riverboat in louisville ky

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Belle of Louisville Riverboats

401 W. River Rd. Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: (502) 574-2992 Fax: (502) 574-3030

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Thunder Over Louisville Dockside Event 401 W. River Rd. Louisville, Kentucky 40202 Details Open in Google Maps

Thunder Over Louisville Dockside Event

All aboard the Belle for dockside front-row seat viewing of the air show and fireworks display with Official Thunder Sound! Your come-and-go access ticket...

Mapped location of Belle of Louisville Riverboats

301 South 4th Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202

1.888.LOUISVILLE (1.888.568.4784)

THE 10 BEST Louisville Boat Rides & Cruises

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1. Endless Summer Paddle Company

2. Belle of Louisville Riverboats

3. Blue Moon Canoe and Kayak

4. Louisville Dive Center

5. Brochin Expeditions

6. The Obsession Outdoors Fishing Guide

7. Derbyville Water Rentals

8. Shockey Tours Charter and Tourism

9. Louisville Kayak

10. louisville boat rental.

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Belle of Louisville Riverboats

Explore The Ohio River Aboard Kentucky's Favorite Historic Riverboat

Andrea Limke

A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.

More by this Author

The Ohio River makes up a portion of our state’s border and it has always been a significant part of Kentucky’s history and purpose. Along the riverfront, there are many small towns, as well as smaller cities and even a few big cities that are home to a large section of our population. The largest of the Kentucky cities on the river is Louisville and this vibrant town is filled with things to do. One of the most favorite activities for all ages, locals, and visitors is a ride on the historic riverboat in Kentucky, the Belle of Louisville or its fleet companion, the Mary M. Miller. There are a variety of trips available on both boats and these outings are some of the most memorable in the state.

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If you have yet to take a ride on this historic riverboat in Kentucky, keep it in mind for the next special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, a fun-filled family outing, or a place to celebrate a big event on the water, the Belle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller are two favorite destinations in the Bluegrass. Have you been aboard a historic riverboat in Kentucky? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

For more information on the Belle of Louisville and everything that is currently offered, visit its website and also follow along on Facebook .

And for another boat tour in Kentucky that’s totally different and very unique, check out this excursion that takes you right up to a waterfall.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

Cruises and Sailing
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I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

The Grand Ballroom of the American Queen

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows.

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

The author and Colleen riding bikes in Cincinnati

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

The author at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

The author on a steamboat cruise on the Ohio River

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

The Mary M. Miller Riverboat

Review Highlights

“ For only $5 per person we were treated to popcorn, interesting facts and an hour long cruise on the Ohio River . ” in 6 reviews

“ The belle of Louisville holds a special place in my heart, but honestly I kind of like the Mary Miller better. ” in 4 reviews

“ The bottom floor has a full service bar, while the top has a concession stand with snacks and drinks. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

401 W River Rd

Louisville, KY 40202

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We've taken our children on the Mary M. Miller kids cruises on three different occasions over the last two summers. It's an experience that we've felt was worth repeating. Tickets for adults are only $12.99 and infants (children 4 and under included) are free. It's a relatively inexpensive activity that causes a lot of excitement in our home. It's a 90-minute cruise that starts in downtown Louisville and goes north before circling back. It offers a scenic view of the Louisville skyline and the Ohio River. The Mary M. Miller, built in 1985, has vintage charm with more modern amenities. It has three decks, offering indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor spaces are climate controlled. The have bar and offer concessions during the kids cruises. It is propeller-driven. My children love to get a table on the second floor deck so they have a view of the paddle wheel. There are a few tables in shade that make it comfortable to be outside in the summer. We ordered drinks and spinach and cheese dip with chips. The kid's cruises partner with local organizations. Sunday's Hometown music cruise featured the Louisville Folk School. They not only provide live entertainment, they also provide crafts to keep the kids engaged. The children receive a small Belle of Louisville activity book, coloring page, and coloring pencils, in addition to the materials needed to make other crafts. On this particular cruise, July 23rd, the kids made kazoos and DIY boats. Taking a riverboat cruise down the Ohio for twenty-something bucks for a family of four is a bargain. I love that they are able to engage the kids and the experience is equally enjoyable for adults. The staff is always warm and welcoming. Whether you're visiting Louisville as a tourist, or your local, this a great way to explore the city. The Belle of Louisville is a historical icon; it's the only remaining steamboat from the American packet boat era. But if you have kids, booking a kid's cruise on Mary M. Miller is a family and budget friendly option that you won't regret.

