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Southern belle riverboat.

Welcome to the Pride of The South and one of the Best Chattanooga Attractions - The Southern Belle Riverboat! Take a great Chattanooga Cruise along The Scenic Tennessee River while enjoying one of our fabulous Dinner Cruises, Daily Lunch Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises or our Sunday Brunch Cruise. This is a vacation experience you won't want to miss! The most exciting Chattanooga events are happening at Pier 2 @ The Landing - one of the Best Wedding Sites in Chattanooga, TN. The banquet facilities are perfect for your receptions, next family reunion or any up coming events in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

201 Riverfront Pkwy. Pier 2 Chattanooga , TN 37402

For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Southern Belle Riverboat directly.

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Southern Bell River Cruise

The Southern Belle Riverboat started out with a simple vision, it gives a great guest experience of Chattanooga, shows everyone the beauty of the river, and gives everyone a different perspective of the city of Chattanooga. They cruise year-round and carry well over 100,000 passengers per year! The Southern Belle Riverboat has daily sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises as well as private charters! The Southern Belle Riverboat is one of the top attractions in Chattanooga, a fantastic way to have sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises while cruising down the TN River and enjoying picture-perfect views of Lookout Mountain and all the beautiful nature this great city has to offer!

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It is fairly easy to get around in Chattanooga. Here are some of the options:

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Bluff View Art District

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Southern Belle Riverboat

Review Highlights

“ The boat trip was very nice and the weather was great, but the musician, Gary, that played the guitar and sang made the trip amazing. ” in 2 reviews

“ Over Labor Day weekend, I took my Mom on a riverboat cruise on the Southern Belle. ” in 2 reviews

“ Wine, dinner, and live music all while going down the river, definitely a great experience! ” in 10 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

151 Riverfront Pkwy

Chattanooga, TN 37402

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Ask the Community

Ask a question

Is there a designated smoking section? I want to enjoy the cruise without the smell of smoke.

No smoking on board. No issues with smoke at all.

Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

145 reviews

Everything about our sunset cruise was perfect, fed the ducks on the drawbridge walking in, spent plenty of $ at the gift shop that can only be described as A game stuff for sale, found the staff to all be very nice and engaging, enjoyed going out on the cruise with a few rum slushies and pretzel bites, the guitar player at the front of the boat was excellent music for the cruise, the weather and view was perfect, and the folks on the cruise with us were all very nice and worthy of light conversation!!!! Work this trip in and enjoy something different!

Yesterday, 3/21/2024, I booked the 7pm Sunset Cruise. I paid for an upgraded gold package. We came from GA to celebrate my Mom's 65th bday. Upon arrival, I was surprised to find our seating was bumped out of the upgraded window seat, moved to the 3rd level deck, due to a private party on the 1st & 2nd floor. I was told we were called and a voice-mail was left, which definitely didn't happen. The staff was nice & courteous, and although disappointing we accepted the 3rd level seating. Thankfully the weather was nice. Before boarding we wandered the gift shop, bought several items, went to the upper level bar & had a drink. Soon it became clear the 2 lower decks were reserved for some type of field trip. As the hoards of kids packed into the gift shop, I can only guess it was around 300 young teens. It became very clear we were NOT going to have a relaxed sunset cruise & frankly it was disturbing. We went along, tickets already purchased, having driven from GA for my Mom's birthday. At least the hoard would be downstairs, we thought. The loud DJ they had for the event completely drowned out our live musician. It was impossible to use the bathroom. The teens were wild, disruptive, & intimidating. Soon they wanted to explore 3rd deck. That was the end of my patience. Absolutely not acceptable. Top deck had several tables that paid for upgraded seating who got bumped up. We all paid hard earned money for a relaxing evening on a sunset cruise which wasn't provided. While the staff was excellent & full of grace trying to provide an enjoyable evening, the massive group of teens was a nightmare. Moving forward, my suggestion to the establishment would be, if a group of 300 kids rent the 2 levels, they should just rent the whole boat. Don't even accept bookings from additional guests. Charge the fieldtrip for the entire charter. I would have preferred to have been canceled, refunded, & spent money elsewhere. It's, in my opinion, a massive disappointment to have had this experience. Not in anyway what was expected. The ball was dropped yesterday. The entire top deck was cruisers that were bumped out of their premium packages, we all booked expecting relaxation, romance, or quality time with family & friends. It's mindblowing the establishment expected us cruisers to accept being overrun by 300 unruly teens. It's clear Southern Belle only cared about the extra revenue vs the experience of its guests.

