Cruising the Ohio River - Celebration Belle

Day 1

Monday, October 6, 2025
Join your Trailways Travelers friends and meet your onboard friendly host and driver at the available departure location of your choice as you set out for a great early fall adventure. We have a very special lunch planned for the group today with a stop at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch near Rantoul, IL. This is a Trailways favorite, charming and unique destination that brings a touch of Alaskan adventure to the heart of the Midwest. This family-run ranch was established in 1995 by Julie and Mark Hardy, who initially started with just two reindeer purchased to promote their Christmas tree business. Since then, the ranch has grown into a delightful attraction featuring a herd of reindeer, fun activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy their famous Cowboy Lunch complete with tin plates and kerchiefs for napkins. Take in the rustic yet cozy setting, with a meal that captures the essence of hearty, down-home cooking. Settle in to savor delicious barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, and dessert, while soaking in the Western-themed decor that sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Of course, you also get to meet the stars of the ranch—the reindeer! Learn interesting facts about these majestic animals during a guided tour and get the opportunity to be up close and personal with the herd. The highlight is the chance to receive a “reindeer kiss,” a playful and endearing moment that’s sure to create lasting memories and some great photo opportunities!
We continue on our way to end at our overnight hotel in Madison, Indiana with a stop for a quick bite to eat before arriving.

Day 2

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
It will be an early start this morning and breakfast will be on the boat instead of at the hotel. Grab your luggage and board the motorcoach to arrive at the dock for embarkation. Your journey begins with a hearty hot breakfast, setting the tone for the day. Indulge in fluffy scrambled eggs, savory bacon or sausage, golden breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and the Celebration Belle’s signature cinnamon rolls, served warm and sweet.
As midday approaches, enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring three expertly prepared entrees, accompanied by an array of side dishes and fresh salads to suit every palate. The day concludes with the Celebration Belle’s famous prime rib dinner, a mouthwatering feast complete with all the classic trimmings, ensuring your taste buds are as thrilled as your eyes.
An early fall day is the perfect time to cruise the Ohio River, as the trees lining the banks glow in vibrant hues of red, gold, and orange. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic riverfront towns, historic landmarks, and picturesque countryside. Watch for wildlife such as herons, eagles, and deer, as well as barges and paddlewheelers that echo the river’s rich history of commerce and travel. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the architectural beauty of Madison’s riverfront, the rolling hills of Kentucky, and the approach to Cincinnati, where the skyline rises dramatically against the backdrop of the Ohio River.
While the views are captivating, there’s plenty to enjoy aboard the Celebration Belle itself. The day is filled with live onboard entertainment, from toe-tapping music to engaging performances. Between sets, the ship’s captain will share fascinating insights about the river’s history, the surrounding region, and the role the Ohio River has played in shaping America’s heartland.
Whether you’re enjoying the breathtaking scenery, savoring the delicious meals, or learning something new about this iconic waterway, this cruise promises to be an enriching and relaxing escape. Sit back, take in the crisp fall air, and let the Celebration Belle carry you along on a day you’ll never forget.
We dock this evening in Cincinnati where we overnight at the Drury Inn & Suites. It may be possible that you might arrive before the cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks have concluded. You may want to take advantage of that and visit with some of your new friends and share your thoughts on today’s journey before settling in for the night.

Day 3

Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Have a hearty, hot Drury Inn buffet breakfast this morning before boarding the motorcoach to begin your journey home. We stop along the way for a rest break and visit to The Rotary Jail Museum in Crawfordsville, Indiana, a fascinating and truly unique destination, offering a glimpse into a rare piece of American history. Built in 1882, this historic site is the first rotating jail constructed in the United States and remains the only operational example of its kind today. It combines innovative 19th-century engineering with a compelling story of how the justice system once operated. A rotary jail is a circular jail cell structure designed to house inmates in pie-shaped cells. The entire cell block was mounted on a central, rotating turntable mechanism. Guards could rotate the structure to align a specific cell with a single opening, allowing access to only one inmate at a time. This design aimed to enhance security and efficiency, as it minimized contact between prisoners and jailers while reducing the risk of escape. At the time, this was considered an advanced and secure design, allowing a small number of guards to manage a larger number of inmates safely.
The Crawfordsville Rotary Jail is the last surviving rotary jail with a functional turntable mechanism. Over time, most rotary jails were phased out due to safety concerns, including risks of inmates or guards being injured by the moving parts. The Crawfordsville jail, however, has been preserved as both a historical artifact and a testament to innovative, albeit imperfect, design. Whether you’re a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or just curious about unusual landmarks, this museum promises to leave a lasting impression.
With a stop for lunch along the way, we return back home with wonderful memories of reindeer kisses, beautiful fall scenery while cruising along the Ohio River and the marvel of the only fully functional rotary jail left in the US.