Had a great time! Karen the best bartender on the Ohio River. A must do in Louisville

The Mary M. Miller Riverboat is such a unique experience! B and I recently took a one hour tour cruise, and we really enjoyed it. Going out on the Mary M. Miller is great for both adults and children. It's definitely a family-friendly experience. There were lots of kids on the boat during our tour, and they were running around and loving it! There are snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non) available for purchase on board. We enjoyed some beer and popcorn during our cruise, and the prices are very reasonable! If you're looking for something quick, easy, cheap, educational, and fun to do, the Mary M. Miller Riverboat is it!

See all photos from Kelly J. for The Mary M. Miller Riverboat

I was lucky enough to get my family of 4 tickets for the Spring Break afternoon cruise. For only $5 per person we were treated to popcorn, interesting facts and an hour long cruise on the Ohio River. The snack bar also offered food and drinks for purchase. Boarding occurred 30 min prior to departure. Our tickets were scanned from our phone, bags were checked and mask provided. We were asked to wear masks inside the boat but outside decks did not require them. Three decks provided seating, with the 3rd being outside only. It was so chilly and cloudy outside but people still enjoyed roaming around outside and snapping pictures, then warming up at a table inside. Departure was also easy and fairly quick. We almost never hop on the boats for fun! This was a nice treat and time together as family. Even the weather couldn't dampen it. Parking can be found at nearby PARC garages. We opted for the Galt House garage. Give yourself plenty of time to find a spot and walk over to the boat. Group pricing available as well as rentals for large events. Catering and DJ services can be provided.

See all photos from Lorie L. for The Mary M. Miller Riverboat

This is another one of the wonderful boats that Louisville has for people to take tours and sightseeing adventures and different things that we have here in the city. This is located around the Ohio River next to the Bella Louisville and the star Louisville. You may take a trip down the Ohio on this wonderful ship line. We took a stroll down it one evening and it was a great time

See all photos from Jeremy J. for The Mary M. Miller Riverboat

The belle of Louisville holds a special place in my heart, but honestly I kind of like the Mary Miller better. It has some really cozy indoor seating that doesn't obstruct the view to the outside but can still enjoy the air conditioning. Its a smaller boat, but somehow feels more spacious and less crowded (less people onboard?). We recently went on the historic tour and it was a lot of fun! I learned a lot about the river, the bridges and about property on both sides of the river. A great little afternoon boat ride for all ages! The concession stand is typical concession stand food, but actually pretty good quality for price! Hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, the usual.

Supper and cruise tour. Dinner was cafeteria level fare. Not bad, but nothing to write home about. The biggest frustration was the beverage situation. No waitstaff. We had paid for unlimited soda, but the lack of waitstaff meant that we had to stand in line at the bar for every drink. That included sodas, bar drinks, and even snacks.

The box meals are great! The counter food has room for a lot of improvement, the man fumbling with his nose ring as he was handling my food, the nachos at the poorest quality with chunks of salty cheese that looked as if it was stored incorrectly, then put out to sell us. The folk are very kind but act as if they have "burn out". The pleasant energy of customer contact and care, not just getting the job done attitude, is lacking. I would like to see our first contact person as we board to smile and to greet as if she/he enjoy seeing the passengers. This is a great deal and I have been going several time to see the improvement, I have almost a year on my annual pass to see improvement. The trips are otherwise great, one of the greatest narrators, friendly passengers, smooth riding, 3 floors from which to view and cozy. Free popcorn to annuals but not always fresh.

