$43M Beale Street Landing hasn’t seen a boat in a year
by: David Royer, Alex Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ten years ago, Beale Street Landing opened with a big promise to bring boatloads of tourists to town on riverboats cruising the Mississippi River.
The $43 million, grass-covered dome with its distinctive helical boat ramp was over budget and behind schedule when it finally opened. But for several years, the center welcomed visitors from a growing number of cruise lines.
These days the ramp hasn’t seen a boat docking since August of 2023, nearly a year ago. Officials blame low water levels on the river, among other issues.
Cruise ships instead tie off on a log next to a concrete landing at the north end of Mud Island, about three miles north of downtown, and then the passengers board buses.
Meanwhile, logs, mud, and debris are piling up on the multilevel structure in Tom Lee Park. Police say a thief stole $50,000 worth of copper from the dock control center earlier this week.
Sixty-six cruises had to be canceled between July 2023 and July 2024, the Memphis River Parks Partnership says.
That led to a $527,000 deficit in docking revenues for Memphis River Parks Partnership.
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