delta riverboat hours

Take A Ride On This One-Of-A-Kind Canal Boat In Tennessee

The Gaylord Opryland Resort features a unique riverboat experience through its atrium, offering a stunning and popular attraction for visitors.

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The Gaylord Opryland Resort is known around the nation for its stunning design and thoughtfully considered structure, but it's almost shocking to find out just how many folks don't know about the river that winds through the resort's atrium. Delta Riverboats offers daily rides on a seasonal basis, and the experience is one that's popular with visitors no matter their age. Learn more about it below and plan to ogle at the stunning interior from the water.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is known as one of the most expansive and incredible luxury hotels in Tennessee. Located right outside of Nashville's main downtown, the location boasts 9 acres of indoor gardens, almost 3,000 guest rooms, and even indoor AND outdoor water attractions.

The resort is also home to a large selection of restaurants and bars that have scored a number of awards over the last few years. You can work out in an incredible fitness center, and the Relache Spa is known for its high-class offerings. The location is also popular for its meeting space opportunities and spectacular suites.

The airy atrium may be the first thing to catch your eye, but you don't want to miss a ride on that indoor river! Delta Riverboats takes guests through the 4.5-acre Delta Atrium for just $14 a person in the summer and $15 in the fall.

Once you climb on board you'll have the chance to marvel at the beauty of the resort, and your guide will tell you all about the plants and fish that have been thoughtfully included in the resort's design. Children 3 and under ride for free with a ticketed adult.

Delta Riverboats operates from May to early September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer, and fall hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October.

There's no better way to see the expansive interior of the resort than aboard a Delta Riverboat, and we have a feeling you'll be making a memory that you'll never forget. It's incredibly popular with the kids, and adds a flair of fun to your vacation.

If you haven't been to the resort and ridden a Delta riverboat, we have news for you: it's a must. The next time you're in Nashville, spare a few hours to wander the Gaylord Opryland Resort and enjoy a waterway tour of the incredible atrium.

If you would like to buy your own tickets for the Delta Riverboats at Opryland you can purchase them right here . Opryland Resort is truly one of the most incredible spots to explore in the heart of Tennessee, and we have a feeling you're going to fall in love with it as soon as you visit.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun in Tennessee, you should take a look at the updated fall foliage map ! 

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I Was One of the Few Picked to Experience Thousands of Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

The day came when they were going to announce the winners of the lottery to see the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies; my hopes were high as I clicked my inbox. To my surprise, I was picked! I have tried for years to get into this one-week event and now I had my ticket and I almost knocked my computer over as I did a double fist to the air in celebration. I may have been cheering (loudly) all by myself alone in the room but this had been long awaited. I called my family and we were excited to do one of the most unique things to do in Tennessee . What happened next is my journey to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. 

Before we dive headfirst into the adventure we took that night I should backtrack to explain what makes these "bugs" so special. The synchronous fireflies aren't your average lightning bug -- one week of the year they perform a mating ritual that is pure magic. They start to blink their lights and soon all of the others join in creating one of the most breathtaking displays of fireflies I have ever seen. I hope everyone will be able to experience this as we did so here are a few things you need to know about this natural phenomenon.

When are there fireflies in the Smokies?

The fireflies start to show activity around April or May and that is when experts start to predict when the firefly show will happen. It typically takes place in the last week of May or the first week of June, but many factors will come into play as to when the best time for this to take place. All you have to do is keep an eye on the synchronous firefly page and they will announce the dates as well as the dates for the lottery to open.

How do I see the fireflies in the Smokies?

Once the dates are set you will want to be ready for when they open up the lottery if you hope to see the fireflies in the Smokies. They will only allow so many people in during this one week so they choose guests by a lottery system. The reason they do this is to keep this natural phenomenon natural. With too many people it could disrupt the fireflies and we could lose this amazing experience. There is a $1 entry fee and if you are chosen then an additional $24 will be charged. I can tell you that this is difficult to get into but is well worth the years of waiting it took to get picked. 