Over Labor Day weekend, I took my Mom on a riverboat cruise on the Southern Belle. It was such a delightful experience! Felt like we were in another time, sitting on the deck watching the birds fly over the river as we sipped cocktails and listened to live music. Everyone was friendly. And we got to see a beautiful sunset over the river too! A great, low price for such a high quality life experience.

Sunset from the boat deck

our river view

What a wonderful ride we had yesterday on the Southern Belle! We were lucky enough to get a nice table on the upper deck and therefore shaded from the sun. We went up the gorge and it was beautiful. We were blessed to see six bald eagles on the trip. The captain really makes the ride enjoyable. He has a great personality and shares a lot of history about the river and Tennessee. They need help when it comes to lining up to go on the boat. I think they should organize it so that all the elderly are boarding first. And help making sure the line stays organized. It was a hot mess yesterday. It reminded me of concerts in the 70's with open seating. A little scary. Again, the Captain makes the trip!!

View from the Southern Belle

Food was divided into who had paid and at what level. We paid $75 and did not get fancy charcuterie board and we got plain cheesecake while those paid more got special toppings. Band was ok. Nothing special. Didnt get to see sites of chatt at night Stayed in dining room. This is not worth the money.

Went Saturday, 5/27/2023 at 5p.m. Beautiful weather and ride. Enjoyed the facts told and the humor during the ride. The young ladies at the check in where very polite and pleasant. When leaving, the dinner/cruise that was waiting to board after we left, over crowded the check in/gift shop area. I think management should utilize the scanners they don't use to help their staff get customers checked in more efficiently. The 2 young ladies were doing a great job and their best with juggling people checking in and those trying to buying tems.

Food is disgusting and service is extremely poor. Definitely a spot to try in chattanooga, but would not return. Could be much better if more detail was focused on.

Bar and food are great Shelly is awesome loved this outing lol Shelly did an amazing job serving drinks for us. She went above and beyond anything we could have asked thanks for the great experience.

Awesome captain, funny and informative. The PA system was shoddy but the captain included the kids in tid bits and even let them honk the horn/blow the whistle. You get a cute mini moon pie upon boarding. The views were great and you don't feel crowded. We also had a drink which was decent. We didn't try any food.

Although the boat was nice, If you do plan on going on this boat, just pay the normal price. My friend and I wanted to get seats by a window and paid $211 for that and it also included a charcuterie/cheese plate with a bottle of wine. We were told there would be live music, a 'big' cheese and meat tray and a Good time. We were escorted to our seats that already had a very sad looking charcuterie and cheese plate. Only a couple of fruits, literally planters peanuts, basically string mozzarella cheese, one slice of Gouda, and two slices of cheddar and meat that had looked as if it had been sitting out for a while. The live music was two floors up so we had no entertainment and the bottle of wine was worth 9.00$ for the bottle according to google. Again, I am sure the people who paid 39$ a piece had a MUCH better experience than us, who paid 106$ a piece. Was very disappointed.

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Sights Cruise

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 1.5 hours
• User Ages: 3+

Sightseeing Cruise in Chattanooga

1.5 hour cruise. 45 minutes of live narration. Moon Pie included. See Chattanooga from the beautiful Tennessee River. The best sightseeing tour in all of Chattanooga. All the way to Lookout Mountain, under the bridges and past the Bluff view Art District. Since 1985 the Southern Belle Riverboat has had a simple mission: to provide a unique and spectacular experience of the beautiful city of Chattanooga.

Related Cruises

• Clock 3 hours

Chickamauga Lock Sightseeing Cruise

The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you to the Historic Chickamauga Lock System at the Chickamauga Dam, where you experience moving from one reservoir to another.

Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise

The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you on a three-hour cruise to the famous Tennessee River Gorge. See nature’s brilliant canvas of vivid fall colors.

Southern Belle Riverboat

• Last Updated On
• September 13, 2023

Southern Belle Riverboat

Discover the charm of Chattanooga on the Southern Belle Riverboat.

This vessel offers you a memorable journey along the Tennessee River, showcasing the city’s beauty while providing a different perspective.

Whether you’re a Chattanooga local or a traveler, you’ll appreciate this unique experience.

From lunchtime escapes to enchanting sunset voyages, it provides various options while ensuring a friendly atmosphere.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Ticket Price:

• Cruises: Prices start at $30.99 per person

Steeped in history and offering breathtaking views, this charming riverboat provides unforgettable cruise experiences in Chattanooga.

