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• Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum

Katahdin Cruises and the Moosehead Marine Museum

Scenic cruises on Moosehead Lake

Katahdin Cruises and the Moosehead Marine Museum invite you to experience history. Step aboard KATAHDIN for a leisurely cruise and enjoy the natural beauty and history of Moosehead Lake. Visitors are also welcome to browse the shoreside museum.

KATAHDIN was built in 1914 by the Bath Iron Works shipyard. Steamboats like KATAHDIN carried passengers, livestock, mail, supplies and equipment to large resorts, small hunting camps and villages around the lake.

Yet soon after KATAHDIN was launched, lake steamboating faded away. Cars and trucks began carrying more and more travelers and cargo on new roads around Moosehead. By the mid-1930s, only KATAHDIN remained of the lake's once-large steamboat fleet. KATAHDIN was converted to diesel power and used as a towboat to haul booms (rafts) of logs. She continued that job until 1975 and worked the nation's last log drive. She was then designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1976, the Moosehead Marine Museum was founded. It acquired the KATAHDIN as its star exhibit. In addition to the KATAHDIN, the Museum has an extensive collection of steamboat memorabilia and early photographs of the Moosehead area. The Marine Museum is dedicated to preserving the glorious days of steamboating and the heritage of the Moosehead Lake Region.

• Address 12 Lily Bay Road PO Box 1151 Greenville, Maine 04441
• Phone 207-695-2716
• Website www.katahdincruises.com
• Payments Accepted Visa and Mastercard
• Hours Open late June through Columbus Day weekend. Private charters available. For a full cruise schedule and rates visit www.katahdincruises.com

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Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum

Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Maine’s Moosehead Lake from aboard the historic steamboat Katahdin. Katahdin Cruises are one of the areas most popular attractions, offering a variety of leisurely lake cruises as well as operating the Moosehead Marine Museum.

There are lots of fun things to do on and around Moosehead Lake, so many that it can be hard to choose. Still, if you’ve never been here before, one of the first boxes that most check off is a Moosehead Lake steamboat tour.

Once upon a time, steamboating was all the rage on Moosehead Lake. Many such ships plied these waters, carrying passengers, livestock, mail, supplies, and equipment to a variety of destinations around the lake. In fact, the Katahdin, often affectionately referred to as the “Kate,” was built in 1914 by Bath Iron Works for just such a life.

Timing is everything, however. The Katahdin only served as a passenger transport for a short time. By the mid-1930s the Great Depression and new roads around the lake had diminished the need for a steamboat fleet. Only the Katahdin remained and she had been converted to a diesel logging towboat. A job she stayed at until the nation’s last log drive in 1975.

After the Katahdin had dragged its last raft of logs, a local nonprofit group was organized to restore and preserve the historic boat. The Moosehead Marine Museum was founded with the National Historic Site, steamboat Katahdin, as its primary exhibit.

Katahdin Cruises on Moosehead Lake

Katahdin Cruises is located on the water in Greenville, ME at 12 Lily Bay Road. This is less than 5 minutes away from our Moosehead Lake bed and breakfast, Lodge at Moosehead Lake .

A variety of cruises are available, including:

Moosehead Lake Brunch Cruise : Enjoy a delicious brunch from Kelly’s Landing while aboard the historic steamboat Katahdin for a 2 hour cruise of Moosehead Lake.

Sugar Island Cruise : Cruise past Sugar Island and other scenic landmarks while learning about area’s history on this 3 hour, narrated tour.

Mt Kineo Cruise : Take in the natural beauty and learn the history of iconic Mt Kineo. You’ll also see landmarks like Beaver Cove and Sugar Island on this 5 hour cruise.

Head of the Lake Cruise : Travel the length of Moosehead Lake on this 8 hour, full-day cruise with narration. Continental breakfast and dinner included.

They also offer special 4th of July Fireworks Cruises , Sunset Dance Cruises , a Brews & Blues Cruise , and even a Fly-in Cruise !

