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

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 201 reviews

Type

Tour Agency

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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

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