Also known as Music City USA for its many contributions to country music, Nashville is nestled in a crook of the Cumberland River in central Tennessee. The Cumberland River was an integral part of Nashville’s history. The original town settlement was a fort constructed on the west bank of the river. Visitors to Nashville can take in a show at the Grand Ole Opry, tour the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, or spend an afternoon at the only life-size replica of Athen’s Parthenon. For visitors and residents, a cruise on the Cumberland River offers an excellent view of Nashville.
With several different cruises to choose from, visitors to Nashville should definitely make the General Jackson a must on their to-do list. The 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat has four decks and a two-story Victorian theater in the center of the boat where live entertainment is held. From the launch pad at the Opryland Hotel complex, visitors will cruise down the Cumberland, with downtown Nashville on one bank and East Nashville on the other. Enjoy a midday cruise on the General Jackson, or an evening cruise to see Nashville at night. Each cruise includes food and a live show.
The General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Dr.
Nashville, TN 37214
615-458-3900
generaljackson.com
Visitors wanting a more intimate cruising experience can choose to rent a boat from Captain Nelson Rivership Cruises. See where the stars live with the Homes of the Stars Tour. See the present and former homes of stars such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and many others. Captain Nelson has many tours to choose from, and all of them can include swimming if wanted. Charter a boat for up to 12 passengers. Rentals can be arranged by email or phone.
Captain Nelson RiverShip Cruises
[email protected]
615-804-1480
captainnelsoncruises.com
Departure Address:
Creekwood Marina
259 Sanders Ferry Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Most tours leave from Lebanon, a small town just east of Nashville. Choose between a relaxing pontoon boat, a sunset cruise, or even a cruise designed especially for kids. The tour operators will point out stars’ homes along the way, and any other notable site the boat passes as it cruises down the river. Up to 26 passengers can enjoy the river cruise. Themed cruises are designed to see fall foliage, enjoy the full moon, or even get the girls together while the guys stay on land watching sports.
Cumberland River Cruises
450 Cherokee Boat Dock Rd.
Lebanon, TN 37087
615-451-4001
877-374-8687
[email protected]
cumberlandrivercruises.com
