Cincinnati hosted America’s River Roots, a riverboat celebration showcasing the nation’s inland waterways heritage, in October 2025. The event featured American riverboats of all sizes, with the vessels serving as the focal point of the gathering.
Over five full days, America’s River Roots brought Cincinnati’s Ohio River to life with two parades — one during the day and one at night — and filled the city with lights, music, and constant motion. Every riverboat in the event joined at least one race, and several participated in two. And of course, as tradition demands, no riverboat race was complete without a lively dispute over the results.
Riverboats have fascinated Americans for generations, and their place in history is significant. They are symbols of American ingenuity and adventure, and the vessels that participated in America’s River Roots are true industry icons…