PORTLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Celebrate on the Last Steam-Powered Sternwheeler: Portland’s Steamer Portland as a Waterfront Event Venue
A compact guide to renting the Steamer Portland—a historic, steam-powered stern wheeler docked on the Willamette River—covering where it sits, how long events run, and the types of gatherings it has hosted.
Celebrate on the Last Steam-Powered Sternwheeler: Portland’s Steamer Portland as a Waterfront Event Venue.
The Steamer Portland is the nation’s last operational steam-powered stern wheeler, moored on the Willamette River and available to rent as a special event venue for wedding receptions, memorials, parties, meetings and photoshoots; its downtown berth at Tom McCall Waterfront Park places a century of maritime craft in the heart of Portland’s riverfront.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Unique, Operational Steam-Powered Sternwheeler
The Steamer Portland is notable for being the last operational, steam-powered, stern wheeler of its kind in the nation—an authentic, working piece of maritime history that doubles as an evocative venue.
Docked at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The ship is moored on the Willamette River at the end of Pine Street where it meets the river, offering riverfront access and a downtown Portland backdrop for on-board events.
Versatile Venue for Celebrations and Shoots
Owners frequently rent the vessel for wedding receptions, celebration-of-life gatherings, parties, meetings and modeling photo shoots, making it a flexible choice for small-to-medium special events.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like to Host an Event Aboard the Steamer Portland
Booking the Steamer Portland places your gathering on an operational, steam-powered stern wheeler tied up on the Willamette; the experience is equal parts maritime history and intimate riverside venue, with the vessel laid out and used as a location for receptions, meetings, parties and photographic work.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this venue suits—and when to check further restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Events run 2 to 4 hours. Base rate is $300 for 2 hours; each additional hour is $150.
The Steamer Portland is docked on the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park at the end of Pine Street where it meets the river—confirm the exact boarding point prior to the event.
Bring event essentials as advised by the operator; contact the museum for specifics on catering, furniture, power needs and permitted equipment.
The vessel is offered as a rentable special event venue through the museum; visit the ship in person at the waterfront to assess the fit for your occasion and confirm availability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I rent the Steamer Portland for a wedding or party?
Yes—the ship has been used as a venue for wedding receptions, parties, meetings, celebration-of-life events and modeling photo shoots.
How long can I book the vessel for?
Typical rentals run between 2 to 4 hours.
What are the rates for renting the Steamer Portland?
The base rate is $300 for 2 hours; each additional hour is $150.
Where is the Steamer Portland located for boarding?
The vessel is docked on the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park at the end of Pine Street where it meets the river.
What kinds of events has the ship hosted before?
Past uses include wedding receptions, celebration-of-life gatherings, parties, meetings and modeling photo shoots.
How can I decide if this is the right venue for my event?
Visit the ship at its downtown waterfront berth to see the spaces in person and discuss details and requirements with the museum staff.