Children's Museums
Howard Steamboat Museum
📍 1101 E Market St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130, United States🌐 www.howardsteamboatmuseum.org
🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | 1–3 pm |
About Howard Steamboat Museum
Historic mansion with self-guided tours. The 1894 home of a steamboat-building family is open for self-guided tours of exhibits & artifacts. The mansion features a black walnut grand staircase replicated from a famous steamboat, creating a unique architectural element that bridges the home's design with its steamboat-building heritage. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 303 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic House Museum
- Built
- 1894 Richardsonian Romanesque Mansion
- Focus
- Howard family steamboat building history
- Highlights
- 22-room mansion, steamboat models, 90% original furnishings, black walnut grand staircase
- Admission
- Adults $12, Seniors/Military $10, Children 6-18 $7, Under 6 free
💡 Did You Know?
- The mansion features a black walnut grand staircase replicated from a famous steamboat, creating a unique architectural element that bridges the home's design with its steamboat-building heritage
- Built in 1894 as a Richardsonian Romanesque mansion with 22 rooms, approximately 90% of original family furnishings remain in the formal rooms, making it exceptionally well-preserved
- The museum showcases artifacts and models from the Howard family's steamboat construction business, including historically significant vessels such as the J.M. White, City of Louisville, and Indiana
- The house features ornate brass gasoliers and stained glass windows as part of its original architectural detailing, reflecting the craftsmanship and wealth of the steamboat-building era
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book a guided tour with staff like Eli or Kadie for a significantly enhanced experience—they provide deep knowledge about steamboat history and the Howard family that transforms the visit from good to exceptional
- Plan to arrive by 2:00 PM if you want a guided tour (last guided tour at 2:30 PM) or by 3:00 PM for self-guided tours, as these are the final tour times of the day
- Even if you're not particularly interested in steamboat history beforehand, the mansion's architecture, intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and beautifully preserved original furnishings make it fascinating for all visitors—don't skip based on subject matter alone
- Groups of 10+ can access discounted group rates with one month advance reservation by calling (812) 283-3728, which also allows you to coordinate a guided tour experience
- Call ahead at (812) 283-3728 during inclement weather to confirm the museum is open before visiting, as weather can impact operations year-round
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