Jordan Queen or The Riverboat

Many of you may remember James Sorenson. He was known as one of Utah’s richest men, with a worth estimated to be $4.5 billion. He was a pioneer in the medical field, and owned medical companies, restaurants, communications companies, clothing lines, had many real estate ventures, and also worked in genetics.

Sorenson was also a philanthropist, giving away millions of dollars to charitable causes. In 2006-7, he made a one million dollar donation to Medicaid to benefit Utah’s poor. He was also a major contributor to the Sorenson Multi Cultural Center. This center was named after him and to this day benefits families in Salt Lake City. But, many of you may not have realized that in 1984, James Sorenson built the Jordan Queen, formerly located at 4393 Riverboat Road in Murray.  Many may remember The Jordan Queen, also known as the Jordan Riverboat, or the Riverboat.  It was a restaurant and conference center, and sat right on the banks of the Jordan River with water actually surrounding the boat.

The Riverboat in 1992. Salt Lake County Planning and Development Photographs, Salt Lake County Archives.

There were very few restaurants as beautiful, ornate, and unique as The Jordan Queen.  It was built as a replica of a stern-wheeler paddle boat.  I know it was a spectacular place to hold special dinners, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions, school proms, showers, and corporate lunches. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was outstanding.  Most of the people that went to the Jordan Queen would never forget their experience there.

The Jordan Queen was built on a permanent foundation, and the finishing of both the interior and exterior were done to duplicate a river boat and were of fantastic quality.

Some of the interesting facts about The Jordan Queen:
Originally built in 1984 on a 5 1/2 acres site;
It contained a total of 22,000 square feet ;
It had 4 floors: the 1st floor 8,100 square feet;
The main floor was 8,100 square feet;
The 3rd floor 4,400 square feet and
The 4th floor was 1,300 square feet.