
Star of Knoxville Riverboat
Experience Knoxville from the water on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, offering scenic views, dining, and live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views

Star of Knoxville Riverboat
Best Time
Golden hour views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Knoxville from the water on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, offering scenic views, dining, and live music.
"A relaxing and unique way to take in the city with stunning skyline views."

🎯 Book Dinner Cruises in Advance
Dinner cruises, especially on weekends, sell out quickly. Book online to guarantee your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on decks, so wear comfortable shoes.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paddlewheel Views
Tennessee River
Experience classic Americana on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, cruising the scenic Tennessee River.

Downtown Knoxville Skyline
Riverfront
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Knoxville skyline, including Neyland Stadium, from the water.

Dinner & Live Music
Main Dining Deck
Savor delicious food and enjoy live entertainment while gliding down the river. A perfect date night or family outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Cruises
Dress for the Weather, But Be Prepared
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dinner Cruises in Advance
Dinner cruises, especially on weekends, sell out quickly. Book online to guarantee your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on decks, so wear comfortable shoes.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of downtown Knoxville are stunning, especially at sunset.
🎶 Enjoy Live Entertainment
Many cruises feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dinner Cruises in Advance
Dinner cruises, especially on weekends, sell out quickly. Book online to guarantee your spot!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on decks, so wear comfortable shoes.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of downtown Knoxville are stunning, especially at sunset.
🎶 Enjoy Live Entertainment
Many cruises feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
💧 Free Water Refills
Soda and water cups are refilled for free on sightseeing cruises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Star of Knoxville Riverboat for its classic charm, friendly crew, and beautiful river views, calling it a well-maintained historic icon. While many enjoy the overall experience, some reviews mention that the food quality on dinner cruises can be inconsistent.
"Great Family Experience on the Star of Knoxville!
We had a fantastic time on this classic paddlewheel riverboat this past May! The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the views along the Tennessee River were beautiful. The boat is very well maintained for such a historic icon, adding to the charm of the whole experience. It felt like stepping back in time with a relaxing and fun atmosphere the whole family enjoyed. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Knoxville or looking for a unique dinner cruise experience!"
Gina J
"Great experience, FOOD sucked but loved the boat ride and a beer with husband and friends, food was cheap and horrible"
Jessica Russell
"Our family boarded an afternoon sight seeing cruise on a Thursday. There is a clean restroom on the upper deck. Music was playing but not too loudly. The captain gave some history and told a few jokes. Affordable drinks and popcorn were available to purchase. Soda and cups of water are refilled free. The cruise lasted 90 minutes. We lucked out with perfect weather but the boat has a roof so even if it rains you can enjoy the trip as long as it’s not too windy. On the lower deck there was meal service but it was sold out the day we traveled. A fun experience!"
Stephanie Cotter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is docked at 300 Riverfront Parkway, Knoxville, TN 37902. It's conveniently located downtown, making it easily accessible.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near the docking area. Check local parking regulations for rates and availability.
While direct public transport to the dock might be limited, the downtown area is well-served by Knoxville's public bus system. You may need a short walk from a nearby stop.
It's generally recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for boarding and settling in.
The boat is generally accessible, but it's always best to contact the Star of Knoxville directly to confirm specific accessibility details for your chosen cruise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be easily booked online through the official Tennessee Riverboat website (Tnriverboat.com). You can also call them directly.
They offer a variety of cruises including lunch cruises, dinner cruises, sightseeing tours, and special themed events throughout the year.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, or during special promotions. It's advisable to check their website or call for current offers.
Cancellation policies can vary depending on the type of cruise and how far in advance you cancel. Review the terms and conditions during booking or contact customer service.
While same-day tickets may be available for some sightseeing cruises, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for dinner cruises, as they often sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sightseeing cruises typically last around 90 minutes, while dinner cruises are usually around two hours.
You'll enjoy scenic views of the Knoxville skyline, Neyland Stadium, the University of Tennessee campus, the River Walk, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Tennessee River.
Yes, many cruises feature live music or a DJ, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
The boat is equipped with clean restrooms, typically located on the lower deck and sometimes on the upper deck as well.
Yes, you are generally free to move between the decks to enjoy different vantage points and soak in the atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the BBQ buffet as very good, while others found the food to be cheap and horrible. It's best to manage expectations.
Specific dietary options are not always detailed. It's recommended to inquire directly with the riverboat when booking if you have dietary restrictions.
The boat has a well-stocked bar offering alcoholic beverages and other drinks.
Food is typically included in dinner cruises, often as a buffet. Sightseeing cruises may offer snacks and drinks for purchase.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted on the riverboat.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset cruises offer beautiful golden hour lighting for capturing the skyline. Early morning or late afternoon can also provide great light with fewer crowds.
The upper deck offers unobstructed views of the city and river. The paddlewheel itself is also a classic photo opportunity.
Absolutely! The cruise provides unique perspectives of the Knoxville skyline, Neyland Stadium, and the surrounding landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require prior permission.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide skyline shots and details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dinner cruises are available, consider the attention span of younger children. The afternoon sightseeing cruise might be a better fit, offering free water refills and affordable snacks for purchase. The open decks allow kids to move around a bit, and the views of the city and river are captivating for all ages.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Even if you opt for a sightseeing cruise, the riverboat offers a unique and memorable date experience. The chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps share a drink from the bar creates a special connection away from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine.
💰 Budget Travelers
While food on dinner cruises receives mixed reviews, you can still enjoy affordable drinks and popcorn on sightseeing tours. Bringing your own water bottle is also a good idea, as water refills are free. This makes it a cost-effective way to experience a unique Knoxville attraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of the Star of Knoxville
Cruising on the Star of Knoxville provides a distinct perspective on the city. Unlike land-based tours, the river offers unobstructed views of the Knoxville skyline, including iconic landmarks like Neyland Stadium. The gentle movement of the boat and the open air create a relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whether you're opting for a sightseeing tour, a dinner cruise, or a special event, the riverboat's ambiance enhances the overall experience. It’s a chance to appreciate Knoxville from a different angle while enjoying the romance of traditional river travel.
Navigating Dinner Cruises and Dining Experiences
However, dining experiences on the riverboat have received mixed reviews. While some guests have praised the BBQ buffet as delicious and good value, others have found the food quality to be lacking. It's important to approach the dining aspect with managed expectations, perhaps focusing more on the overall experience of the cruise itself.
For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, it's advisable to contact the Star of Knoxville directly when booking to inquire about available options or to see if accommodations can be made. Regardless of the dining experience, the opportunity to enjoy a meal while cruising the Tennessee River is a unique aspect of the Star of Knoxville.
Special Events and Unique Performances
Beyond typical events, the riverboat has hosted unconventional performances, such as opera. These site-specific productions leverage the unique environment of the riverboat to create immersive and unforgettable artistic experiences for the audience.
This versatility highlights the Star of Knoxville's potential as more than just a tourist attraction. It's a dynamic venue that can adapt to a wide range of events, offering a memorable backdrop for everything from intimate celebrations to cultural performances.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit