Lake George Steamboat Company
Cruise the majestic waters of Lake George on a genuine steam paddlewheel ship, a historic tour boat or the largest cruise ship on the inland waters of New York State.
Photos courtesy of Lake George Steamboat Company.
A terrific way to see and experience Lake George, also known as The Queen of American Lakes, is by water. At 32 miles long, 187 ft deep and ranging from one to three miles wide, there is much to enjoy. Surrounded by mountains, it is home to 170 islands and was originally called Andia-ta-roc-te by local Native Americans (kinda sounds like “Adirondack,” right? Just sayin’).
Our first experience with the Lake George Steamboat Company was on a school trip many moons ago. If memory serves, it was on the Mohican, the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America. First launched in 1908, the Mohican makes several different trips a day. Since our Lil ADKer days, we’ve taken many cruises on Steamboat Company ships. It’s always a multigenerational crowd pleaser.
Cruisers can tour the entire lake on the 6-hour Mohican Full Lake Cruise. There is a snack bar/grill onboard, as well as a cocktail bar. That was probably not on the trip our 6th-grade class took.
If you want something less time-intensive, enjoy the 2.5-hour Islands of the Narrows Cruise, a 14-mile journey through the area called “The Narrows,” considered to be the most scenic, peaceful, calming and beautiful spot on Lake George.
Also in the Lake George Steamboat Company fleet is the Minne Ha Ha. This vessel’s Paddlewheel Cruise takes guests on a tour of the Southern end of Lake George. In season, guests enjoy an hour-long adventure back in time to experience a sense of what it was like to cruise the lake over 100 years ago on an authentic paddlewheel boat.
One special feature of the Minne Ha Ha, guests are greeted by the merry tunes of The Calliope, an antique musical instrument once a feature on showboats, This is an excellent option for all ages.
Or, if you’re so inclined, take a gastronomic voyage on one of the dinner or lunch cruises on the Lac du Saint Sacrement. This vessel’s dining room is climate controlled, so guests can enjoy it from Spring through Fall (obvs not in Winter).
The Lake George Steamboat Company website breaks down all the options, so you can pick what’s best for you and your travel companions.
On every cruise, your Captain provides narration, pointing out the history, geology, and historical sites, so you get an appreciation of this remarkable place.
A few tips:
Most cruises are handicap accessible on the first deck.
Strollers welcome.
No outside food or drinks.
Schedules are subject to change.
No dogs are allowed on the boats. Or cats. Or squirrels.
All vessels are non-smoking, non-vaping
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