Cruising Through History: A Journey with Raquette Lake Navigation Company
The W.W. Durant. Photos courtesy Raquette Lake Navigation Company.
In the heart of the Adirondack Mountains lies Raquette Lake, a natural lake with the longest shoreline in the Adirondacks. Among the serene waters and lush landscapes, the Raquette Lake Navigation Company operates to preserve the region's history and tradition and facilitate exploration. Visitors can experience the area’s rich traditions and breathtaking beauty from the comfort of a charming cruise boat, the W.W. Durant.
A family legacy on the water.
Raquette Lake Navigation Company is a family-owned business founded by Dean and Donna Pohl. The company named its signature watercraft after William West Durant, a pivotal figure in Adirondack history known for his role in developing the Great Camps of America’s Gilded Age, a distinctive style of architecture that harmonizes with the natural environment. Durant’s influence is woven into the experience the Raquette Lake Navigation Company provides, blending historical education with modern comfort.
All aboard the W.W. Durant.
The Pohl family poured their passion for the Adirondacks into every detail of their business. The W.W. Durant, a magnificent vessel built by Dean Pohl from 1990 to 1991 and named in honor of the visionary developer, offers a glimpse into the past while cruising the pristine waters of Raquette Lake.
The W.W. Durant was designed to look like a classic steamship. Pohl constructed it from the steel hull of a 60-foot-long cruise ship. The boat came in two pieces from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was transported to the construction site in the Adirondacks because the roads were too narrow to move the vessel in one piece.
With the help of a dedicated crew, Dean Pohl constructed the rest of the W.W. Durant from the waterline up, which included installing the engine, plumbing, wiring, two decks, and even the wood paneling in the dining room. The boat is a modern vessel but pays homage to the steamboats that used to sail on Raquette Lake in the late 19th century.
Over the years, the Raquette Lake Navigation Company has grown into a beloved attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to explore the tranquil lake and its storied surroundings.
The W.W. Durant: more than just a boat.
The W.W. Durant is not your average cruise vessel. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, it is a tribute to the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era. The boat's design echoes the Great Camp architecture, featuring natural wood finishes and an inviting atmosphere that makes passengers feel like they are stepping back in time.
An Adirondack sunset cruise on Raquette Lake.
The W.W. Durant weighs 57 tons, measures 24 by 60 feet, and is licensed to carry 100 passengers. It cruises from June through Indigenous Peoples’ or Columbus Day in mid-October.
Raquette Lake Navigation Company offers sightseeing excursions, dining cruises (brunch, buffet lunch, dinner, and even pizza cruises in the summer), and historical tour cruises,
Exploring the Gilded Age from the water.
As the W.W. Durant glides through the waters of Raquette Lake, passengers are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. Towering pines, sprawling Great Camps, and the distant peaks of the Adirondacks create a picturesque panorama that is truly unforgettable.
Guided narration is a vital feature of these cruises, offering insights into the lake’s history, the legacy of William West Durant, and the construction of the Great Camps. Passengers learn about the influential figures who once called this region home, including the Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie families. This rich storytelling, combined with the natural beauty of Raquette Lake, paints a vivid picture of life in the Adirondacks during the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cruise past the Adirondack Great Camps of the Gilded Age.
A lasting impression.
The Raquette Lake Navigation Company has been a cherished part of the Adirondack experience for over thirty years. The Pohl family’s dedication to preserving the region’s history and natural beauty and commitment to providing exceptional hospitality have made their cruises a highlight for countless visitors.
Floating greenhouse on Raquette Lake.
As the W.W. Durant continues to sail the waters of Raquette Lake, it carries with it not just passengers but the spirit of the Adirondacks. Each cruise is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the past while celebrating the enduring allure of this magnificent region.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a relaxing way to take in the Adirondack scenery, a cruise with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company is an experience not to be missed. As the sun sets over Raquette Lake, casting a golden glow over the water, it’s easy to see why this slice of paradise has captured the hearts of so many.
Experience the beauty of Raquette Lake.
To learn more about Raquette Lake Navigation Company and to book an amazing journey, visit their website.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Raquette Lake.
