2022 UPDATE – SHAKER VILLAGE NO LONGER OPERATES THE DIXIE BELLE.
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 High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877.
My kids and I have gone twice and had a great time. We enjoyed a summer ride as well as a fall trip. It’s fun to see it during different seasons. There are lifejackets available for use if you need them. I put them on my little guys but when we went when they were older I didn’t.
The ride down to the river is great and I love the windy road through the trees. Once you arrive you walk down to the boat and check in with the captain. You can find a seat somewhere but it’s fun to switch seats during the ride and move around to get different views. We liked being down by the water so we could see animals along the bank and resting on logs. It’s great to be up above on the top to see out at the steep slopes surrounding the river and the bridge you travel under during your trip. We were lucky enough to have a train travel right across the bridge as we went under it. The trip is around an hour and a fun way to see the river. The captain narrates as you travel so you learn something along the way.
PADDLE BY CANOE OR KAYAK
Bring your canoe or kayak and launch into pool 7 on the Kentucky River from Shaker Landing. Venture upriver on the Kentucky, or take a detour onto the Dix, a stocked trophy trout stream.
Shaker Village Launch Fee
- $5 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 800.734.5611
Click here for the Lex Fun Shaker Village Review
