riverboat cruises near grand rapids mi

• The Grand Lady Riverboat
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The Grand Lady is constructed in the style of the steamboats that served the communities along the Grand River during the 1800′s. Although she is a modern vessel, she has many of the characteristics which made the early steam powered riverboats so successful on the Grand.

With her shallow draft, the Grand Lady can operate along the full length of the lower Grand, from the Lakeshore Railroad Bridge at mile 37.7 in Grand Rapids, to the mouth of the river at Grand Haven, including Spring Lake.

One of the main features of early riverboats was the giant paddlewheel. The Grand Lady has two identical stern paddlewheels, which may be operated independently. This allows her to be easily maneuvered in the narrow channels and sandbars of the river. The paddle wheels also allow her to operate in very shallow water (as little as 2½ feet), where a modern vessel would be grounded.

Food and snacks is available onboard as well as live music and bar facilities. Both open cruises and charters are available. Typical events include parties, weddings, school groups, historic tours as well as a full schedule of open public cruises.

The main cabin will seat up to 80 passengers and the upper deck has a seated capacity of 65. The upper deck can be reached by three staircases; two at the front of the main cabin and one at the stern. The lower deck, main cabin and restrooms are fully handicapped accessible and ramps are provided for boarding and debarking.

Both decks and pilothouse are designed for Michigan’s unpredictable weather. With a cruising season from May 1st through October 31st, the Grand Lady can provide a comfortable experience, regardless of the season.

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Looking for a last minute getaway idea? Need some inspiration for a weekend away with that someone special or ‘cabin fever’ family? Check out our latest list of lodging packages and deals in the Grand Haven area!

1 Day Around Town Itinerary

If you’re here for only one day, you’re going to have to be strategic about what you see and do. Some tough choices are ahead, but don’t worry. We’re here to help with a dawn-to-dusk-plus-late-night list of possible must-sees and -dos (psst … think beach, boardwalk, big burritos, bands and beyond) that are sure to translate into your idea of the perfect summer day.

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Embark on a Unique Adventure: Discover Fun Things to Do in Lansing Aboard the Michigan Princess

Experience the michigan princess riverboat, one of the top things to do in lansing.

Welcome aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat, a captivating blend of 19th-century charm and modern entertainment, making it a premier tourist destination in Lansing, Michigan. Explore one of the best things to do near you with our unique dining and cruise experience. Take in the live music or one of a variety of entertainment events that guarantee unforgettable memories. Whether you're planning a special occasion, date night, or family event, we offer a seamless experience any day of the week.

As a replica of a 19th-century steamboat, the Michigan Princess has graced the Grand River for over 30 years, becoming an iconic Lansing tourist attraction. Nestled in the heart of mid-Michigan, our riverboat offers views of the Grand River, creating an intimate atmosphere with picturesque scenery. From weddings to proms, corporate events to birthday parties, and more, our riverboat provides a unique venue for your special moments.

For those seeking fun things to do near you this weekend, we offer an array of cruises and events that cater to various interests. From captivating a murder mystery dinner to our senior lunch cruise, we have the perfect setting for birthday parties, baby showers or anniversaries. Explore unique things to do in Lansing, Michigan, and make every moment special on the Michigan Princess Riverboat.

Come sail with us, and let the Michigan Princess Riverboat be your destination for unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

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Our unique backdrop is perfect for hosting special events and private parties.

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There’s always something happening aboard our Riverboat.

• Free Parking Leave your car and cares behind.
• On-Board Catering Enjoy a delicious meal.
• Beverage Stations Celebrate with a toast.
• Climate Controlled Guaranteed comfort year round.
• Fully Enclosed Cruise rain or shine.
• Outdoor Seating Take in the views of Grand River.

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Did You Know You Can Cruise on a River Boat on the Grand River?

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What, a River Boat in Grand Rapids? You bet and it cruises the Grand River every week.

I wrote about this last year, but thought I should bring it up again since summer is slowly coming to a close and it is sooooo much fun, and, you still have time to cruise the Grand River in style.

It's the Grand Lady Riverboat , located at Steamboat Park in Jenison,  just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. They have Sightseeing Cruises, Live Music Cruises, and Private Charters on the Grand River. You get to enjoy scenic river views, wildlife, live local bands, and refreshing beverages from the lower deck bar.

