5 Ways to Get Out on the Cumberland River This Season
There's no better way to enjoy Nashville's warmer months than on the water. Pontoon Saloon has several new and unexpected ways to enjoy the Cumberland River, from boat rentals and private cruises to history tours!
If you’re hesitant to join the crowds on Lower Broadway — but you still want to enjoy the best of downtown Nashville – know that there’s no better way to take in the splendor of our riverfront city than from the river itself! Pontoon Saloon has long been Nashville’s preferred on-the-water leisure company, but they have a variety of new offerings beyond their signature party cruises.
We caught up with founder and owner Andrew Ostrowski to hear Pontoon Saloon’s origin story and explore five fun ways to hit the Cumberland River this season!
Pontoon Saloon’s Beginnings
During his undergrad years as a Geography and Business Management major, Andrew spent much of his time on the Mississippi River. When he moved to Nashville in 2011, he immediately realized how underutilized the Cumberland River was.
“I would go out on the river and wonder why no one was at or on the water, though thousands of people were just steps away on Broadway,” Andrew says. “In most other waterfront cities, there are tours and so much activity. All we had was the General Jackson out of Opryland but nothing to get on and off downtown.”
Andrew approached Metro Parks about running a passenger vessel, and Pontoon Saloon was born. They now have two 50-foot boats that can safely welcome up to 47 guests onboard!
Since Andrew docked his company downtown, more commercial vessels and a growing calendar of spectator events have brought people to Nashville’s riverfront and spurred the revitalization of the East and West Bank of the river. Today, Andrew manages the entire riverfront on behalf of Metro Parks, with its growing recreational and commercial use.
#1: BYOB (Bring Your Own BOAT) to the Downtown Riverfront
Andrew runs the best parking spots downtown you may not even know about. They’re on the city’s 380 linear feet of dock space right in front of Nissan Stadium and The Bridge Building.
“That dock space is dedicated to the users of the Cumberland River … the taxpayer,” Andrew explains. “Whether you’ve got a 10-foot fishing boat or a 60-foot Sea Ray, you can cruise in from Old Hickory or Rock Harbor and make a reservation to stay with us overnight for up to five nights.”
Power is an available option, so you crank up the AC and get ready for a night on the town. “We’re selling out now for every big concert, event, or game at Nissan Stadium,” Andrew says. You can make your reservations for dockage HERE.
#2: Rent a Boat — With or Without a Captain
If you don’t own a boat, aren’t part of a boat club, or simply don’t feel like operating a boat, Pontoon Saloon’s sister company, Boat Rental Nashville, offers exclusive rental experiences from nearby Rock Harbor Marina.
Less than 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, you can grab lunch at Blue Moon Waterfront Grille, then hop on your chosen rental. “We have four dedicated vessels — from double deckers with slides to fishing pontoons to 150 HP Tritoons,” Andrew says.
“We encourage folks to explore Ashland City downriver from Rock Harbor. It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Andrew adds. “You’ll go down ‘artist row,’ passing beautiful homes of well-known artists who live along the river, scenic bluffs, and Riverview Restaurant.”
For those who need a captain or want to imbibe safely, it’s an additional $50 an hour to have a pro take you out. Check out this video overview of Boat Rental Nashville.
#3: Book the New Narrated History Tour
Pontoon Saloon recently unveiled the first and only narrated Nashville history tours on the Cumberland River.
“This started in conversation with the mayor’s office,” Andrew says. “They were looking for more family-friendly activities downtown. We are excited to launch the pilot season this year, and we’ve worked on scripts with local historians to craft the story we’re telling on those trips,” Andrew says.
This 1.5-hour-long excursion is packed full of history about Nashville’s past and future along the Cumberland River. Beyond the gorgeous views and historic landmarks, narrators go back in time to the settlement of Nashville, the ecology of parks like Shelby Bottoms, and the history and future of Nissan Stadium. The tour concludes with an insider’s view into the future of riverfront development.
The fun, engaging staff are there to answer questions, and kids are welcome.
#4: Hop on a Pontoon Saloon Public Cruise
The regularly scheduled public cruises are Pontoon Saloon’s bread and butter and the majority of their business. “They’re great for any group size under about 15 to 20 people,” Andrew says. “We get anyone from couples on date night to birthday celebrations to a bachelor/bachelorette party to divorce parties.”
“What makes these trips so fun is that we end up taking four to six different groups out, and by the end of the two hours, everyone’s best friends, exchanging phone numbers, and walking up to Broadway together,” Andrew adds.
Pontoon Saloon brings people together and encourages connection. “We do an excellent job of that,” Andrew says proudly. “Almost everyone leaves saying, ‘That was a really good time. I’m surprised at how much fun I had.‘”
#5: Book a Private or Corporate Cruise on the Cumberland River
Group outings are much more fun on the river. Pontoon Saloon is ready to host your group, whether you’re a birthday bash, book club, or a team of colleagues. Dedicated Cruise Coordinators can help with catering and alcohol ordering, delivery, and setup. Ice, coolers, and cups are provided on every trip.
“More and more local companies are using us annually for team trips,” Andrew says of their corporate outing offerings. “We’re centrally located, and the capacity of 47 fits really well for many of these companies. It’s just a totally different view of Nashville that puts things in a different perspective.”
For most Nashvillians, hopping on the Cumberland River is more accessible than driving an hour to a crowded lake. “We’re seeing so many locals find peacefulness in all these little pockets of the Cumberland River,” Andrew says, “And that’s why we’re here.”
Editor’s note: As of September 2024, Pontoon Saloon recently introduced Nashville Water Taxi, which is available for all home Titans games and offers roundtrip tickets to and from the stadium. Learn more HERE!
Discover more about Pontoon Saloon:
- Website: pontoonsaloontn.com
- Phone: (615) 601-1464
- Email: [email protected]
This article is sponsored by Pontoon Saloon.
Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.