So now that you know a little bit of the journey of what it took to get here you can see why it was so exciting for us as we rode into the ghost town of Elkmont in the Smokies for our big night. I was curious about the process so I found a ranger and asked where do you see the fireflies. She told me that they could be anywhere so we were just going to have to seek them out. That to me sounded like a wild adventure! Wander around in the dark in a ghost town in the Smokies, it was like a dream come true. We explored the area while it was still light and found what we thought would be the best spot to see the fireflies. We set up our spot and then waited for the sun to set. Soon enough we saw our first firefly.

Soon darkness kept over the forest and that was when we started to see more and more fireflies join the show. Lining the path, deep in the woods, and sometimes right in front of our faces we saw flicking green lights illuminating the blackest of night. I did my best to capture it but with such little light from the insects, it was hard for our videos and pictures to truly capture the magic of the moment. 

I was so captivated by the scene we stayed there for hours. With the fireflies in unison, the forest would ebb and flow from complete darkness to a glowing green. I spent plenty of summer nights as a kid chasing a couple of fireflies but this was entirely different as we watched thousands of them flickering that night.

The only other light we would see was the occasional red shine cutting through the darkness as someone would move down the path. Regular lights can disrupt the fireflies so you are only allowed to use red light while in Elkmont which made for an even more exciting adventure. Quick tip: if you have a kid that has light-up shoes, you might want to turn them off. Did you know they had an off switch? I didn’t before this night but we quickly learned.

We want to make the most of every adventure when we are in it so we decided to explore around for a little while just to make sure where the best spot was. So we linked hands and walked in total darkness as I led my family with a red light. Once we got to the main drag of Elkmont this is where people were parked, and since people started to leave, there were a few headlights. This was helpful to not trip on a root or unknowingly approach a bear, but it meant the fireflies stayed far away. So what we learned was the further you go from light, the better of a show you can expect. It felt good to know that we stumbled upon the best viewing spot in the park on our first try. 

If you get the chance make sure you enter the lottery to see the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us and I have never experienced anything like that before in my life. The park has held alot of special moments for me over the years from fireflies to hiking Alum Cave . To enter the lottery make sure you head over to the synchronous fireflies page on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Make sure to check out our Adventuring in the Moment video to see the full journey of our trip.

If you love unique adventures in the Smokies then take to the skies with Scenic Helicopter Tours !

The Completely Free Museum Hiding in a Tennessee Park is a Must-Visit

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park holds one of the coolest museums located in a Tennessee state park.

We took a trip around our state and there was one Tennessee state park that we knew we had to see. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is an interesting place that we had to add to our adventures once we learned about the abandoned ruins found in the forest, and we were also pleasantly surprised to find a plethora of waterfalls and a very interesting museum. If you want to dig into the history of this archeological park, the best place to start is the museum which will give you great context before you head off on the trails.

I had done a little research before we arrived and knew this was a must-see stop on our trip. I was mostly excited to see the abandoned fort and ruins found inside the park, but I knew I had to see the museum.

This is one of the first stops you should make when you go to this park because it holds some really good information that will put your hike into context. The building can easily be passed if you don’t know what you are looking for because it is completely built into the hillside and looks very natural. This was part of the appeal to me and drew me in based on aesthetics alone. Curb appeal aside, this small museum held some very valuable information and the staff member working inside was very helpful in highlighting some of the must-see spots on the map for me to use.

Inside we learned more about the park and the Native Americans that called this place home from 1500 to 2000 years ago. They had left the area abandoned and the reasoning is mysterious; it is unclear whether them leaving was due to the settlers making their way West or an unknown reason. The large plot of land has a built-up wall surrounding the grasslands and was mistaken as an old fort, thus the name of the park.

There are many theories as to what life was like in this area and displays that showcase the artifacts found onsite. There were even interactive elements like the replica of the hut and animal pelts you could feel hanging inside. It was a fascinating trip through history and part of the allure for me is the unknown. 

The gentleman behind the desk helped me to map out our trails for the day where we wanted to see the best of the abandoned structures and the waterfalls found within the park. He walked me through each turn drawing it out on the park map which also helped us make the most of our time in the park. From there we explored the ancient enclosure where indigenous people lived many years ago, witnessed many waterfalls, and took a lovely walk through the forest.