Pretty cool little boat ride. Doesn't cost a whole lot. Doesn't last too long. Offers a view of the city that you don't ordinarily see. They have food and drinks, if you choose. And there's running commentary on what it is that you're looking at. If you can't take a ride on the Belle of Louisville because it's too busy or too expensive, the Mary M Miller is a great alternative. Enjoy!

Great tour' relaxing and informative!!! We will do it again next time we are in town!!

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Suspected tornadoes kill at least 3 in Ohio as severe storms tear through central U.S.

The Associated Press

Greg McDougle walks near debris on Friday, following a severe storm in Lakeview, Ohio. Joshua A. Bickel/AP hide caption

Greg McDougle walks near debris on Friday, following a severe storm in Lakeview, Ohio.

LAKEVIEW, Ohio — Tornadoes tore through several central U.S. states, flattening homes and trailers in an RV park and killing at least three people, with more bodies likely to be discovered, authorities said Friday.

Thursday night's storms left trails of destruction and injuries or deaths in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas. Tornadoes were also suspected in Illinois and Missouri.

It appeared the worst hit was the Indian Lake area in Ohio's Logan County, northwest of Columbus. At least three people died there, and Sheriff Randy Dodds told NBC's "Today" show that cadaver dogs would search the debris Friday.

"I do anticipate finding additional deceased persons, unfortunately, today," Dodds said.

The tornado devastated the villages of Lakeview and Russells Point, county spokesperson Sheri Timmers said. There were likely "lots of injuries," Timmers said.

Colorado snowstorm knocks out power for thousands

The storm sheared off the tops of homes and damaged a campground and laundromat, leaving twisted metal wrapped in the tops of trees. Snowplows cleared debris from roads.

"There's places burning," said Amber Fagan, president of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. "There's power lines through people's windows."

Many of the homes in the area are used as summer cottages by people who come for fishing and boating.

Blaine Schmidt, 34, was inside his house in Lakeview and heard tornado sirens moments before the storm hit his house. He took shelter in his bathtub, using the shower curtain to protect him from broken glass along with his roommate, Greg McDougle, 60.

"I'm lucky to be alive," Schmidt said.

Debris scatters the ground on Friday near damaged homes following a severe storm in Lakeview, Ohio. Joshua A. Bickel/AP hide caption

Debris scatters the ground on Friday near damaged homes following a severe storm in Lakeview, Ohio.

In Indiana, about 40 people were injured by a suspected tornado in Winchester, officials said. There were no known fatalities as of Friday morning.

"I'm shaken; it's overwhelming," said Bob McCoy, mayor of the town of 4,700 about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis. "I heard what sounded like a train, and then I started hearing sirens."

He and his wife were hunkered in a closet during the twister, which hit around 8 p.m.

"I've never heard that sound before; I don't want to hear it again," McCoy said.

The Winchester storm damaged a Walmart store and a Taco Bell restaurant, Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner told FOX59/CBS4 .

The town's school district was closed Friday, according to a Facebook post. A high school had electricity and was open for people who "need somewhere warm and dry."

West of Winchester, emergency management officials said initial assessments suggested as many as half the structures in the town of Selma, population 750, were damaged by a possible tornado. Only minor injuries were reported, the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency said in a news release.

"Severe weather has impacted Hoosiers all across the state, and we have emergency response personnel in the impacted areas," Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb posted on Facebook Thursday night.

Another suspected tornado damaged homes and toppled trees in Huron County in northern Ohio, officials said, but no deaths or injuries were reported. Storms also damaged homes and trailers in the Ohio River communities of Hanover and Lamb in Indiana.

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, of the Indiana State Police, said a suspected tornado struck Jefferson County, on the Ohio River north of Louisville, Kentucky, damaging homes and downing trees and power lines.

