The Star of Knoxville, Tennessee Riverboat
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Star of Knoxville Riverboat

4.2
·201 reviews·Knoxville, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset Cruises

Golden hour views

CrowdMedium
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The Star of Knoxville, Tennessee Riverboat

Star of Knoxville Riverboat

Best Time

Sunset Cruises

Golden hour views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.2
(201 reviews)

"A relaxing and unique way to take in the city with stunning skyline views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paddlewheel Views

Paddlewheel Views

Tennessee River

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

Downtown Knoxville Skyline

Downtown Knoxville Skyline

Riverfront

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

Dinner & Live Music

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Cruises

Dinner and specialty cruises on the Star of Knoxville often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking your tickets in advance online is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Dress for the Weather, But Be Prepared

While the boat has a roof, the Tennessee River can be breezy. Check the forecast and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the decks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset Cruises
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Evenings
Why
Live music & dining
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Less crowded sightseeing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Step aboard the Star of Knoxville 🚢✨ One of the last authentic paddlewheel riverboats in America, cruising the Tennessee River with dinner, music, and skyline views. This Knoxville experience is part history, part party, and 100% unforgettable. Add the Star of Knoxville riverboat cruise to your Tennessee bucket list! #StarOfKnoxville #KnoxvilleTennessee #TennesseeRiver #RiverboatCruise #HiddenGems...
@reessroots
177 likes • 3.6K views

🎯 Book Dinner Cruises in Advance

Dinner cruises, especially on weekends, sell out quickly. Book online to guarantee your spot! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking on decks, so wear comfortable shoes. Reddit

The Star of Knoxville authentic paddlewheel Riverboat. Those big wheels keep on turning #visitknoxville #tennessee #river
@tennessee_riverboat
18 likes • 710 views
See Knoxville in a whole new way with a @TennesseeRiverboat Dinner Cruise! 🥘🥗 ⭐️ The Star of Knoxville is a charming paddlewheel riverboat offering a variety of cruises right here in Knoxville, Tennessee. 🤩 Explore captivating views as the boat takes you past iconic downtown landmarks (👋 Hi Neyland Stadium). Fall might just be the perfect time to go! 🍁🍁🍁 #KnoxRocks #StarofKnoxville #Tenness...
visitknoxville
338 likes • 10.4K views

📸 Capture the Skyline

The views of downtown Knoxville are stunning, especially at sunset. Instagram

🎶 Enjoy Live Entertainment

Many cruises feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. TikTok

We finally did The Star of Knoxville riverboat ride on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville. Sunset was the perfect time to do it! #rivercruise #knoxville #tennessee #starofknoxville #sunset #riverboat #datenight
beachbumexplorer
12 likes • 333 views

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! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be walking on decks, so wear comfortable shoes. Reddit

📸 Capture the Skyline

The views of downtown Knoxville are stunning, especially at sunset. Instagram

🎶 Enjoy Live Entertainment

Many cruises feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. TikTok

💧 Free Water Refills

Soda and water cups are refilled for free on sightseeing cruises. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(201 reviews)

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

Classic paddlewheel charm
Scenic river views
Friendly and helpful crew

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality

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. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near the docking area. Check local parking regulations for rates and availability. Reddit

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. Reddit

It's generally recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for boarding and settling in. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be easily booked online through the official Tennessee Riverboat website (Tnriverboat.com). You can also call them directly. Instagram

They offer a variety of cruises including lunch cruises, dinner cruises, sightseeing tours, and special themed events throughout the year. Instagram

Discounts may be available for groups, children, or during special promotions. It's advisable to check their website or call for current offers. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sightseeing cruises typically last around 90 minutes, while dinner cruises are usually around two hours. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, many cruises feature live music or a DJ, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

The boat is equipped with clean restrooms, typically located on the lower deck and sometimes on the upper deck as well. Reddit

Yes, you are generally free to move between the decks to enjoy different vantage points and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not always detailed. It's recommended to inquire directly with the riverboat when booking if you have dietary restrictions. Reddit

The boat has a well-stocked bar offering alcoholic beverages and other drinks. InstagramReddit

Food is typically included in dinner cruises, often as a buffet. Sightseeing cruises may offer snacks and drinks for purchase. Reddit

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted on the riverboat. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

The upper deck offers unobstructed views of the city and river. The paddlewheel itself is also a classic photo opportunity. TikTok

Absolutely! The cruise provides unique perspectives of the Knoxville skyline, Neyland Stadium, and the surrounding landscape. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require prior permission. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Star of Knoxville Riverboat offers a fantastic family experience with its classic charm and engaging atmosphere. Kids often enjoy the novelty of being on a real paddlewheel boat, watching the water, and taking in the sights. The sightseeing cruises are a great, shorter option for families, often featuring music and a relaxed environment. Reddit

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. Reddit

💑 Couples & Date Nights

For a romantic evening, the Star of Knoxville Riverboat's dinner cruises are an excellent choice. Enjoying a meal with live music while gliding along the Tennessee River provides a picturesque and intimate setting. The sunset cruises are particularly popular for their stunning views and romantic ambiance. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The sightseeing cruises on the Star of Knoxville Riverboat offer a great value for budget-conscious travelers. These shorter cruises are more affordable than dinner options and still provide beautiful views of Knoxville. You can enjoy the scenery and the river breeze without a significant expense. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Charm of the Star of Knoxville

The Star of Knoxville is more than just a boat; it's a piece of living history. As one of the last authentic paddlewheel riverboats in America, it offers a nostalgic journey back in time. Its classic design and the gentle churning of its paddlewheel evoke a bygone era of river travel. This charm is a significant draw for visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience. TikTok+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Navigating Dinner Cruises and Dining Experiences

The dinner cruises on the Star of Knoxville are a popular choice for those seeking a complete evening experience. These cruises typically include a buffet meal and live entertainment, offering a festive atmosphere for couples, families, and groups. The combination of dining, music, and scenic river views makes it a well-rounded outing. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Special Events and Unique Performances

The Star of Knoxville Riverboat isn't just for standard cruises; it also serves as a unique venue for special events and performances. From holiday celebrations to private parties, the riverboat offers a distinctive setting for memorable gatherings. Its charming atmosphere makes it a sought-after location for various occasions. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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