The River City Star was purchased from Randel and Jane Smith. The boat and related barges have gone through a major and painstaking renovation to become the Missouri River showplace you see today.

Almost 30 years ago, Randel and Jane Smith had a dream of operating a Missouri Riverboat. Always being fascinated by the river, the Smith's envisioned themselves as owners and operators of a Riverboat operation. Thirty years later they are still fascinated by the allure of the River and all that goes with it. Having owned and operated the “Belle of Brownville” until July 2000, the Smith's have been an institution on Nebraska's Riverfront. Slowly rolling up and down the River, the Belle attracted tourists and residents from Nebraska and Iowa. Their presence and spirit on the River is still here today!

In July of 2000, both Randel and Jane had felt that the time had come to let new ownership operate their “Belle”. They wanted owners with new ideas, new energies and who had the same love for the River that they shared. They very much wanted the boat to remain in Omaha for the community to share and experience the charm of the vessel.

For example many children that took tours with their parents or as part of a field trip have returned as parents to take their children. The River City Star is owned and operated by the Keystone Group in Omaha, Nebraska

Today's River City Star is a far cry from the original boat purchased by the Smith's in 1961. As it sails today the Star is 3 ½ decks high and offers a deck for about every weather condition.