The Grand Lady is constructed in the style of the steamboats that once served the communities along the Grand River during the 1800′s. Back then they mostly carried cargo up and down the river, but some offered cruises for passengers.

In the early 1900's there was a big paddle wheel steam boat that people from far and wide would come to cruise on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids.

Of course, we're all familiar with the big Riverboats that would cruise the Mississippi, and the showboats, a floating theater that would port a small towns along the mighty Mississippi and entertain the folks.

The Grand Lady doesn't port at small towns along the Grand, but does have lots of fun and great entertainment cruises with bands and many nights features some of the best singers in Michigan like Mary Rademacher and her incredible band of friends.

They have two bars onboard, and you are not allowed to bring your own drinks to a cruise, even water, since you must buy it on the riverboat.

However, you can bring your own food if you like and have a real picnic, or just buy snacks from them.

No matter, it is a Grand Time on the Grand Lady Riverboat!

UP NEXT: Michigan Waterfalls You Absolutely Have to Visit

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THE BEST Grand Rapids Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in grand rapids.

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Grand Lady Riverboat - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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River Town Adventures is excited to partner with J & K Steamboat Company, the same company who brought Lansing the Michigan Princess Riverboat at Grand River Park. The Grand Princess Riverboat is a double-decked riverboat that can cruise effortlessly along the Grand River in Downtown Lansing. Rent the Riverboat for your next event, or ride along for one of our River Taxi events. Perfect for corporate events, family groups, fundraisers, and more!

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• 530 River Street,   Lansing ,  MI   48933    (517) 253-7523

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Michigan

Sophie Boudreau

More by this Author

Warmer weather is finally upon us, and that means it’s time to get outside and appreciate all that our beautiful state has to offer. From waterfront hikes to zip-lines, there’s something here to delight each and every Michigander. But there’s one exciting activity that will take you on a journey back in time, and you’ll undoubtedly want to return for more.

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For more information about the Grand Lady Riverboat and its multiple cruising options, click here . Have you enjoyed a journey on this boat in years past? Share your experiences in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Steamboat Park

Scenic RV Campground, Jenison, Michigan

Campground info

Summer 2024.

Book your reservation online starting Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024. We will not be taking phone reservations on January 2, 2024. However, you may email us any time at [email protected] (or call between 1pm and 5pm) with questions, and for assistance with extended stays and Group Reservations. Thank you

• RV Campsites  on the scenic Grand River Greenway with Kayaking and Boating access directly from the campground
• Easy access to downtown Grand Rapids by freeway or bike path
• Ride or walk the Idema Explorer’s Trail from the campground entrance.
• Hundreds of acres of Ottawa County Parks adjacent to the campground
• 108 Full Hook-Up RV Sites including Back-In, Pull-Through, and Riverside Back-In
• Boaters are welcome to launch at our concrete boat-ramp to more than 40 miles of river, lakes and bayous on the Grand River between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan.
• Big Rigs have easy access into angled campsites.
• All sites feature gravel pads with concrete patios.
• Fire Ring and Picnic Table  at each RV site
• High capacity utilities , including city water and sewer, 20/30/50 amp electric on all sites
• Fishing Docks are provided along the campground during the In-Season.

Map, Amenities, and Activities

Come join us at Steamboat Park Campground for summer fun and relaxation on the banks of the Grand River.

Our park supports big rigs with large angled sites, paved roads and features 108 full hook-up campsites.  Many sites are directly on the river with gently sloping shoreline and a sandy bottom.   Watercraft are welcome at no extra charge.   Guests may use our boat ramp and store trailers in our auxiliary parking area.

As our guest, you have a short and easy drive to downtown Grand Rapids (only 7 miles away).  You can explore all the city has to offer.

We also have entertainments right in the park.  Be sure to take a ride on our reproduction paddle-wheel riverboat, The Grand Lady .  We offer regular cruises with live music on board and you are welcome to pack a picnic for the cruise.

In the park, you can swim in our heated pool, or venture out on the Grand River and the developing Grand River Greenway project with many new parks and trails.

Our family has enjoyed the natural beauty of the Grand River here for seven generations. We hope you will as well.

Bill Boynton & Greg Boynton

RV Campground

2024 in-season (may 1 – october 1, 2024), daily rates.