With a capacity of 500 passengers, you can set sail on a variety of excursions, including daily sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises.

Established in 1985, Southern Belle Riverboat has expanded into a fleet of 2 vessels, a grand banquet hall, and even a full-service restaurant.

As you enjoy the open-air deck, live narration will accompany your journey, immersing you in the rich stories of the Tennessee River Valley.

Keep an eye out for special events like the October Fall Leaf Cruises and Christmas Carol Cruises for a festive twist.

Expert Tips

• Opt for sunset cruises : Experience the Tennessee River at its most picturesque. Boarding the Southern Belle Riverboat during sunset lets you capture Chattanooga’s skyline with a breathtaking backdrop of changing hues.
• Arrive early : Get to the boarding area a bit ahead of your scheduled departure. This way, you can secure prime seating spots, ensuring unobstructed views of the passing landscapes.

Contact Details

151 Riverfront Pkwy Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-266-4488 Visit Website Social Media

Experiences

Alternative Attractions Nearby: Raccoon Mountain Caverns Chattanooga Ducks National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

This Attraction Featured in: Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga with Kids

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Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

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Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

• North America
• United States
• Chattanooga
• Things To Do In Chattanooga

Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

• Address: 201 Riverfront Parkway Pier 2, Chattanooga,TN 37402, United States Map
• Timings: 08:00 am - 04:30 pm Details
• Phone: +1-4232664488
• Ticket Price: 25 USD
• Time Required: 02:00 Hrs
• Tags: Water Body, Waterfront, Food And Drinks , Entertainment , Family And Kids , Cruise

One of the best attractions of Chattanooga, Southern Belle Riverboat takes you on a cruise trip along the Tennessee River and at the same time lets you enjoy cozy lunch or dinner on the boat. Along with the lunch, you get live narration and pilot house tours. If you are going for the Dinner Cruise, you get to enjoy music and dance along with the delicious dinner. The organizer serves cruises regularly. Hence, if you are in the city you can definitely catch on the cruise trip to enjoy Chattanooga in a different way.

Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Travel Tips

• Children (3 -12years) : $15.65
• Infant (0-2) : free
• Please check the ticket price as they may change.

Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Hours

• Timings vary depending on the time of the year.

How to Reach Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

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• Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Address: 201 Riverfront Parkway Pier 2, Chattanooga,TN 37402, United States
• Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Contact Number: +1-4232664488
• Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Timing: 08:00 am - 04:30 pm
• Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Price: 25 USD
• Time required to visit Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise: 02:00 Hrs
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

23.88% of people who visit Chattanooga include Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise in their plan

• 12 PM - 1 PM

57.14% of people start their Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise visit around 12 PM - 1 PM

People usually take around 2 Hrs to see Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

61.11% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

People normally club together Tennessee Aquarium and Walnut Street Bridge while planning their visit to Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise.

Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise Reviews & Ratings

Attractions Nearby

• Tennessee Aquarium
• Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
• Walnut Street Bridge
• Incline Railway Of The Lookout Mountain
• Chattanooga Zoo
• Rock City Gardens

Does the cost of the cruise include a meal?

What does senior ticket and adult ticket cost .

Is the southern bell close

It is open. You can check their website for more information - https://chattanoogariverboat.com/

Can you purchase tickets day of cruise at boat

What to wear on the river boat cruise.I don’t wear pants or shorts

How do we go about getting married on the Southern Belle? We are Seniors. We would like a late morning wedding. It would only be us and 2 or 3 others.

I think it would be better to call Southern Belle Riverboat on 423-266-4488 to know the exact procedure. 

How much it costs to ride on the boat and how long ride for

There are different types of cruise rides for sightseeing or dining and most of the tours last for a minimum of an hour. The rates will depend on which cruise ride you opt for.  

Where can I find the "Dinner Cruise and Entertainment" calendar to plan a visit?

You will have to visit the official website of the Southern Belle Riverboat where you will find the dining cruise calendar under Cruise Options. 

Do you offer vegan meals?

Some tours offered are with a meal, some are without a meal, so not sure about the availability of vegan meals. You can consider calling the tour agency to get details about the same. 

What is the price of a lunch cruise??

There are a couple of options when it comes to a lunch cruise, but I think prices usually start from USD 30 for adults per head and USD 18-20 for kids. 

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To save or not to save: Can Detroit's Belle Isle Boathouse row forward?

A rare glimpse inside the 1902 belle isle structure shows its unique architecture, including ballroom, balcony and pool just off detroit river..