Our favorite was the old abandoned structures found by the river. We spent some time exploring this area and would highly recommend making sure you also find this spot along the Enclosure Trail . There are a lot of trails intersecting within the park so I found it helpful to have my AllTrails map handy with me the whole time we were on the hike. 

When it comes to a museum in a Tennessee state park, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a great place to stop. I found it helpful to put my whole hike within proper historical context and allowed me to appreciate things much more as we traveled. For more information about the park make sure to visit the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park website . 

Not too far from this park is another fun trip into ancient history with a dinosaur museum in Tennessee called Earth Experience, make sure to check it out!

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7 Things You Can Only Do at Gaylord Opryland Resort

Gaylord opryland isn’t just a place to stay when you come to the grand ole opry. the resort is a destination all its own..

Night at the Opry Package Combining two outstanding experiences for an exceptional visit to Nashville — enjoy your stay at Gaylord Opryland while taking in the sights and sounds of the Grand Ole Opry. Our convenient package includes room accommodations, show tickets, and more.

1. Wander the jaw-dropping gardens

You can’t miss Gaylord Opryland’s lush gardens — literally. Tropical vegetation covers more than nine indoor acres. The resort’s cascading waterfalls, the tallest of which is 44-feet high, make you feel as if you’re on a faraway island. Lose yourself in wonder as you discover giant palms, stunning orchids, and even banana trees. You won’t find those growing natively in Tennessee, but thanks to the atrium’s glass ceiling and horticulturists’ meticulous control of the building’s humidity, these plants thrive as if they were in the jungle.

2. Hop aboard the Delta Riverboat ...

Sailing all the world’s rivers would take years, but you can conquer many in a single ride aboard the Delta Riverboat. The resort’s quarter-mile-long indoor Delta River contains the water of more than 1,700 rivers from around the globe. Hop aboard a fun-filled cruise and learn about the interesting origins of the hotel, one of the largest in the world. Be on the lookout for resort’s finned guests. Catfish, carp, and koi can all be found in the Delta River.

3. ... or take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat

If you want an even grander adventure on the water, look no further than to the  General Jackson Showboat , which is docked just a short distance away from the resort. This stately steamboat harks to its 19th-century predecessors that sailed along the Cumberland River, putting Nashville on the map as a trading center.

On the popular midday Taste of Tennessee cruise, get a sampling of the many styles of music that made this state famous — from bluegrass to country to rhythm and blues — all while enjoying a three-course meal and views of iconic Nashville landmarks along the way.

4. Splash around at SoundWaves

In true Nashville fashion, music and water blend harmoniously at  SoundWaves,  the city’s only resort water experience. If you’re a thrill-seeker, jump in a mega raft and enjoy the ride on Rapid Remix, a waterslide that pumps out the jams as you take on vortex loops. Looking for a mellower experience? The Down Tempo Lazy River has got you covered with relaxing music that you can float along to. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Decibels where you can enjoy live music every weekend through September on the restaurant’s patio.

5. Come see us at the Grand Ole Opry

When you stay at the resort, you’re also staying next door to where country music lives. The Grand Ole Opry is “the show that made country music famous,” featuring your favorite legends, today’s superstars, and tomorrow’s hit-makers. Eight to 12 artists take the stage at each show, and luckily for resort guests, Nashville’s best entertainment is just a short complimentary shuttle ride or leisurely stroll away.

But don’t wait until showtime to experience the Opry magic. The brand-new immersive theater experience, now part of the  daytime tour,  is a moving tribute to the country music artists who’ve walked across  Opry’s iconic 6-foot circle of wood,  which sits centerstage. “I’ve always said that the circle still contains the dust from Hank Williams’ cowboy boots,” Opry member Brad Paisley has said. Now your boots can walk across it, too.