• $55 Standard Back-In Site, per weekday night
• $70 Pull-Through Site, per weekday night
• $75 Riverside Back-In Site, per weekday night
• +$10 per Weekend night

Weekly Rates

Monthly rates.

Summer: The online booking system will open for reservations the morning of Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Check Availability

2023-2024 Off-Season (October 15, 2023 – April 30, 2024)

• Daily Rate: $45-$65 (rate is based on 2 adults, 4 children, and 1 dog)
• Monthly Rate: $700-$775 per month (based on $25 per day for 2 adults, 4 children, and 1 dog), plus metered electric

Off-Season Extended Stay

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Cider Week Giveaway

We’re celebrating the return of Cider Week GR (May 10-18, 2024) with a cider-themed giveaway! Register to win by May 18, 2024!

Grand Outdoors - Alive with Water

See how the Grand River makes water recreation easy and convenient.

Boating and Paddling in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has been named America’s Best River Town (Outside Magazine) and one of the country’s Top 10 Waterfront Towns (National Geographic Adventure Magazine). So it’s no surprise that the area is a mecca for paddleboarders, canoers, kayakers and other enthusiasts of river and lake boating.

The Grand River that flows through downtown Grand Rapids is a major focus of aquatic adventure. You can launch your own watercraft from nine local public access sites, rent a canoe or kayak for a guided tour, even take a scenic  paddlewheel riverboat cruise . Three close-by tributary rivers – Flat River, Rogue River and Thornapple River – offer additional boating opportunities.

If lakes are more your style, you’ll find 50+ choices in the immediate area – starting with  Millennium Park , just five minutes from downtown. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or paddleboard to explore the park’s 100 acres of water and four miles of shoreline. Rentals are also available on Lake Michigan, the spectacular freshwater lake 30 minutes to our west.

Paddling Grand Rapids: So Much Water, So Many Choices

• photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has been named America’s Best River Town (Outside Magazine) and one of the country’s Top 10 Beach Towns (National Geographic). So it’s no surprise that the area is a mecca for stand up…

Guide to Canoeing in and Around Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a wonderful place to be year round, but summer is when the city really shines. There are a number of ways to discover Grand Rapids’ beauty, such as by foot, by bike, by trolley and by…

Lakes & Rivers

Grand Rapids is home to many beaches, rivers and lakes that are within a 30 minute drive, from the Grand River in downtown to the beaches of Lake Michigan.

Things to Do: Cruise down the Grand River on the Michigan Princess Riverboat

I'm Tianna Jenkins, your neighborhood reporter with a creative twist in Downtown Lansing, Old Town, and REO Town.

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Princess Riverboat has been the go-to spot to celebrate on the Grand River in Lansing for more than 30 years.

"We are a triple-deck, Victorian-style riverboat. We are the only one within 100 miles," said Sara Faggion, the general manager, chef and first mate of the Michigan Princess.

The riverboat has offered more rides than you can count on one hand.

"We gave over a half a million rides," Faggion said.

From public cruises to weddings to private parties, everyone on board is destined to have fun while it's docked or headed down the Grand River.

"We do all sorts of different events from sightseeing dinner cruises, lunch cruises, entertainment from bands, DJs, just about anything you can imagine," Faggion said. "They have the whole boat to themselves, so they can walk around wander wherever they want. It's pretty much their boat for the day."

And they feed you, and who doesn't love a good meal?

"Sometimes we do just heavy apps, but most of the time, they get a full meal," Faggion said.

Some of its unique features are inspired by another famous ship, the Titanic, including a grand staircase and a telegraph.

"It's what you'll find in the engine room just like what you saw on the Titanic. So when the captain is up here giving direction, there's another identical one down in the engine room that tells the engineers what to do," said Captain Pico Perez.

You'll typically find him inside the wheel house operating the boat. And yes, it's a big one.

"She weighs in at a whopping 272,000 pounds, so that's just over 135 tons," he said. "I think my favorite part is the kids in the weddings. When the kids come up here, and they get a look out the window, and I give them a couple turns at the wheel."

The Michigan Princess has a ton of cool events coming up, so make sure you grab your tickets to have an amazing experience on the Grand River.

For more upcoming events and more information, click here .