The Belle Isle Boathouse sits on the island's north side with the Detroit River and the city skyline in the background. David Guralnick, The Detroit News

Detroit — When they cross the MacArthur Bridge over the Detroit River onto Belle Isle, the first building parkgoers see to their left is the Belle Isle Boathouse, which two years ago was buzzing with a championship rowing team. But today, the team is only allowed in the parking lot.

The Belle Isle Boathouse, not to be confused with the nearby Detroit Yacht Club, is a 40,000-square-foot Venetian Spanish-style building constructed more than a century ago. It's one of the first structures built on the island and has primarily been used and kept up by the Friends of Detroit Rowing Inc.

That was until August 2022 when a ceiling in the oar room and a 15-foot section of the porch slab collapsed. The building was quickly deemed "structurally unsound" by Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials, who took over operations of the isle in 2014. Water damage was cited as the cause, but park officials said, there are more than a few fixes needed.

Now, the three-story building is at the center of a debate between history buffs, along with the rowing club, who want to see it spared and restored, and state officials who aren't sure they can save the building or should.

DNR officials, who put the price tag of renovating the 1902 building at more than $42 million, opened a request for proposals earlier this month to restore it, but no bids have come back. Some local architects and the rowing club rebut the state's estimate, saying it should be no more than $25 million and could be supplemented with historic preservation tax credits. The deadline to submit bids is at the end of March.

As the debate continues, the building has grown in disrepair. There's a caved-in roof, leaks have collapsed portions of other ceilings and stucco is peeling from the boathouse's exterior. The boathouse sits on the isle's calmest waters and is unique in that it perches actually over the Detroit River.

"I've been studying this building for 10 years. I know every square inch of it," said Stephen Malbouef, a historical and preservation architect who spent 11 years rowing at the club before its closure. "The foundation is perfectly intact. The areas of the facade that are of concern account for only 3% of the facade itself.

"No one's arguing that it will take work. It's more of the argument that it doesn't need $30 million to $40 million worth of work, and everyone I've talked to, including my bosses (who work on historic restoration), say that's way out of the question. It should be no more than $25 million."

Malbouef, who now works at InSite Consulting Architects in Wisconsin, said portions of the building may look bad but are being over-embellished by the DNR. State officials take issue with the suggestion they're letting the building fail.

Thomas Bissett, the urban district supervisor for the parks and recreation division of the Michigan DNR, said the DNR has provided pictures from engineers hired to address areas of concern and that "there's an interpretation with everything."

"I don't dispute we could stabilize for less, but the other side is that by investing $10 million to stabilize it, you're saying yes, we're going to restore it," Bissett said. "You'd never invest to delay a decision ... but sooner than later restore it. That's why we get this criticism of this false dichotomy that we're out to demolish it rather than restore it. That's the narrative here when, in reality, you wouldn't put $2 million of the public's money without certainty." 

A rare glimpse inside the unique building given to The Detroit News reflects a bygone era when the boathouse used to host some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Henry and Edsel Ford.

Above the first-floor locker rooms and boat sheds is a stunning two-floor reception hall with a grand, pastel pink ballroom that has seen many concerts and wedding receptions. Gold leaf designs look as if they were just painted on the ballroom ceiling beams. Polished cherry wood columns and broken porthole windows feel like the Spanish Renaissance meets Titanic in design.

(The boathouse) has a significant history and we're not here for the social aspects of running a business. ... This is a hallmark site off the island and at the very least, a portion should be spared as a visitor center.

At the center of the building is a third-floor balcony with memorabilia from six previous boathouses and multiple rooms of rowing trophies dating back to the 1800s. The stained glass windows at the entrance are perfectly intact and showcase "1902," a nod to when the structure was built by the Detroit Boat Club.

That's why there's a push to save the unique structure. The state is considering whether to rehabilitate the beloved boathouse after 80% of public responses to a January survey were in favor of its restoration despite the multimillion-dollar cost. The DNR was initially in favor of demolishing it with an estimated $2 million in pandemic relief funds earmarked for the boathouse if used within the next year.

The Friends of Detroit Rowing has a 30-year lease, which started in 2015, to operate the boathouse with the parks and recreation division of the DNR. The group formed to save the Detroit Boat Club after the club filed for bankruptcy and was evicted from the building in 1996 because of $400,000 in unpaid taxes.