Visitors are also invited to browse Moosehead Marine Museum’s extensive collection of steamboat memorabilia and early Moosehead area photographs.

Learn more on the Katahdin Cruise website . You can also find them on Facebook .

The Lodge at Moosehead Lake loves sharing the area with our guests! What do you want to do while you are here? Let us know and we can help make it happen. See you soon!

Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum

Maine Highlands   Show phone number 207.695.2716   https://www.katahdincruises.com/katahdin-cruises/

A National Historic Site, the steamboat Katahdin , more than any other remaining piece of Moosehead’s history, truly reflects the many eras, interests and businesses of the region’s past and present. Built in 1914 by the young shipyard Bath Iron Works, the Katahdin was later converted to diesel. Now in her centennial year, she is the final link to a bygone era. Affectionately called the “Kate” , she’s a beautiful vessel and a step into the past. Get your tickets today!

Katahdin Cruise Routes

Quick ‘Kate’ Facts:

• Katahdin Cruises travel Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine
• Narration of region’s rich history included
• Spacious decks with ample indoor and outdoor seating
• Beverages, sandwiches and snacks available from our working galley

Galley Menu 2019

• Handicap accessibility on 1st deck
• Reservations required only for special events and special cruises
• Charters for weddings, corporate outings and private parties by reservation – call the office to arrange
• NO SMOKING permitted on board
• No pets aboard the vessel – only certified service animals allowed
• Maximum capacity 225
• Children aged 10 and under are required to wear a life jacket while on board – we supply life jackets but often children are more comfortable with their own

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Katahdin Cruises

Review Highlights

“ The galley sold a wide variety of food on board, including some homemade desserts. ” in 4 reviews

“ We went out on the Katahdin ( also known as " The Kate" ) for our first time on there three hour cruise they call the Sugar Island Cruise . ” in 2 reviews

“ The way back is not narrated as they are doing tours of the engine room and the bridge. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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12 Lily Bay Road

Greenville, ME 04441

About the Business

Cruise spectacular Moosehead Lake aboard the 100+ year old Steamship Katahdin and visit our shoreside museum to take a trip into the area's steamboating and lumbering past. …

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We received complementary tickets for the 3-hour Sugar Island cruise, so we invited a couple of friends to join us and headed out. As others have noted, they load the travelers in the order they bought their tickets. We reserved our places early, but my wife also has mobility issues, so they may have boarded us first due to that. We went slightly off season, so the boat wasn't crowded. We sat on the upper level in the front of the boat (the bow) which had a great viewpoint, though you are also exposed to sun and wind. With the boat not being close to full, our friends went to sheltered seating at one point, but we stayed topside most of the way. This was a seasonal sunny cool day and we had dressed knowing it would be cooler and windier out in the open water. It was a pleasant cruise, with historical tidbits about the buildings, mountains, past residents and so on that came into view. There comes a time where the narration ceases for quite a while, such as on the way back, so if you are cruising alone you might want to bring something to do when you want a break from looking at the landscape. We didn't eat from their kitchen so I can't speak to its value or quality. The rest rooms are clean and serviceable. There is also a museum on the shore where you can buy trinkets, hats, etc. Someday we want to take the 8-hour cruise, though I expect there will be even more "quiet time" on that trip!