6. See WSM broadcast live at its fish-bowl studio

Have you ever wondered to yourself if your favorite radio personalities look the way they sound? You won’t have to anymore when you swing by the WSM fishbowl-style studio just off the Magnolia lobby. The radio station that gave birth to the Grand Ole Opry in 1925, 650 AM WSM, still broadcasts live from Nashville inside the Gaylord Opryland.

You’ll get an intimate peek of the radio show’s operations. Start your day with some early-morning banter courtesy of  country radio sentinel Bill Cody  and Charlie Mattos’ on  Coffee, Country, and Cody  — you never know when one of your favorite artists might be in studio — and close out your evening with some classic country tunes that Eddie Stubbs is spinning on  The Eddie Stubbs Show.

7. Pose next to your idols at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds  has a number of locations around the world, but its Nashville wax attraction located inside Opry Mills Mall is the only one that’s completely themed around music, featuring more than 50 wax figures, 30 of which are unique to Music City. In the Opry Finale exhibit, you’ll get to make your debut alongside Opry members Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and more. Don’t forget to take a selfie!

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Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

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World-Class Experiences

Things to do.

Dive into family-friendly excitement at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN. With SoundWaves, our indoor/outdoor resort water attraction, a revitalizing spa, and family-friendly activities, our resort offers the perfect escape.

Splash into Fun

Endless fun awaits at SoundWaves*, our upscale resort water attraction. The ultimate destination for sun-soaked fun and relaxation, SoundWaves promises aquatic adventures for the whole family. Zoom down thrilling slides, race your friends, explore the kids' play structure, float along the lazy river, relax in a cabana, and more. It's all here at SoundWaves. *The only guaranteed way to experience SoundWaves is by purchasing the SoundWaves Experience Package. Room-only reservations do not include admission to SoundWaves.

Seasonally Themed

Extraordinary Atrium & Fountain Light Shows

Experience Gaylord Opryland’s signature nightly light show in our beautiful atrium or from your balcony in select atrium-view guest rooms. Marvel at the wonder of our seasonally themed spectacle and enjoy dazzling lights harmonized to thrilling music in this not-to-be-missed performance. Nightly shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

November 8, 2024 - January 4, 2025

Plan Your Holiday Getaway Early! Tickets & Packages On Sale Now

Stay overnight with us this holiday season and immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland! With magnificent lights and décor, ICE!, (a holiday favorite), and a blizzard of yuletide activities to enjoy, you’ll want Christmas to last year round. Book early and get a jump on your holiday plans.

Activities For All Ages

Explore our carefully curated array of leisure activities designed to provide extraordinary moments that go beyond the ordinary. Plan your itinerary with our selection of exceptional experiences, many of which are included in your resort fee.

The Hunt for Hidden Treasure

In this fun-filled scavenger hunt, you'll explore Gaylord Opryland's atriums to find several hidden gems.

Delta Riverboat Rides

Take a ride on the Delta Riverboat and travel down a scenic river winding through a 4.5-acre indoor garden. Admire the Delta Atrium's natural beauty while our guides share facts about the plants and fish and answer questions about our Nashville resort's many activities.

Around We Glow Night Ride

Join us on a journey of rhythm, harmony, and pure fun as you cruise along the indoor Delta Riverboat Ride in silent disco-style at night. This enchanting, guided boat ride experience is an exciting twist on our classic attraction. The magical ambiance of the water and night sky will harmonize with a music mix, as you move to your own silent disco groove! Available 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep. 2 - Oct. 29.

Atrium Garden Private Group Tour

In this private 45-minute guided tour, you'll discover resort history and explore diverse plants in our stunning nine-acre garden atriums. Minimum 15 people in group required. Reservations 7 days in advance required.

Wildlife Rescue: Augmented Reality Experience

Take a virtual safari through Gaylord Opryland! Twelve endangered animals are hidden throughout the resort and your help is needed to find them. A smartphone and free app download are necessary to enjoy this AR experience. Presented by bubly™.

General Jackson Showboat

Enjoy a delightful Southern meal, a world-class live musical show, a cruise down the Cumberland River, and the best views of the Nashville skyline aboard our 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, one of the largest in the country. Midday lunch and evening dinner cruises available.

