Lake Havasu City’s Dixie Belle Sails Again
A ride on this lady might be the perfect gift or way to celebrate the holidays!
After many years of setbacks and intensive restoration, one of Lake Havasu City’s most famous icons returned to the water early this year.
Passengers aboard Dixie Belle and onlookers atop the London Bridge exchanged waves and smiles as the 68-ton, 32-foot tall historic replica riverboat cruised under the bridge’s center arch. At the Bridgewater Channel, sounds of excitement filled the air.
It was a joy-filled, long-awaited occasion to see Dixie Belle, drydocked for a decade at a local storage yard, set sail once again. Long-time residents and visitors reminisced fondly about its past. Younger people for the first time watched as our region’s history came to life.
Originally ‘River Queen’
According to Today’s News-Herald, “The iconic paddle wheeler originally known as ‘River Queen’ and later renamed ‘Dixie Belle’ operated on Lake Havasu from the early 1980s through 2011, providing daily service to the community, tourists and for private functions.”
Residents and visitors can see Dixie Belle at its new dock in front of the London Bridge Resort. Visit the Dixie Belle website at dixiebellelhc.com for more information about cruises and dockside events.
USCG-Approved
Dixie Belle, originally built in 1983, is a replica of a 1800’s paddle wheeler. She has recently undergone a 10-year restoration project and is opening for business late November early December 2021. The vessel is 60 feet long, 20 feet breadth with a 4.5 foot draft. She is a USCoast Guard-approved passenger vessel for up to 131 passengers and is inspected annually.
Dixie Belle boasts a full cocktail bar and some of the best views of the sunsets, Lake Havasu City, and by far the best view of the world famous London Bridge being moored right next door. She offers private charters for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or any other events. (Dixie Belle does not have a kitchen on board so events can be catered by whomever guests choose.) She will soon offer almost daily an educational, narrated tour around the island and under the London Bridge.
Note: The vessel is wheelchair accessible with limitations but does not have 100 percent wheelchair access.
Dixie Belle Is Lake Havasu’ s Hostess
Charters and group discounts are available. Reservations, cruise and ticket information are available by calling (928) 453-6776, (928) 855-0888, or (866) 332-9231.
