LEGO has officially unveiled the latest addition to its popular Ideas line, the 21356 River Steamboat. This set, which is being dubbed the largest ever produced by the LEGO Ideas theme, boasts over 4,000 pieces and is set to captivate builders and history enthusiasts alike. The River Steamboat is priced at $329.99, £289.99, or €329.99 and will be available for LEGO Insiders starting April 7, 2025, with general availability following on April 10, 2025.
The 21356 River Steamboat model takes inspiration from the artistry and historical significance of classic river steamboats. It showcases numerous intricacies, including functional elements like a working paddle wheel and rudder, making it both a display piece and engaging build experience. Inside, builders will discover various themed areas, including a pilothouse, crew cabin, restaurant, music stage, steamboat museum, and kitchen, all reflecting the rich narrative of the refurbished steamboat now used for entertainment tours.
Designed by fan creator Aaron Hall from Illinois, the River Steamboat has been transformed from its original submission, which was proposed back in October 2021 as part of the LEGO Ideas program. Hall’s design background reveals his lifelong passion for LEGO, which began with his fondness for the Black Seas Barracuda set, sparking his interest in boats and the history surrounding them. Hall stated, "My fascination with LEGO boats began with the Black Seas Barracuda set (#6285), which captivated me with its intricately rigged masts and sails. Growing up along the Mississippi River, I developed a deep interest in paddleboats, which naturally inspired me to create this steamboat model. The design process involved researching images to capture the essence of steamboats and selecting specific LEGO elements to bring my vision to life."
Notably, the model is built for compatibility with minifigures, incorporating modular boat hull bases, reminiscent of classic LEGO pirate ships. It features removable decks for easy access to the interior, allowing builders to explore detailed environments as they construct their model.
To complement the launch, LEGO is also offering a gift-with-purchase promotion: during the special release window from April 7 to April 13, customers making purchases of the River Steamboat will receive the LEGO Amelia Ticket Booth set. This bonus set includes 152 pieces, featuring its own miniature ticket window, jetty, and model of the steamboat. It closely aligns with the main set’s theme, providing extra entertainment as part of the historical experience.
For those eager to get their hands on this new model, it will be available through LEGO’s website as well as at official LEGO stores. The River Steamboat measures 69cm long, 15cm wide, and 40cm tall, making it both impressive to build and display. The engaging features extend to the use of technological enhancements, as builders will also have access to interactive digital instructions via the LEGO Builder app to guide them through the construction process.
With the release of the LEGO Ideas 21356 River Steamboat, LEGO continues its tradition of combining creativity with community involvement, allowing fan designers to contribute to its storied history. The model is expected to resonate well with LEGO enthusiasts and collectors alike, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality and engaging building experiences.
Availability is set to include potential purchases through third-party retailers like Amazon and eBay after the initial launch phase. Fans will want to act quickly, as the expansive collectible LEGO sets often attract immediate interest and limited stock, especially those accompanied by special promotional sets. Don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating world of riverboat architecture and design through the lens of LEGO creativity!