Amenities and Enhancements

SoundWaves Cabanas

Upgrade your water park experience and relax in the comfort of one of our private cabanas. Year-round indoor and seasonal outdoor cabanas are available for daily rental by resort guests who have pre-purchased a SoundWaves* experience. Cabanas include seating for up to six guests, four bottles of water, a mini refrigerator, a ceiling fan, a big-screen television, a safe, and access to a server who will bring menu orders to the cabana. *The only guaranteed way to experience SoundWaves is by purchasing the SoundWaves Experience Package. Room-only reservations do not include admission to SoundWaves.

Relâche Spa and Fitness Center

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at Relâche Spa at Gaylord Opryland Resort. Our services blend essential oil aromatherapy and diverse massage techniques to melt tension away. Exercise and physically de-stress at The Relâche Fitness Center with a full range of cardio and strength equipment for a total workout.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links

Carved from the banks of the Cumberland River, our Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers an 18-hole golf course bordered by limestone bluffs and enhanced by federally protected wetlands in Nashville. Gaylord Springs is cashless throughout your experience.

Relâche Spa

Our European-inspired spa, The Relâche Spa, soothes the senses and the soul. Choose from massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services and more.

Couples Massages

Kids Services

Lip Treatment

Makeup Services

Manicures/Pedicures

Men's Services

Separate Men & Women's Lounges

Carved from the banks of the Cumberland River, our Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers an 18-hole golf course bordered by federally protected wetlands in Nashville. Gaylord Springs is cashless throughout your experience.

Driving Range

Equipment Rental

Golf School

Provides Lessons

Putting Green

Designed by Larry Nelson

Fitness Center

Stay with your fitness routine even when you travel and enjoy a nice workout at our Fitness Center.

Locker rooms

Fitness center access included in resort fee

Equipment Available

Cardiovascular Equipment

Free Weights

Strength Equipment

Treadmill(s)

Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM

Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM

Lifeguard on Duty

Local Attractions

515 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN, USA, 37219

222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN, USA, 37211

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37205

2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN, USA, 37076

121 4th Ave S,, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

388 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN, USA, 37214

592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN, USA, 37213

119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA, 37201

501 Broadway, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, USA, 37203

600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, USA, 37243

An Iconic Nashville Landmark

Grand Ole Opry

The show that made country music famous continues with star-packed performances featuring a wide array of chart-toppers, newcomers and living legends. Book your tickets for a night at the Opry and add a room at Gaylord Opryland Resort based on availability during checkout.

Convenient Shuttles to Get You There

Transportation Services

The Resort offers a complimentary complex shuttle daily (hours may vary) that stops at the Opry Mills Mall in front of the Macaroni Grill, The Inn at Opryland and the Cascades Canopy at the Resort. This shuttle runs on a continuous loop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has a fitness center on-site for hotel guests.

Yes, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has multiple pools on-site for hotel guests:

Yes, Relâche Spa is located on-site at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Click here to book a service now.

Yes, hotel guests have access to Gaylord Springs Golf Links. Click here to learn more.

Madame Tussauds Nashville , Grand Ole Opry , Ryman Auditorium , Country Music Hall of Fame , Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and more are nearby Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

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GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

2800 Opryland Drive,

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 37214

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Delta Boat Ride at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN

There are plenty of beautiful sights to see in Nashville, but one of the msot relaxing and memorable has to be the indoor water garden at the GaylorD Oprland Resort.

Step aboard and gently wind your way through a lush four and a half acre indoor garden while a guide offers unique facts about the Delta's plants and fish. You'll be amazed by breathtaking beauty of the plants as you float around the indoor river.

Take a Delta River Flatboat down the scenic indoor river of the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. A fleet of five Mississippi-style flatboats carries 25 passengers each on leisurely trips of about 15 minutes through the beautiful lush indoor gardens of the beautiful resort.

You'll also see and learn about the hotel's Delta Island that features an 85-foot fountain, three waterfalls, and numerous shops and restaurants. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of Danny, an 80 pound catfish, in the Delta River.

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