Howard Steamboat Museum
Explore a 1894 mansion showcasing steamboat history and incredible woodwork salvaged from luxury riverboats.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Howard Steamboat Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 1894 mansion showcasing steamboat history and incredible woodwork salvaged from luxury riverboats.
"A must-see piece of architecture with a fascinating steamboat history."
🎯 Ask for Tour Guide Eli
Eli is highly recommended for his friendly demeanor and deep knowledge of the museum.
🎶 Enjoy Musical Events
The Carriage House hosts concerts, offering a unique acoustic experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Howard Family Home
Main House
An architectural marvel with ornate woodwork salvaged from luxury steamboats. A true gem.

Steamboat History Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Discover the legacy of the Howard family's steamboat building and river vessel construction.

The Carriage House
On museum grounds
This transformed guest house is a stunning event venue, perfect for concerts and gatherings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Embrace the Architectural Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for Tour Guide Eli
Eli is highly recommended for his friendly demeanor and deep knowledge of the museum.
🎶 Enjoy Musical Events
The Carriage House hosts concerts, offering a unique acoustic experience.
🍺 Attend the Beer Fest
The 'Rollin' On The River' Beer Fest is a popular annual event on the museum grounds.
🚗 Support the Car Show
The annual car show is a great fundraiser and a fun community event.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Tour Guide Eli
Eli is highly recommended for his friendly demeanor and deep knowledge of the museum.
🎶 Enjoy Musical Events
The Carriage House hosts concerts, offering a unique acoustic experience.
🍺 Attend the Beer Fest
The 'Rollin' On The River' Beer Fest is a popular annual event on the museum grounds.
🚗 Support the Car Show
The annual car show is a great fundraiser and a fun community event.
🏠 Explore the Guest House
Don't miss the guest house, now an event venue, for its impressive transformation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Howard Steamboat Museum for its stunning architecture and the fascinating history of steamboat construction. The intricate woodwork and the unique blend of maritime design within the historic home are major highlights. While some wish for more original furnishings, the restoration efforts are admired, and the knowledgeable staff, particularly guides like Eli, enhance the experience. Marketing could be improved, but the museum is considered a valuable piece of regional history and a worthwhile visit.
"We had a great time visiting this museum. We truly enjoyed it and highly recommend our tour guide Eli. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the museum. He answered all our questions and showed us around. We learned a lot and we're in awe of the museum. The tiny details and every piece of furniture were very unique and well made. I felt like the museum needs more boost in terms of marketing. There is so much potential in it but I didn't really hear much advertisements about it. It was great that they were part of the Southern Indiana Fun Trail 2025. But I wish they could have been marketed for more opportunities. I see a lot of potential and great ways it can improve in terms of marketing the museum. I wish all the best for the museum and I hope more people hear about it and visit it because it holds a very important role in the steamboat and shipping history."
RJ Conner
"I’m not sure that they should call this place the Howard steamboat Museum. Yes the family was in the steamboat business and built River going vessels for many decades.
However, the house itself with numerous features from the interior of steamboats, is really the star of the show. Perhaps it should be called the Howard house and steamboat museum?
The house is truly an architectural gem. If you look at my profile, you’ll see that we have visited numerous architectural sites. The reviews that I’ve posted only scratch the surface of the countless homes and buildings that we have toured. As an interior designer and wanna be Architect I have a passion for interesting buildings and fortunately my wife shares my interest.
This house is full of features that came from luxury steamboat design. Having built the house a few hundred yards away from the shipyard, the family took advantage of the numerous skilled craftsman whom they employed. Especially impressive is the ornate woodwork that was apparently done by one phenomenally talented individual.
Unfortunately, the house did sustain a very serious fire at one point, but they have done an admirable job of putting all of the elements back together and re-creating the original wood craftsmanship. The design of many of the rooms is unusual and beautiful, although many of the most interesting rooms are filled with information and artifacts about steamboats and their construction. We admittedly would have preferred to see the rooms return to their original appearance with furnishings that would have filled the spaces when the Howard family occupied the home.
The staff is small but extremely nice and provided us a docent lead experience on the first floor, which was filled with tons of information. The intro film was actually narrated by one of the staff members we met. Both young men were impressive.
If you visit, please make certain you see the guest house which has been transformed into an event venue. If I lived anywhere in the vicinity of this property, I would wanna host some sort of a party in this building.
The cost for us to tour the property was $20. I would say this is a deal. I think that this is a must see piece of architecture if you’re anywhere in the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky or Jefferson Indiana. Candidly, for the sake of preservation and continued Stuartship. I hope this will review will result in countless new visitors.
If I’m in the area again, I will definitely return. There’s plenty to see for even a second visit."
