One of the really fun activities here in the North Country is to take a cruise on Lake George. If you have never been to "The Queen of the American Lakes," it's a great way to get to know the history of the lake and enjoy the scenery while relaxing on the water.
The Steamboat Company of Lake George has three passenger vessels to choose from. They all offer different options to enjoy the lake.
Mohican III, The Original Mohican (1894-1907) was a wooden hull vessel, 93 feet long, that was replaced with a steel hull in December of 1907. It was re-christened Mohican. At that time the vessel was steam driven and would burn ten tons of coal each day. She was steam-powered through the World War II years, and was the only passenger ship on the lake at that time. In November of 1946, her engines were converted to diesel. The last renovation of the Mohican took place in 1967 with the replacement of the wood and canvas superstructure with steel. This is the 93rd year for the Mohican on Lake George. At 9 a.m. each morning, the Mohican sets sail on her fully narrated "Discovery Cruise." This 4 1/2-hour cruise is the only complete tour of Lake George, going from the south end of the Lake to Ticonderoga and back. Each afternoon the Mohican sails through the "Narrows" area of Lake George and into Paradise Bay.
The Minnie-Ha-Ha was built on Lake George in 1969. It was an authentic stern wheeler steamboat roughly 100 feet in length with a glass-enclosed engine room in a sunken area three feet below the main deck. Passengers can see the engine working and watch the equipment respond to bell signals from the pilothouse.
Christened Minnie-Ha-ha, meaning "laughing waters," the name keeps the tradition of perpetuating old steamer names. The Minnie cruises the lake daily taking one-hour, narrated trips close to the shoreline. Between cruises, while at the "Steel Pier" you can enjoy the show tunes played on the ship's steam calliope.
About three years ago, the Minnie underwent a make-over. The length was extended and an elevator was installed to provide access to the upper decks for all.
The third, and largest, of the Steamboat Company's passenger ships is the Lac du Saint Sacrement. This 190 foot vessel was so christened in 1989 with the blessing of Bishop Raymond Kalisz. Now in her 12th year of service, the Lac du Saint Sacrement sets sail on daily luncheon and dinner cruises. There is also a band that provides music for dancing on many of the evening cruises. This vessel has met the demand for large groups, conventions, and moonlight sailing offering entertainment and first-class food.
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