The Big Boats of Lake George

There’s just something about hopping on a boat, feeling the fresh Lake George air on your face, and floating along the historic waters, surrounded by the towering Adirondacks. And when it comes to boats on Lake George, bigger is often better. These grand vessels aren’t just modes of transportation—they’re floating pieces of history, tradition, and good old-fashioned fun.

Whether you’re looking to take a short sightseeing cruise or settle in for a full-on dinner voyage, the big boats of Lake George have something to offer everyone. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic boats that have graced (or still grace) the lake, and discover the experiences they provide.

Lac Du Saint Sacrement: The Queen of the Lake

Let’s start with the queen herself—Lac Du Saint Sacrement. Named after the original French name for Lake George, this majestic boat is the largest vessel on the lake and is operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company. If you’re looking to cruise in style, this is the boat to catch.

What to Expect: Aboard the Lac Du Saint Sacrement, you can take a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing to evening dinner and dance cruises. The upper deck provides a perfect view of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it ideal for soaking in the scenery. Inside, you’ll find a dining room where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or brunch, depending on the cruise you choose. The boat also features live entertainment on some cruises—whether that’s a local band or a good old-fashioned DJ to keep the energy high.
Amenities: The boat has two enclosed decks, perfect for those days when the weather's unpredictable. There’s also an open-air deck for those who want to feel the wind in their hair. A full bar, delicious meals, and live music are staples of the dinner cruises. Oh, and don’t forget about the dance floor—because nothing says “vacation” like cutting a rug on a boat!
Duration: Cruises typically last 1.5 to 2 hours for sightseeing, while dinner cruises can stretch up to 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the sights.
How to Get Tickets: You can purchase tickets online via the Lake George Steamboat Company website, or head to the dock in Lake George Village to snag them in person.

The Mini-Ha-Ha: Steamboat Charm in a Small Package

Next up is everyone’s favorite little steamboat with a big personality—the Mini-Ha-Ha. She’s been cruising the lake since the early 1960s, and though she’s smaller than the Lac Du Saint Sacrement, what she lacks in size, she more than makes up for in charm.

What to Expect: This is the boat for those who want to experience a real, authentic paddlewheel steamboat ride. It’s a short cruise, usually lasting about an hour, but you’ll be enchanted the whole time as the paddlewheel churns through the water, leaving a trail of happy onlookers and waving passengers.
Amenities: While the Mini-Ha-Ha may not have the fine dining of the bigger boats, it offers a snack bar where you can grab a drink or a quick bite. The real draw here is the open-air deck where you can enjoy the breeze and get up close to the sights along the shore.
Duration: The Mini-Ha-Ha’s cruises typically last about 1 hour, making it perfect for those who want a quick yet memorable adventure on the water.
How to Get Tickets: Tickets are available through the Lake George Steamboat Company, either online or at the dock. They fill up fast in the summer, so it’s best to book ahead.

The Mohican: A Legacy on the Water

If you’re looking for a boat with a deep-rooted history, the Mohican is your go-to. Launched in 1908, she’s the oldest operating passenger vessel in the United States and has been plying the waters of Lake George for well over a century. This boat was originally used to ferry passengers and cargo around the lake, but today, she’s all about giving visitors a taste of Lake George’s past.

What to Expect: The Mohican is best known for its Paradise Bay cruise, which takes you to the quieter, more secluded parts of the lake. For those wanting to experience Lake George like a local, this is the perfect boat to board. You’ll also find longer cruises, like the Three-Hour Island Cruise and the Full Lake Cruise, which give you a full view of Lake George from north to south.
Amenities: While the Mohican doesn’t offer full meal service like the Lac Du Saint Sacrement, it does have a snack bar and beverages available. The boat also has both enclosed and open-air decks, so you can enjoy the ride no matter the weather.
Duration: The cruises on the Mohican range from a quick 2-hour tour to a full 4.5-hour lake-wide experience.
How to Get Tickets: You can grab tickets online through the Lake George Steamboat Company or at the village dock.

The Adirondack: Modern Elegance

The Adirondack is a sleek and stylish boat operated by the Lake George Waterfront Cruises. If you’re looking for something a little more modern and elegant, the Adirondack is your best bet.

What to Expect: This boat offers scenic daytime cruises and sunset dinner cruises. The Adirondack is perfect for those who want to sit back, relax, and let the views do the talking. The two-hour sunset cruise is particularly popular and offers stunning views of the lake as the sun dips below the horizon.
Amenities: The Adirondack boasts a full bar and snack bar, and you can even rent out the entire boat for special occasions. This boat is all about style and comfort, and it’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening on the lake.
Duration: Cruises range from 1 to 2 hours, with the sunset cruises being the most sought-after.
How to Get Tickets: Tickets are available on the Lake George Waterfront Cruises website or at the Shoreline Marina.

The Horicon: Luxury Meets Lake Life

Another gem operated by the Lake George Waterfront Cruises, the Horicon is a yacht-style boat that’s all about luxury and relaxation. This vessel is a bit more intimate, with a capacity for 150 passengers, making it perfect for smaller gatherings or those who want to avoid the larger crowds.

What to Expect: Onboard the Horicon, you can take a leisurely sightseeing cruise or a relaxing sunset cruise. The boat’s design is sleek and modern, and it offers breathtaking views of the lake from its open-air deck.
Amenities: The Horicon has a full bar, so you can sip a cocktail while cruising the lake. You’ll also find plush seating, making this one of the more comfortable options for a laid-back lake experience.
Duration: Cruises typically last 1 to 2 hours.
How to Get Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the Lake George Waterfront Cruises website or at the Shoreline Marina in the village.

The Morgan: A Private Affair

If you’re staying at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to take a ride on The Morgan, a replica of a 19th-century touring boat. This boat is only available to resort guests, making it a unique and private way to experience the lake.

What to Expect: The Morgan offers morning and afternoon sightseeing cruises, and you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful spots on the lake. The boat’s vintage design gives you the feel of stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts.
Amenities: The Morgan features a full bar and plenty of comfortable seating. The real luxury here, though, is the private and intimate atmosphere.
Duration: Cruises last about an hour and a half.
How to Get Tickets: Reservations are required and can be made through the Sagamore Resort.

Historical Boats of Lake George: A Glimpse Into the Past

Lake George has a rich maritime history, and some of the most famous boats to ever ply these waters are no longer in operation, but their stories live on.

The Ticonderoga: One of the most famous steamboats on the lake, the Ticonderoga was built in 1884 and was a key player in the lake’s golden era of steamboat travel. She could carry over 1,000 passengers and was known for her luxurious accommodations. While the Ticonderoga no longer sails, her legacy lives on, and she remains an icon of Lake George history.
The Mohawk and Sagamore: These steamers were part of the fleet in the early 20th century and were known for ferrying passengers up and down the lake. They may no longer be cruising, but their contribution to the history of Lake George is undeniable.

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Whether you’re hopping on one of the modern cruisers or imagining yourself aboard one of the great steamers of yesteryear, the big boats of Lake George offer a timeless way to experience the beauty of the lake. From quick sightseeing trips to full-blown dinner cruises, there’s a boat and an experience waiting for you. So, grab your tickets, climb aboard, and get ready to make some waves on Lake George!