Two LEGO Ideas models have now launched this year, 21354 Twilight The Cullen House and 21355 The Evolution of STEM, with a third one coming in a months time after today's official presentation. In particular, this third LEGO Ideas set of 2025 and the 64th addition to the theme is 21356 River Steamboat. The 18+ model includes a total of 4,090 pieces retailing for $329.99 / €329.99 / £289.99 once it releases on the 7th of April 2025.
As the name suggests, 21356 brings a beautifully detailed steamboat to the LEGO lineup in 2025. The set is based on the original submission by Aaron Hall which was only confirmed as a future official set in the spring of 2024. The submission was inspired by the grand riverboats that once dominated American waterways in the 19th century, following the footsteps of recent iconic ships and boats recreated in brick-built LEGO form such as last year's 10355 The Endurance.
The old Western River steamboat is an extremely detailed and realistic build, appropriately coloured a mix of brown, white, tan and grey. Intricate details such as wood-style panelling and classic riverboat aesthetics are included along with a full Minifigure scale interior. Unfortunately, just like the original submission, no Minifigures are actually included with the emphasis being on display rather than play with 21356.
With that said, however, the various levels of the steamboat can be easily removed into four parts to access the highly detailed and imaginative interior. The upper deck features a wheelhouse, crew quarters and a bathroom, while the main deck is home to a music stage and restaurant demonstrating the refurbishment and modern-day uses of a classic river steamboat. A kitchen and a museum documenting the history of steam navigation can also be found on the boiler deck.
One of the main functions of the Steamboat is the classic paddlewheel system. The brightly coloured red paddle wheel rotates as the boat is pushed with the steam engine room also appropriately moving. The rudder can also be moved using a wheel on the top of the captain's cabin. When the beautifully brick-built steamboat is not in motion, it can sit on a small black display stand, showing the true size of the boat which measures over 15.5 inches (40 cm) high, 27 inches (69 cm) long and 5.5 inches (15 cm) wide.
21356 River Steamboat
Set Name - River Steamboat
Set Number - 21356
Age Range - 18+
Piece Count - 4,090
Price - $329.99 / €329.99 / £289.99
Release Date - 7th April 2025
21356 River Steamboat releases on the 7th of April 2025 but what do you think? Will you be purchasing 21356 in a months time? What's your favourite feature on the brick-built steamboat? Would you have preferred the $330 model to include Minifigures? What other LEGO Ideas sets are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
