Explore Moosehead Lake’s Natural Beauty by Steamboat

For more than 150 years, people have traveled to Moosehead Lake in Maine for adventure and relaxation. Mount Kineo's 700-foot cliffs shoot straight out of the water, which is dotted with more than 80 islands, and some say moose outnumber people three to one.

In the 1800s, steamboats were the only way to get to mountain resorts and camps. They were used to deliver mail, livestock and — in support of the timber industry — large rafts of logs. During the steamboat's heyday, as many as 50 would be tugging across the lake at once.

Visitors can experience the majesty of Moosehead Lake and its steamboat history on the Katahdin, affectionately known as Kate. This hardworking steamboat built in 1914 participated in the nation's last log drive and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Kate has been restored and provides a variety of passenger cruises around the lake:

• The Sugar Island Cruise offers a three-hour trip around Moosehead Lake's widest area, just north of Sugar Island.
• The Mt. Kineo Cruise allows passengers to experience the mountain cliffs during the 5.5-hour ride.
• The Moose Island Cruise is a family-friendly cruise of just two hours, during which you'll see the West Cove, Moose Island and Beaver Cove.
• R&B Dance Cruise is a special three-hour event for those 21 and older.
• Head of the Lake Cruise offers an eight-hour tour of the entire lake, along with narration, continental breakfast, and dinner.
• Brews & Blues Cruise features beer by Geaghan’s Brewing Co. and Blues tunes by Salty Dog during a three-hour experience for those 21 and older.
• Fly-In Cruise allows you to watch the International Seaplane Fly-in on Sept. 10, 2022, from arguably the best seat on the lake.

Cruises start June 17 and run through October, so click here for schedules and ticket information.