There aren't many commercial passenger vessels operating on the Kentucky River.  Standing out amongst the competition can be a challenge.  Kentucky State University's Kentucky River Thorobred is a unique educational experience among passenger services on the Kentucky River.

No other institution of higher learning operates a vessel for delivering environmental education programs.  The programs are informed by current research and passengers feel the programming is relevant and relatable to them.  All programs answer three questions made relevant by the Clean Water Act:  Can I swim in the river?  Can I fish in the river?  Can I eat the fish I've caught from the river?

The Water Quality program links land use to water quality and clearly demonstrates how all activity somehow affects water quality.  Yet, the water quality is not the poor condition passengers believe it to be.  River water is collected and tests are performed. The test results are compared to state water quality standards and passengers are often surprised the river consistently meets its designated uses of Drinking Water Supply, Warm Water Aquatic Habitat, Primary Contact Recreation, and Secondary Contact Recreation.  

The Natural and Cultural History of the Kentucky River and Frankfort program ties in the Water Quality program information but puts it in a historical backdrop to help passengers understand how the Kentucky River and Frankfort have changed over time.  These changed have affected water quality over time but passengers also come to realize the water quality is better than they presumed.  

Very young learners have the opportunity to do a Kentucky Fish Identification program.  Passengers learn to identify Kentucky Fish through a simple visual matching activity.  Many passengers have a misconception regarding the fish and other organisms living in the Kentucky River but once they learn of the variety of creatures in the river and their significance, a greater understanding of the water quality emerges.  

In all programs, passengers are provided fish consumption advisory information as well as various conservation behavior information that will reduce their negative impact on the Kentucky River's water quality.  At the end of cruises there are numerous passengers who exclaim, "This is the best boat ride I've ever had!"