Tahquamenon Falls train, riverboat tours may end soon as company goes up for sale
The Tahquamenon Falls Train and Riverboat Tours, which have guided visitors through beautiful Upper Peninsula forests and along Michigan’s largest waterfall, have been around for nearly a century and might come to an end this fall, as the current owners listed it for sale.
According to the Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours website, the tours are celebrating their 96th season, originally beginning in 1927. The Stewart family has owned and operated the location for 42 years, but they plan to retire and step down from the business.
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Typically, the tour lasts around six and a half hours, departing at 10:30 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. at Soo Junction. It begins with a 35-minute train ride on the Toonerville Trolley followed by a two-hour, narrated boat cruise.
Once reaching the rapids of Tahquamenon Falls, the riverboat docks, inviting visitors to participate in a hike. The hike, over half a mile long each way, leads to a private view of the waterfall. Following, the tour retraces its steps, heading back via riverboat and train.
“Today, our tours are a step back in history. Back to the time when the white pine was king and roads were few and far between,” said the website. “The 21-mile stretch of river the boat travels is still scenic and pristine, offering our passengers a view of this breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of their seat.”
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The 2023 tour season began on June 14 and concludes on Oct. 7. Tour dates fluctuate depending on the month. Prices are $55 for adults, $32 for children ages four to 15, $51 for seniors ages 62 and up, and free for children under four.
The Stewarts are looking for someone willing to own and operate the tours. The business, including the train, riverboat, and all other necessary equipment, is listed at $500,000, Dixie Stewart wrote in an email to the Free Press.
There are also two leases to be taken care of. "We will be leasing the land. This will be a long-term and low-cost lease for the gift shop and parking area, the tracks, the dock, and work buildings," wrote Stewart. There is also a lease with the state of Michigan for the trail at the falls, which has to be renewed every ten years.
Stewart, who handles a lot of responsibility for the business, said she's willing to continue working as the new owners get acclimated.
"I am willing to stay on for several more years in whatever capacity that would be needed," she wrote. "I handle the reservations and bookwork, manage the gift shop and the kitchen on the boat and purchase all supplies." She also said the current captain would stay long enough to train a new one.
Those interested are encouraged to reach out over email or phone. To learn more, click here.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Future of Tahquamenon riverboat tour hangs in balance, listed for sale