Baseball-sized 'gorilla hail' hits Kansas and Missouri during severe storms

He posted photos on X showing one home with its roof torn off and another missing roof shingles, as well as an image of a baseball-sized hailstone.

In Kentucky, Trimble County Emergency Management Director Andrew Stark told the Courier Journal of Louisville that the storms damaged at least 50 structures, including homes.

Dozens of structures were damaged in the Kentucky town of Milton, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement.

In Arkansas, a probable tornado struck the retirement community of Hot Springs Village, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Little Rock, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Erik Green.

Baseball-sized hail also fell and some buildings were destroyed, but there were no reports of fatalities or injuries, Green said.

The Arkansas storms hit nearly one year after a tornado traveled just over 30 miles in the Little Rock area, injuring more than 50 people and killing one person.

There were reports of tornadoes in Jefferson County, Missouri, and Monroe County, Illinois. Large pieces of hail also was reported in the St. Louis area.

More severe weather was forecast Friday for parts of the South, with the possibility of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

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Worth the drive: 7 Indiana music festivals to consider for a road trip

While you can't go wrong with Louisville area music festivals like Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life , sometimes it's fun to get in a little weekend getaway.

With Indiana cities like Bloomington and Indianapolis within a few hours, there are plenty of options to consider, all of which appeal to music lovers of varying genres.

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For Louisville area residents down for great music and a little bit of a road trip, consider these Indiana music festivals:

Abbey Road on the River Festival 2024

Dates: May 23-27, 2024

Distance from Louisville: Around three miles, or a 10-minute drive

Location: Big Four Station Park, located at Market and Pearl Streets, in downtown Jeffersonville

Abbey Road on the River is a Beatles-inspired music festival taking place in downtown Jeffersonville, just across the river from Louisville, over Memorial Day weekend. The event, originally kicking off in 2002, features over 50 bands from across the world, Beatles merchandise, on-site food and drink vendors, retail and craft vendors and more.

Headliners for the festival include The Fab Four, Tony Kishman and Live and Let Die, Classicstone, The Diving Bell, The English Channel, The George Martins, The Black Ties, The Savage Young Beatles and more. Ticket prices begin at $30 and reach upwards of $300 depending on the ticket type.

Indy 500 Snake Pit 2024

Dates: May 26

Distance from Louisville: Around 120 miles, or close to two hours

Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located at 4790 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis

The Indy 500 Snake Pit , taking place the day of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is a lively performance featuring well-established electronic music artists. Performers include Excision, Dom Dolla, Gryffin, Sullivan King and Timmy Trumpet.

“The Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit is one of the most epic parties of Race Weekend,” J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said. “Experiencing the Indy 500 from the Snake Pit is unforgettable and is a May highlight for many of our fans. This incredible lineup is (a) can’t-miss for music enthusiasts from all over.”

Ticket prices fluctuate by package. Some include admission to both the Snake Pit and Indy 500.

Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival 2024

Dates: June 12-15

Distance from Louisville: Around 92 miles, or about an hour and a half drive

Location: Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground, located at 5163 N. State Road 135 in Morgantown

The 59th annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival, slated for June 12-15, is open each day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Performers include Russel Moore and Illryd Tyme Out, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys and more. The festival kicks off with the annual "'Preachin' & Singin'" and "Bean Dinner."

Tickets are on sale. Those ages 12 and younger are free to attend. Single-day and weekend passes are available, fluctuating from a minimum of $15 and upwards of $150. Camping options are also available for those who plan on staying overnight or the whole weekend.

Hippy Hill Festival 2024

Dates: Aug.1- 3, 2024

The 2024 Hippy Hill Festival is scheduled for Aug. 1-3. The headliners, times, ticket prices and more have not yet been released.