David Schne
"Our past history of Steamboats, The people who operated them in the past what happened to them and why only 3 original are still around and we have one in The Belle Of Louisville right in Kentucky on the banks of the Mighty Ohio River. A great history lesson in a Stunning 3 story house that my Neighbor Keith Norrington help create, was the curator of for many years and a man with more knowledge than anyone I've known who helped the last living Howard turn her home into what is now a museum. My family member and friend Will also have a NEW WING as he unexpectedly passed in 2023 in August. It's definitely a Must on a bucket list. They have car shows and Great events throughout the year."
Brian Jamison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, easily accessible by car. It's a short drive from Louisville, Kentucky. Parking is generally available on-site or nearby.
Information on public transportation options can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for Jeffersonville or the greater Louisville area for the most up-to-date routes and times.
Using a GPS or mapping app with the address 'Howard Steamboat Museum, Jeffersonville, IN' should provide clear directions. Keep an eye out for signage as you get closer.
The museum is part of the 'Southern Indiana Fun Trail,' suggesting it can be combined with other local attractions. Its proximity to Louisville also offers many other historical and cultural sites.
While the historic nature of the house may present some challenges, inquire directly with the museum about accessibility for specific needs, especially regarding the first floor and any available ramps or elevators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $20 per person, which is considered a great deal for the experience.
For general admission, tickets are usually purchased upon arrival. However, for special events like concerts or festivals, advance booking is highly recommended.
Operating hours can vary, and it's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current information, especially around holidays.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or groups is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring directly with the museum staff.
Admission typically includes access to the historic home, exhibits, and an introductory film. Docent-led tours of the first floor are often provided.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully preserved 1894 home, admire intricate woodwork salvaged from steamboats, and learn about the Howard family's steamboat building legacy.
Yes, docent-led tours are often available for the first floor, providing in-depth information. Eli is a particularly recommended guide.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with museum staff upon arrival regarding whether personal photography is permitted.
Expect to see items related to steamboat construction, river history, and the Howard family's life, including unique furniture and architectural elements.
While the museum focuses on history and architecture, the engaging stories and visual elements can appeal to older children. Specific interactive exhibits are not widely advertised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, special events like the Beer Fest may offer food vendors.
Jeffersonville and nearby Louisville offer a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
It's generally not permitted to consume outside food and drinks inside historic museum buildings. Check with the museum for their specific policy.
At the 'Rollin' On The River' Beer Fest, attendees have enjoyed items like Gator Bites from local vendors.
Given the proximity to Louisville, you'll find a diverse culinary scene with many restaurants offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate woodwork inside the house, the exterior architecture, and the Carriage House event venue offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography policies can change. It's best to confirm with the museum staff upon your visit regarding personal photography rules.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and museums to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the architectural details.
Photography policies during special events may differ. Check event-specific guidelines or ask event organizers for clarification.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during one of the museum's family-friendly events, like the car show, which can offer a more engaging experience for younger visitors. Pack snacks and drinks for before or after your visit, as on-site dining is limited.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the details, and if possible, request a docent-led tour for in-depth insights. The story of the Howard family and their contribution to river transportation is a compelling narrative that unfolds within the walls of this stunning home.
🎶 Music & Event Goers
Beyond concerts, the museum grounds are the site of popular annual events like the 'Rollin' On The River' Beer Fest and a Car Show & Fundraiser. These events offer a lively atmosphere and a chance to experience the museum in a different, festive context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Significance
Visitors often marvel at the ornate woodwork, a skill attributed to a single, exceptionally talented craftsman. While the house did suffer a significant fire in the past, the restoration efforts have been commendable, meticulously recreating the original craftsmanship. The design of many rooms is described as unusual and beautiful, reflecting a blend of residential comfort and the grandeur of riverboat interiors.
Beyond the steamboat artifacts, the house's architectural merit is a primary draw. For those with an interest in interior design or architecture, this museum offers a rare glimpse into a specific period and style, showcasing how elements from one industry were ingeniously incorporated into another. The guest house, now an event venue, also highlights the property's enduring appeal and potential for hosting memorable occasions.
Steamboat History and Legacy
While the house is a star attraction, the steamboat history is the core narrative. Visitors can learn about the construction processes, the importance of these vessels in trade and transportation, and the evolution of steamboat technology. The museum aims to educate the public about this vital, yet often overlooked, chapter of American industrial history.
It's important to note that the museum's focus is on the Howard family's contribution to steamboat building, which eventually led to the development of the Jeff Boat shipyard. Understanding this connection provides a broader context for the region's industrial past and the impact of the Howard legacy.
Events and Community Engagement
Music lovers can also find entertainment at the museum, particularly at The Carriage House, which hosts concert series featuring local and independent artists. These acoustic performances offer an intimate setting for enjoying music and storytelling, adding another dimension to the museum's appeal.
By attending these events, visitors not only have a great time but also directly contribute to the ongoing stewardship and promotion of this important historical landmark. The museum's active event calendar demonstrates its commitment to remaining a relevant and engaging destination for both locals and tourists.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit