degrees cooler than downtown Frankfort once the boat is moving, so a light layer is worth having even on a warm day. Beyond that, dress the way you would for any relaxed outdoor outing in Kentucky, since our tours are casual, family-friendly, and built for people who just want to enjoy the water. When in doubt about what to wear on a river cruise, think comfortable, layered, and sun-ready.
What’s On Board
We have two vessels. Our smaller “Trace of Kentucky” is a non-enclosed vessel limited to 14 passengers, with bench seating and standing room. Our larger vessel, "The Bourbon Belle” holds 49 passengers and is a two deck boat with bench-style seating around the perimeter and plenty of standing room, a covered front and back deck, two separate restrooms, and an open-air second level with chairs spaced in the middle and comfortable standing tails around the sides.
Make It a Full Afternoon at The River House
Many first-time guests don't realize their visit doesn't have to start or end when the tour does. The River House, our floating restaurant at 101 Riverboat Landing, sits right at the dock where tours depart, and it's one of the only restaurants in Frankfort actually built on the Kentucky River. Stop in before or after your cruise for hot and cold sandwiches, charcuterie boards, dessert, or a handmade cocktail from our craft bar, and you'll have a view of the water most restaurants in town simply can't offer.
Turn Your Visit Into an Overnight Stay
Kentucky River Tours also manages two overnight stays. The Old-Fashioned Stave Away is a bourbon-themed VRBO built for guests exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and the Creekside Cottage sits directly on Elkhorn Creek for a quieter stay.
Book Your First Kentucky River Cruise
Whether you're planning a bourbon-focused outing or a relaxed afternoon on the water, our crew is ready to make your first cruise a one-of-a-kind experience you can't find anywhere else in Kentucky.
Contact Kentucky River Tours today to check tour availability, ask about The River House, or book one of our overnight stays for your trip to Frankfort.