Madison Ribberfest 2024

Dates: Aug. 16-17, 2024

Distance from Louisville: Around 55 miles, or an hour and 15 minutes

Location: 601 W 1st St. in Madison

The Madison Ribberfest, focused on all things blues and BBQ, has yet to announce the 2024 line-up, but there's lots in store nonetheless. Always held the third weekend of August, the event of 22 years hosts BBQ cook-offs, food competitions, live music and more. Tickets are available for purchase beginning at $60. Cheaper categories have already sold out.

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Southern Indiana Blues Fest 2024

Dates: August 22-24, 2024

The 2024 Southern Indiana Blues Fest is slated for Aug. 22-24. The headliners, times, ticket prices and more have not yet been released.

Lotus World Music & Arts Festival 2024

Dates: Oct. 3-6, 2024

Distance from Louisville: About 100 miles, or close to two hours

Location: Downtown Bloomington

The Lotus World Music & Arts Festival is a four-day celebration in downtown Bloomington focused on art, music and culture, originally introduced in 1994. The 2023 event showcased over 25 artists or groups globally and is dedicated to understanding diversity through music, art, food, dance, workshops, and more.

Additional information is available at lotusfest.org. The 2024 line-up has not yet been released.

Watch CBS News

Tornadoes kill at least 3 in Ohio as storms leave trail of destruction in Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas

Updated on: March 15, 2024 / 9:51 PM EDT / CBS/AP

A tornado killed at least three people in western Ohio on Thursday night, authorities said, part of a storm system that also unleashed apparent twisters in parts of Indiana , Kentucky and Arkansas that injured dozens and left tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power.

Indian Lake, Ohio, hit by tornado

The Indian Lake area in Ohio's Logan County, northwest of Columbus, appeared to be the worst hit. At least three people were confirmed dead, according to the Logan County Sheriff's Office.

Logan County spokesperson Sheri Timmers told CBS News there were multiple injuries, adding that an RV park was among the areas impacted. Multiple buildings in the Indian Lake area were damaged, Timmers said.

Mary Rutan Health Center, located in the Logan County city of Bellefontaine, confirmed to CBS News that as of Friday afternoon it was treating 26 patients injured in the tornadoes.

The aftermath of a severe storm is seen in Lakeview, Ohio, March 15, 2024.

Search crews went into neighborhoods that had been blocked by gas leaks and fallen trees overnight and made a second pass in areas that were checked in the darkness right after the storm, Sheriff Randy Dodds said.

"It's going to take a long time," he said, adding he wasn't aware of anybody unaccounted for.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado had struck near Orchard Island in Logan County. The Enhanced Fujita scale ranks tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, based on estimated wind speeds and damage.

Chief Deputy Joe Kopus of the sheriff's office said there was heavy damage in Lakeview, Midway, Orchard Island and Russells Point.

"It is just devastating. I mean, you see it happen to other people, you finally get to comprehend what this means," Carla Morris, owner of CJ's Lakeside Tavern in Lakeview, told CBS News.

Lakeview resident Robin Holmes told CBS News he somehow survived the storm in his living room.

"We are very lucky, because all around, it just tore everything up," Holmes said.

Photos posted to social media also showed the extensive residential damage in Indian Lake.

Amber Fagan, president and chief executive of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said the village of Lakeview was "completely demolished," adding that homes, campgrounds and a laundromat were hit hard. "There's places burning," she said. "There's power lines through people's windows."

A shelter was opened for anyone displaced. Many of the homes in the area are used as summer cottages by people who come for fishing and boating.

"This is going to be a long-term recovery for our community," Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram said in a news briefing Friday.

In Ohio's Huron County, emergency management officials posted on Facebook that there was a "confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado" near Plymouth, some 75 miles northeast of Indian Lake. It damaged homes and toppled trees, officials said, but no deaths or injuries were reported.

Indiana hit hard

At about the same time the tornado hit the Indian Lake area, another one tore through Winchester, Indiana, some 75 miles to the west.