"This is the first structure on this island. We're the longest leaseholder, and our organization has been around since before the Civil War," said Henry Goitz, president of the Friends of Detroit Rowing. "It has a significant history, and we're not here for the social aspects of running a business. ... This is a hallmark site off the island and, at the very least, a portion should be spared as a visitor center."

Temporary tent in parking lot

Since the boathouse's closure, the rowing club has been operating out of the Belle Isle Athletic Shelter, a mile and a half from the boathouse, with no heat. Earlier this month, dozens of high school students gathered on a weekday to do safety training as they prepared to compete in South Carolina over spring break. Some questioned if they'd ever return to the boathouse.

The DNR approved a plan in October for the club to erect a temporary tent in the boathouse's parking lot for practice and the storage of a dozen shells and sculls, which cost $45,000 each. Goitz is more concerned about a hole in the roof of the boathouse that is exposing the inside to the elements.

The current boathouse, designed by Alpheus W. Chittenden, is especially unique in that it was constructed on 28-foot wood pilings that were driven into the riverbed. It's the seventh structure the Detroit Boat Club built for itself along the Detroit River. The current building is the first made of brick and concrete and is intentionally "fire-proof" after the previous buildings, all made of wood, burned down.

“The rowing club signed the lease that indicated that they would raise funds and try to stabilize the building and bring it back up to code. And when we first came on the island (in 2013), we had 50 buildings that were in similar shape,” Bissett said. “We had no idea what the scope of the issues in this building were, but the rowing club obviously didn’t either because there’s no way they would have agreed to do the maintenance and keep this up.”

'Do not enter'

The state installed a large perimeter fence in September to prevent trespassers from entering. The DNR said trespassers at the boathouse are not as big of an issue as they are at the abandoned Detroit Zoo property on the island. They caution that the site is dangerous and violators could face tickets. A Detroit News reporter and photographer were escorted through the property, with hardhats, to document the boathouse's current condition.

“Our biggest concern are the porches. People just don’t think of the hazards," Bissett said. "There are tiles from the roof on the floor, and on any windy day, sharp pieces slide right off the roof. The sun porch, the main porch off the dance floor, has been closed off for years. There’s even a sign on the stage podium in the ballroom that says 'do not enter' that wasn't placed by us."

We had no idea what the scope of the issues in this building were, but the Rowing Club obviously didn’t either because there’s no way they would have agreed to do the maintenance and keep this up .

The structure has a collapsed floor, caved-in roof, peeling exterior stucco, and deteriorated steel and concrete structural members, according to an assessment by architectural firm SmithGroup in September 2022. It concluded that preserving the building would require repairs to its "failing exterior envelope (roof, walls, windows and doors)." It wasn't the first assessment. There was another in 2019 citing needed repairs.

"If left unattended, the building structure and key interior spaces will be compromised beyond repair," according to the SmithGroup.

Still, there's an undeniable character in the boathouse's hanging red lanterns, grand mirrors and themed sail rooms with anchor patterns embroidered into the kitchen doors. Outside, there's an unmatched view of the bridge, an uncovered green pool that opens to the river and a curved concert bandshell that was restored five years ago.

During a recent visit, several spots were blocked and curtained off to hide the damage. The overlook of the ballroom where honored guests would make their entrance was too unpredictable to step on, officials said.

“It’s been like this for at least two or three years, and it’s gotten progressively worse,” the DNR's Bissett said. “When we were talking about possibilities of rehabbing the building, some of this stuff like porches are just going to have to come off and rebuild either way."

Seeking proposals

New windows, decks and a boiler room were installed by the club as part of a 2019 master plan, but they couldn't keep up with the "Band-Aid fixes" during the pandemic, Goitz said. He estimated that 90% of the building is salvageable and doesn't believe there's a good faith effort to pursue restoration since the DNR's deadline to receive bids is at the end of March.

Since 2014, the DNR said $604,607 has been spent on the boathouse. Of that, 67% — $405,000 — was from public funds (including for assessments) and 33%, or $199,607, from the Friends of Detroit Rowing for roof repairs, a new boiler, windows and the west upper porch wall's removal. Goitz disputed the DNR's figure, saying the group has raised $1 million that it has spent over a decade maintaining the building.

"I understand they have $200 million in needed repairs on the isle and they can't focus all their time on one building, but they have no time for this process at all," Malbouef said. "We waited all of 2022 for them to do the structure analysis, and they stayed quiet until August 2023 when we met with them about $2 million potentially available for the boathouse, and they weren't interested in how we could mothball that money."

In October , a Belle Isle advisory committee added an accidental agenda item proposing the demolition of the boathouse, but it was quickly removed and reissued in the form of a public hearing.

