Boblo Island Steamers - 1990

The steamers COLUMBIA (1902) and Ste. CLAIRE (1910) were constructed to ferry passengers between downtown Detroit, MI and the amusement park on Boblo Island in the Detroit River and remained in that service until they were retired in 1991, shortly before the park closed. Both vessels are equipped with a single triple-expansion engine and a passenger capacity of about 2500. Various organizations have so far unsuccessfully attempted to reactive the old ships but efforts continue.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Boblo Island
• steamship
• steamboat

[rexships]

It pleases me to enclounter individuals who still respect the by-gone days of leisure travel. With so much happening in the world, it's nice to reminence on the 'quieter' times; inpart, with a trip on the river.

I have been fortunate to replicate these vessels in miniature for those who desired such a moment behind glass. I thank the person who coined the idea, the company that built the vessel, and the people who kept the tradition. Kudos.

[MrMg0918]

Wonderful video! What great memories! Thank you for posting this!

[mmichaelc]

Thank you for posting this GREAT videos of both ships. Do you have anymore video's of either the island or the boats? Thanks