Winchester Mayor Bob McCoy said some 130 homes were damaged or destroyed in the area. The tornado damaged a Walmart store and a Taco Bell in Winchester, Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner told CBS Indianapolis affiliate WTTV . Travel throughout the county was restricted to emergency management workers only, he said.

A National Weather Service survey team later confirmed the tornado with a preliminary damage rating of EF3.

"There have been many, many significant injuries, but I don't know the number. I don't know where they are. I don't know what those injuries are," Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter told reporters just before midnight Thursday. "There's a lot that we don't know yet."

State police said earlier in the night that they were investigating reports of deaths but Carter said at the news conference there were "no known fatalities."

In a social media post early Friday morning, the Randolph County Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency reported that there were at least 38 people injured in the tornado that struck Winchester, 12 of whom required hospitalization. The agency also said there had been no confirmed fatalities.

State officials called on Indiana Task Force One to help with search efforts in Winchester, a town of 4,700 people nearly 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis, according to a post by the rescue team on social media. The team is one of 28 Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency-sponsored Urban Search and Rescue teams in the United States.

"I'm shaken; it's overwhelming," McCoy said. "I heard what sounded like a train and then I started hearing sirens."

He and his wife were hunkered in a closet during the twister, which hit at about 8 p.m. "I've never heard that sound before; I don't want to hear it again," McCoy said.

Winchester resident Brooks Burelison said he took shelter with his mother and sister just in time.

"By the time I got home, 20 seconds from me being in the garage, I jumped in the cellar, and then all of a sudden it was over us, and then eight seconds later, it was gone," Burelison told CBS News.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb posted on Facebook Thursday night, "Severe weather has impacted Hoosiers all across the state, and we have emergency response personnel in the impacted areas."

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security posted on Facebook that their staff were on scene in Randolph County, home to Winchester, working with locals, and that the State Emergency Operations Center was activated with an enhanced staffing level to respond to the storm.

A Facebook post on the Winchester Community High School page said all the schools in the district would be closed Friday. Another post said the high school had electricity and was open for emergency use for people who "need somewhere warm and dry."

To the west of Winchester in Delaware County, Indiana, emergency management officials said initial assessments suggested that up to half the structures in the small town of Selma were damaged by a possible tornado.

"We are relieved to report that only minor injuries have been reported thus far, with one individual transported to the hospital for treatment," the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency said in a news release. About 750 people live in Selma.

Earlier, storms damaged homes and trailers in the Ohio River communities of Hanover and Lamb in Indiana.

Jefferson County, Indiana Sheriff Ben Flint said storms destroyed three or four single-family homes and four or five other structures and demolished several uninhabited campers along the river.

"We were fortunate that no one was injured," Flint told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Multiple suspected tornadoes leave trail of damage across Midwest

Gayle Liter and his wife told CBS affiliate WLKY-TV that their Hanover home, which they had just moved into about three months ago, was destroyed by the tornado. "Total destruction, the inside, everything," Liter said.

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles of the Indiana State Police said earlier that another suspected tornado struck Jefferson County, damaging several homes and downing trees and power lines.

He posted photos on social media showing one home with its roof torn off and another missing roof shingles as well as an image of a baseball-sized hailstone.

Kentucky, Arkansas also impacted

In Milton, Kentucky, two people were injured when their car was hit by debris from a tornado that damaged as many as 100 homes and businesses, said Trimble County Emergency Management Director Andrew Stark.

"We have a whole bunch of damage," Stark told the Courier Journal of Louisville.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued a statement saying a tornado touched down along the Indiana state border in Gallatin and Trimble counties and there were reports of a couple of minor injuries.

"It does appear that there is some really significant damage, especially to the town of Milton in Trimble County," Beshear said. "We think there are over 100 structures that are potentially damaged."

The state's emergency operations center was activated to coordinate storm response, Beshear said.

In Arkansas, a probable tornado struck the retirement community of Hot Springs Village, about 40 miles southwest of Little Rock, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Erik Green.