Last year, the department launched a project web page and online question-and-comment form to invite the public to weigh in. Of the 1,429 comments recorded in January, 80% supported rehabbing the property. The Detroit City Council and Historic Preservation Board also passed resolutions supporting the building's rehabilitation.

Bissett said he understands that people don't want to lose a special building but contended the issue is really about funding.

"Every building means something to somebody," he said. "The problem is, the funds just aren't there, and ARPA is a once-in-a-lifetime thing" — referring to the COVID relief aid package known as the American Rescue Plan.

The DNR said it is open to partnering with the private sector, but proposals should incorporate public recreation elements. Information on how to submit letters of intent, which are due March 29 .

“The narrative that we’re letting the building fail is so false. You can see the gas meter going, and we’re heating the building,” Bissett said. “This is a concrete building sitting on piers, and that is sometimes deep and other times not depending on the height of the river.”

Still, Malbouef challenged the DNR's efforts, saying the survey was released during the holidays and created a rushed deadline with a lack of photos and measured drawings of the boathouse.

"How is someone supposed to put a proposal together if they have no information on this building?" he said. "We were bringing in over $100,000 a year in rentals just before COVID. And we had every weekend booked and most weekdays booked."

Best rowers trained here

The Belle Isle Boathouse's member roster reads like a "who's who" of automotive pioneers: Henry Ford, Edsel Ford and Ransom Olds. Other members included eight mayors, senators, congressmen and presidential cabinet members.

Although the boathouse is not listed as a historic place on the National Register, Friends of the Detroit Rowing believes it should be. The building was occupied by the Detroit Boat Club Crew, founded in 1839, and is one of the world's oldest rowing organizations in continuous existence.

There are tales of a 12-mile race from the boathouse to Grosse Ile in 1859, concerts to raise money for boathouse expansions and the club's ball in January 1865 toward the end of the Civil War. It was attended by 400 guests, including the mayors of Detroit, Monroe, Saginaw and Toledo, who paid $5 a ticket.

Nearly 70 rowing clubs have dotted the Detroit River shoreline over the last 190 years, according to Detroit Boat Club Crew archives. Rowing later grew in popularity as a social event as clubs began racing each other once Belle Isle became a public park.

The Detroit Boat Club Crew produced more than 500 U.S. and Canadian national champions, 19 Olympians and 35 National Team members.

Todd Platt from Grosse Pointe remembered training at the club as a Michigan State University student in 1977 when he had to pay $50 for a little card to show at a coat check just outside the building and was relegated to use only on the first floor.

"We weren't allowed on the second floor, which was a private unless we were invited up by a member," said Platt, vice president of the Friends of Detroit Rowing. "We'd be drilled into practice twice a day in the back. It was serious training while parties were going on upstairs we couldn't attend. It was elite."

His daughter followed his footsteps, training at the boathouse. She was recruited to row in Minnesota. Platt said many of their rowers receive scholarships to row at Ivy leagues, and they're seeing more women join the sport.

"My fondest memory is really how much people felt it was almost like home. You spend so much time here as a rower getting so close to your teammates and coaches," said Platt, who pointed to where outdoor metal pull-up bars used to be next to the bridge. "It was fun because there were a lot of members who had kids that rowed as well, so it all kind of blended together. In its heyday, there was a beehive of activity here."

Today, there's still an all-pink women's locker room with handprints of the varsity team, not far from the collapsing ceiling tiles. Maps of the Detroit River are posted alongside recent calendars, and awards litter the entire space collecting dust.

"We have so much history," Goitz said. "Our masters win gold medals at national and international races every year. It's mind-boggling. It's almost like a small secret. One of our individuals won a gold medal in the U.S. World Games in 2022."

Rower input

The rowers said they'd like to be included in proposed plans for the boathouse and want to pitch a plan they're calling "From the bridge to the beach," where visitors could rent equipment and connect the path to the Belle Isle beach more toward the shoreline.

For now, they're calling for an extension of time for developers to see what's worth saving. The DNR does not need the city's approval if state officials decide to demolish the boathouse.

Fundraising for a seventh boathouse has taken a dramatic hit because the club claimed it currently has no income stream.

"We're trying to help these folks pay for themselves to compete," Goitz said. "Ideally, we'd love to have a point where we have a scholarship fund where everybody comes here for nothing.

"That's the goal, one day," Goitz continued. "Right now, we're just trying to keep our heads above water."

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@SarahRahal_