Attraction Spotlight: Steamboat Minnehaha
Steamboat Minnehaha is the restored 1906 steamboat that sails through Lake Minnetonka all summer long. Starting Memorial Day until October when the colors are changing, the steamboat delights visitors by taking them on scenic cruises around the lake. You’ll take a ride “back in time” by riding on a piece of history. Here is a look at what it’s like to ride the Steamboat Minnehaha in Excelsior.
History of the steamboat
The 1906 steamboat was one of a fleet of seven that would help transporting people to the luxurious hotels on the lake. Since boats were sunk at the end of the useful life of a vessel during the time when automobiles came to be, the Steamboat Minnehaha was sunk in 1926 and recovered 50 years later at the bottom of the lake. In 1980 it was raised, restoration began in 1990 and the first public cruise took place in 1996. It now operates as a nonprofit museum.
Visiting the steamboat
When you’re ready to take a cruise on this piece of history, the Steamboat Minnehaha offers cruises to the public and it’s now in its 15th year. The floating museum is run by volunteers. You can visit on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day until mid-October. This season the steamboat rides will start on May 23rd and you can also check out special cruises for $5 and the Wayzata Concert Cruises on Wednesday nights.
Schedule
Saturdays and Sundays from May 24 – Sept 14 is open to the public except for special event cruises on June 14-15, June 28-29 and Sept 6-7. Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, Independence Day and Labor Day are also special event cruises. Ticket prices for weekends and holidays are $15 for adults, $5 for children and children under 3 are free. Buy tickets on the boat or online and arrive 15 minutes early.
Cruises include the Minnetonka’s Gold Coast, a 75 minute cruise around Wayzata Bay where you’ll go past many of the greatest homes and picturesque shorelines, or try the Legends of Big Island that cruises around Big Island seeing the most fabled landmark, points of interest like the Cruiser’s Cove and the historic Oakwood neighborhood.
Take a cruise on the Steamboat Minnehaha located at 37 Water Street in downtown Excelsior, MN.
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