Julia Belle Swain

La Crosse, WI

The Julia Belle Swain was designed by Capt. Dennis Trone. She was built in 1971 being the last boat of Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works, Dubuque, IA. The boat is powered by an engine from 1915, manufactured by Gillett & Eaton of Lake City, MN, and originally used on the central wheel ferryboat City of Baton Rouge. The City of Baton Rouge serves as a landing boat for the MV Twilight.

The Great River Steamboat Company, former owner of the Julia Belle Swain since 1995, offered two-day-cruises during the summer months starting in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Today, the boat is on idle near La Crosse, WI, with a very unclear future after several attempts to renovating her failed in recent years.

Pictures

Whistle of Julia Belle Swain

Note: In summer 2023, the whistle from the Grand Victoria II will be installed on the Julia Belle Swain, most likely replacing the previous whistles.

Video

Julia Belle Swain, 2008, La Crosse
Julia Belle Swain, 2008, La Crosse
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