About the Riverboat Inn

Posted April 22, 2008.


Hello, my name is Kathie Petkovic
I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, and then moved to Destin , Fl. for the next 30+ years. While I was doing some renovations on old houses in Baton Rouge, La. in 2001, I discovered the Delta Queen Steamboats. After some forty river cruises with the Delta Queen steamboats I saw most all of the river towns on every river. Madison, Indiana won my heart. I visited Madison on and off for two years looking for a house in historic downtown Madison with a river view, then I found the inn.

I purchased the Riverboat Inn February, of 2007. The inn was in such deplorable condition that the visitors bureau bit their tongue before telling someone that yes there was in fact a riverfront place... The plumbing was clogged and missing parts. The beds were unfit for people to sleep in.

Immediately upon taking possession of the inn I began the tremendous task of cleaning it up.Everything had to change from the people who stayed here to the building itself. The neighbors were so glad to find the guests improving and the Riverboat Inn changing for the better. We replaced all beds with plush bedding, upgraded to new wood flooring, installed flat screen TV's in all the rooms. We added refrigerators, microwaves, decorator touches from designer towels to fit every rooms' decor to fireplaces and quaint waterfalls to add elegance and charm. Ralph Lauren bedding, 400 count sheets, pillow top mattresses are just a few on the new luxuries. No smoking in any rooms but just outside the door,we have private rocking chairs and marble tables.

We have the original life ring from the famous Delta Queen Steamboat and tow rope as deck border from the barge company to give a real feel to being apart of the riverboat. We have painstakingly sought to create our Riverboat ambiance and improve the Inn in every possible way. The riverfront deck area is chock full of fire pits and heated tables so our customers can enjoy the river view even on a cloudy cold day. There are several levels of decks that have been installed to enable multi level areas for friends to gather and enjoy a drink, eat, and listen to live music proved on bustling Friday and Saturday nights.

Now we are entering into our second year at the Inn. Plans are going into place for room additions. We want to be able to allow guests to enjoy the river on a rainy day, so an extended second floor deck was just added. We also built a carport at the entrance for check in convince. The most requested rooms are riverfront. I have an architect working on a eighteen room floor plan to expand the riverfront rooms we can offer. Regardless of what the outcome of the room extension plans are we intend to begin further remodeling of some proportion early this spring. Who knows we might end up with a new pool and hot tub to enjoy the view of the river with.

In the morning, our lobby serves as a breakfast room with complimentary full breakfast. In the afternoon puzzles, games, cards or reading take place. In the evening the lounge is open serving your favorite beverages. All day you are able to play Nintendo Wii in the main lobby, and enjoy the wireless internet. The Riverboat Inn also has a conference room for about twenty five people, electric for parking boats and self contained motorhomes.

We can help you get a carriage ride, a ride on the trolley, call you a cab or pick you up at the airport or the Rivercrest Marina. We will deliver you downtown for the nightlife. You'll have to take a cab back or walk! :-) Our desire is to give you the best American Midwest hospitality you will ever get in your life. Our inn is your home.
American owned and operated.

Many of our guests comment how great it is to do their work while sitting out on the deck watching the river. Speaking of guests, we have such a comfortable large outdoor space it is perfect for any type of reunion, wedding, girls getting together or guys golf outing. How about your company's "brain storming" get away. The bikers just love riding the hills of southern Indiana and then relaxing back at the Inn. One of the best restaurants in Madison, The Key West Shrimp House is adjacent to the inn and five blocks downriver is Tugboats Eatery owned by Sandy, another Chicago native.

The main thing we want our guests to know is we strive to make the Riverboat Inn the most pleasurable experience possible. We are a family here and we treat our guests as family too. A person has several options when coming to visit Madison, but there is no place like The Riverboat Inn. We are "the" place to stay on the river. To those of you who have already stayed with us, thank you! To those learning about the Riverboat Inn and Madison Indiana, Phone and get your reservations today!!! Come down and see us soon!

Thank You,
Kathie Petkovic,
Innkeeper.