The Boblo Boat Is Back, And You Can Finally Step Aboard Again

Can you believe that it’s been 33 years since the Boblo Island Amusement Park officially closed? Operating on the Detroit River for 95 years, the park first opened on June 18, 1898. I have fond memories of my grandparents taking me to the island between Detroit and Windsor. And as a kid, one of the coolest parts was riding the ferry to get there.

A Piece Of Boblo History Is Back

If you went to Boblo Island back in the day, chances are you rode either the S.S. Columbia or the S.S. Ste. Claire. Well, now the S.S. Ste. Claire is open as a floating museum!

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The S.S. Ste. Claire was built in 1910 and spent decades carrying families to and from Boblo Island. The boat is now open at Riverside Marina in Detroit, where visitors can walk through the lower deck and see Boblo souvenirs, historical artifacts and original equipment.

Your Chance To Visit The Boblo Boat

The boat doesn't leave the dock, but you can actually step aboard and experience a piece of that history. WXYZ reported that the Ste. Claire survived a devastating fire in 2018 that destroyed its top three decks. Restoration crews have been working for years to bring the historic boat back, and the work is still continuing.

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The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, and no appointment is needed. It's located at 150 St. Jean in Detroit, with parking next to the boat. There's even a souvenir stand and concessions, including popcorn, cotton candy, water and Faygo.

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And the best part? All proceeds from the museum go directly toward restoring the Ste. Claire. So if you remember Boblo Island, this could be a pretty cool trip down memory lane. Because for a lot of us, it wasn't just the amusement park we remember. It was the boat ride getting there.