New to the line-up in 2025, Big Blue offers passengers a chance to experience Lake Michigan on a historic vessel re-imagined.

First launched in 1947, it now offers public tours with option to explore Lake Michigan, the Grand River or Spring Lake.

Bring your own snacks and drinks on board.

Travel from the Kalamazoo River to Lake Michigan aboard the Star of Saugatuck.

This authentic sternwheel paddleboat trip is offered as either a daytime or sunset adventure that includes a narrated tour. Kids will enjoy the animals: passengers frequently see foxes, bald eagles, and deer.

A cash-only snack bar is available onboard (no outside food or beverages). The upper deck is open and the lower deck is enclosed.

Tour beautiful Lake Macatawa into Lake Michigan on the Holland Princess.

This 65-foot paddlewheel riverboat offers dinner and lunch cruises or private charters for events.

Children can take a turn on the karaoke machine and pick a prize from the captain’s treasure chest.

The Aquastar tours Muskegon Lake for just under two hours. Cruises typically run twice daily (afternoon and sunset); private charters also available. Check weekends for themed cruises, including luaus and pirate cruises.

Kids (10 and under) ride for free with a paid adult during the afternoon/sunset cruises.

The Tall Ship MJ is vintage sailing schooner that has that “old friend” feeling even when meeting her for the first time.  Tall Ship MJ is a wooden schooner built in 1975, but modeled after work boats from Nova Scotia that were popular about 120 years ago.

MJ offers Private Charters, Day Sails, Sunset sails, a Kids Neverland Sail, Expedition Sails (Kids Only), and Pink Salts – An All Girls (Teenage) Sailing Adventure.

Select a skipper, untie the lines and hit the water with Blue Water Boat Rentals. Offering pontoon boats, speed boats and dinghy boats, your family can choose their own adventure.

Same day reservations are accepted, however booking in advance is advised.

In operation since 1838, Saugatuck Chain Ferry is the only remaining chain driven ferry in the country! Three pullies keep it in line as it is being pulled across the Kalamazoo River.

You can hop the ferry for a ride across the river and then take the walking trail to Oval Beach.

Open Memorial Day – Labor Day. Hours are subject to captain availability.

Visit a World War II submarine, the USS Silversides. This vessel earned 12 battle stars and is credited with sinking 23 ships.

If a day tour isn’t long enough, they offer overnight stays. Kids will also enjoy the Submarine Tech Class, where they can build their own submarines in teams.

Bonus: when you’re done exploring USS Silversides, you can also go inside USCGC Mclane Cutter. Designed as a patrol ship, the Mclane was transferred to the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946.

Also in Muskegon, stop by the SS Milwaukee Clipper and tour this 1904 vessel during the summer. This ship is the oldest passenger steamship on the Great Lakes and carried passengers from Muskegon to Milwaukee.

Visitors will enjoy exploring this old ferry ship (built 8 years before the Titanic) which features a movie theater, ballroom and art deco interior.