Capitol
A true Nashville icon—restored to honor the golden age of riverboats.
Step aboard The Capitol, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat beautifully restored to capture the elegance of the 1800s and 1900s. Often considered one of the prettiest riverboats ever built, she now writes a new chapter on the Cumberland River—right in the heart of Music City.
Reimagined
With her classic red paddlewheel, calliope, and multi-deck “wedding cake” design, The Capitol is a striking symbol of riverboat tradition.
At the same time, she offers modern comfort and versatility, accommodating up to 300 guests for scenic sightseeing, dinner and brunch cruises. The perfect venue for hosting convention/corporate events, weddings and private celebrations.
Whether you’re passionate about steamboat history or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind Nashville experience, The Capitol delivers. She connects guests to the past while creating unforgettable memories in the present—a riverboat as timeless as the city she now calls home.
The Legacy of the Name Capitol
Today’s Capitol is the second riverboat to carry the name. The first Capitol (1920–1945) was operated by Streckfus Steamers and cruised for 25 years, far exceeding the average lifespan (4-6 years) of a wood hull steamboat. Captain Troy Manthey, the visionary behind Nashville Riverboats, carries this legacy forward. A fifth-generation riverboat captain, the great great grandson of Captain John Streckfus, Troy began his career in New Orleans at the age of 12 working aboard the family’s Riverboats.
Aboard the Capitol, you will find the Streckfus and Louis Armstrong dining rooms. Captain Joseph Streckfus hired Louis Armstrong when he saw Louis playing with Joe Oliver in the French Quarter in New Orleans as a teenager.
Captain Joe purchased a trumpet for Louis Armstrong, which he fully repaid in the 2.5 years he played aboard the Streckfus Riverboats, under the famed Fate Marable Streckfus Steamers long time band leader.
From the Spirit of Peoria to the Capitol
Originally built in 1988 by the Jumer family, the vessel sailed as the Spirit of Peoria for more than three decades.
From 1988 to 2021, she was a beloved Midwestern landmark—never losing a single race and celebrated as one of the most authentic sternwheelers of her kind. Powered by a locomotive style diesel-electric system, her red paddlewheel is driven by a DC motor connected with a 12-inch wide steel chain to a six-foot gear attached to the paddlewheel shaft—an engineering marvel that blends tradition with innovation.
Specialty Cruises
& Events
Discover holiday cruises, live music nights, and seasonal events that make your river cruise even more memorable.