December 10, 2008

River City Star being decommissioned

fter over forty years of cruising up and down the Missouri River, the River City Star (formally known as the Belle of Brownville) is being decommissioned. 

	River City Star Missouri river excursion boat at Omaha Nebraska.

The popular excursion riverboat that has been docked at Miller's Landing near Omaha's riverfront since 2004 was moved last week to its new home in Plattsmouth. There, it will take on a new role as a stationary floating restaurant and entertainment venue for the Castaway Pointe marina development.

The boat is being replaced by two smaller boats, each with a capacity of 149 passengers. The two smaller, two-story boats will be more fuel efficient and can accommodate smaller groups or float together for larger parties.

	Spirit of Brownville - sister ship to the original Belle of Brownville.

The original Belle of Brownville was built in 1967 by the same owner of the Spirit of Brownville, which still remains in Brownville today. It originally started as a single-level barge, with a second level added later.

Now, three and a half decks high, the Belle once owned by Randel and Jane Smith, was sold in 2000 to Larry Richling, owner of Keystone Group, LLC and renamed the River City Star. It was moved to Miller's Landing in 2004 after the development of the River City Yacht Club and Muddy Mo's bar.

A recommissioning ceremony for the River City Star is planned for mid-April at Castaway Pointe. The two new riverboats that will replace it should be running and ready for passengers this 
spring.