Showboat Theatre: 3 Historic Showboats Still in Operation

If you've ever seen the musical Showboat, you already understand what an important part of small-town life the musical showboat used to be. This changed with the increasing prominence of motor vehicles and even more as rural people began to move to the city in droves. While the great tradition of the musical showboat has all but disappeared, there are still a few historical showboats in operation.

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

303 Riverview Drive

Clinton, IA 52732

(563) 242-6760

This theatre group gives performances on the "Omar," a steamboat originally built in 1935. At 207 feet long, 36 feet wide, and almost 38 feet high , the Omar can seat an audience of 217. The showboat theatre saw quite a bit of remodeling in 2006 and 2007. Despite the recent upgrades, the Omar retains the historical appeal that has kept it in business for so many years. Past productions include Annie, Evita and Seussical. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre also boasts an exceptional educational program devoted to providing quality theatre instruction to children and teens living in the Clinton area.

Branson Belle

3505 West 76 Country Boulevard

Branson, MO,

(800) 475-9370

Enjoy the majestic view of Table Rock Lake as you ride the popular Branson Belle showboat. The dining experience on the Branson Belle is amazing, with a menu that includes beef roast, ribeye steak, mahi mahi and a delicious mixed greens salad. The shows on the Branson Belle usually consist of variety acts including talented musicians and comedians. While this may not follow the musical showboat tradition, it is nice to see a thriving entertainment venue on a steamboat.

Minnesota Centennial Showboat

Harriet Island
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 227-1100

When the state of Minnesota had its centennial celebration in 1958, it built a huge showboat theatre as a tribute to the state's rich history. Since then, the Centennial Showboat has held theatre performances every summer. These productions are put on by theatre students from the University of Minnesota. The plays are really fun to attend as they encourage audience participation. This means that there is plenty of "hissing" and "booing" when the villain enters the stage and a lot of cheers when the hero or heroine shows up. The plays at the Centennial Showboat are split up by comic acts known as "Olies." During the Olies, the cast sings and dances to some goofy but endearing tunes.


Present-day showboats still in operation may be difficult to find, but they do exist. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Branson Belle and Minnesota Centennial Showboat are all great examples of steamboats that offer scenic views and great theatrical performances.