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Grand Rapids Riverfront Tour

Hidden Artwork

Fascinating Stories

Native American History

Walk Through History Over the Grand River

The Grand River was important 2,000 years ago to Native Americans and a vital part of helping expand West Michigan. It is still changing as Grand Rapids becomes even more popular as a place people want to relax and enjoy experiences. Join us on our Riverfront Tour as we walk through river history and explore big plans for the future of the Grand River downtown.

Walk along the banks of the river and appreciate the fine architecture, from historic to modern.

Learn about how the river has influenced artwork and development in Grand Rapids.

Discover stories of Native American history, log jams, and what happened to the rapids the city is named after.

Find hidden artwork and historical sites with the help from your expert guide.

Click the Tabs to Find out More

Experience details, the details.

• Person (Over 5 years): $30
• Children 5 and under: Free

Departure Time

Meeting point.

Lyon Square, 296 Lyon NW, Grand Rapids (where Lyon St meets the Grand River behind Amway Grand Plaza Hotel)

Availability

Mon-Sun, year-round

2 miles approx.

Min. 4 – max. 20 people

1 professional tour guide

Not Included

What to bring.

• Comfortable shoes
• Dress for the weather (layers in winter)

Participation Requirements

Guests should be comfortable with walking 2 miles

About Your Guide

Certified tourism ambassador guide

What You'll Do & See

On our Riverfront Tour, learn what happened to the rapids that gave the city its name. We’ll walk along the river bank exploring the themes of the river that shaped our city into what it is today. You’ll find out about how the Grand Rapids economy is jumping the river to the Westside.

We’ll explore hidden art and riverside attractions that demonstrate how our lives are centered around this body of water. We may even spot some wildlife that loves our river as much as we do!

See What Our Previous Guests Have Said...

Christine hartges | october 2020, google reviews.

She led us on a walking tour of Grand Rapids while providing interesting architectural, historical, and stories of ghostly characters. Candice has obviously done her homework investigating the shadowy characters and has gathered first-hand accounts from current employees in many of the buildings. We will absolutely be taking another tour from Tours around Michigan!

Debbie Villarreal | October 2020

Facebook reviews.

Candice was an excellent guide! I’ve lived near Grand Rapids and never knew all the history of these beautiful buildings downtown. I can’t wait to go again. I highly recommend her tour she has some great stories. Thank you Candice!

Brittnie Finkbeiner | November 2020

Candice was passionate, knowledgeable and kept the tour exciting. Def will take another tour soon.

Dave Bucher | September 2020

Candace was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable, made the tour very fun and interesting.

You May Also Like...

City tour grand rapids, grand rapids church tour, grand rapids art tour.

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Lenger Travel Center in Grand Rapids: Let us put our experience to work for you!

Dream Now, Travel Later!

No dream is too big or too small.

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Go to Alaska with the best! Let the Alaska experts at Lenger Travel plan your next adventure:

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The Grand Lady

Riverboat at Steamboat Park, Jenison, Michigan

Dates & Tickets

2022 sightseeing cruises and live music cruises.

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Mackinac Island welcomes first cruise ship of the season, and it’s a big one

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 5:41 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 30, 2024, 1:42 p.m.

The Viking Octantis was the first ship to call on Mackinac Island for the 2024 Great Lakes cruising season on Tuesday, April 30. The 665-foot ship anchored and brought passengers to shore by tender boat. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

• Justine Lofton | [email protected]

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Mackinac Island welcomed its first cruise ship of the season on Tuesday.

The Viking Octantis, one of the largest cruise ships on the Great Lakes, anchored off the shores of Mackinac Island and used tender boats to take passengers to the island for a day visit, which began with a carriage tour.

“We’re excited to be a stop along their journey and look forward to having folks visit from near and far!” Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau said on Facebook.

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s most popular cruise destination.

RELATED: ‘We didn’t find them, they found us:’ Mackinac Island is most popular Michigan cruise ship port

In 2023, around 20,000 cruise ship passengers visited the National Historic Landmark island, making an economic impact of nearly $2 million. Nine cruise ships each visited dozens of times for a total of around 100 calls.

The Great Lakes cruising season continues through October.

At 665 feet long, the Viking Octantis shares the title of the largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes with its identical sister ship the Viking Polaris.

RELATED: A video tour on board the largest cruise ship ever to sail Great Lakes

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