See all photos from Peter M. for Katahdin Cruises

What a marvelous way to spend time on Moosehead lake! We have been staying at a cabin on Moosehead yearly for 4 years now and this was our first venture on the Katahdin, taking the 3 hour Sugar Island tour. As another Yelper mentioned, the ship is boarded by calling out names (I do believe in order of purchase,) so no need to get there early to grab a good seat (not a bad seat in the house), but parking is limited so you may want to arrive earlier to secure a spot in the lot. Tickets can be purchased right there at the museum/gift shop ahead of time or online. They have a really good food and beverage selection ( a menu is provided when boarding) , or you can bring your own food (but not your own alcohol-that is for sale onboard). We brought our lunch but did purchase some sodas (long slow moving line). We sat on the bow for most of the journey there and back, but also walked around to check out the views from different vantage points. There are lots of photos and historical items scattered throughout. The way out is narrated with historical and other facts and landmarks. The way back is not narrated as they are doing tours of the engine room and the bridge. The captain and crew were friendly, jovial and knowledgeable. We loved the opportunity to steer the ship! Awesome experience. I would highly recommend this trip to not only get a different perspective of Maine's largest lake and it's surroundings, but to fully appreciate its enormity and beauty. Breathtaking. The ticket also includes a visit to the Maritime museum right at the dock. Fantastic all around!

See all photos from Denise A. for Katahdin Cruises

Having never been to Moosehead Lake (and upon high recommendation), it was about time we made a jaunt to Greenville and see what's all the hullabaloo about! ;) We rented a cabin nearby for a few days, and decided to play tourist and book a cruise on the much lauded Katahdin ("Kate"). (We were there on its last week of operation for the year, so the 3-hour Sugar Island cruise was the only one available. They also have 5-hour and a 7-hour further distanced cruises during their operating season.) I was truly surprised at how many people also booked the cruise! The thing was packed!! Anyway, the cruise itself was very relaxing. For us, 3-hours was more than plenty of time to see the lake. (If there had been some plant-based food items, other than potato chips, the whole affair would've been far more enjoyable. We would've been starving on the 5- or 7- tours! LOL!! But, no doubt, there ain't too many vegans out in these climes!) The Old-Girl herself was a marvel to explore! What a beautiful job they've done to keep Kate looking spit-shine polished! Overall, it was a very good experience, and we were glad we able to see it before the season's end.... :D

See all photos from Darryl S. for Katahdin Cruises

Awesome cruise! This was a fantastic boat with an awesome crew. Very friendly staff and informative too. Surprisingly good food in the galley! Great views and plenty of fun activities for the little kids too. The only thing I would change is more comfortable chairs on the decks and more narration on the 2nd leg back. But definitely a must see if you're in the area.

See all photos from Chris D. for Katahdin Cruises

We went out on the Katahdin ( also known as " The Kate" ) for our first time on there three hour cruise they call the Sugar Island Cruise. The cruise departs from Greenville Maine and sails north past Sugar Island where it turns around and heads back to Greenville. The boarding process is an Interesting one... a note to all future passengers: They board in the order the tickets were purchased. So if your late to buy your tickets you'll board last. It's important to note this because there are only so many preferred seats. Those that have the best vantage points.. so think ahead! We were the late ones.. and were called next to last so we had to sit on the lower floor in a corner but still enjoyed the view! One of the best things about the cruise is the views. The entire time on the boat you are rewarded with stunning mountain vistas! No matter where you are. The boat itself is very large and there is plenty of space to move around. There are three levels. The lower level being the engine room and mechanical facilities, the second being sitting area's both inside and out, bathrooms and a cafe that serves lunch , drinks and even beer. The third being the outside decks , wheelhouse and an inside area with some memorabilia of the ship's history. The staff is amazingly friendly and seem genuinely happy to help and share any knowledge they have on the boat itself and the surrounding area! You can visit the wheelhouse , meet the Captain and he will show you the controls, and share speed , operating info and even let you steer the ship if you like! The view from up there is worth seeing! We also did an engine tour and that was very interesting and I definitely recommend it. You need to wear ear protection ( they provide) A guide takes you to the lower level and you get to see the single Diesel engine that powers the ship! Very cool but very loud! You also get to see the massive generators and look out a porthole just above the water level! We did get a bit hungry on board and did share a grilled cheese sandwich.. it was really good , made with fresh bread and American cheese and came with chips. We had hot coffee and an iced tea both of which were great as well! So no need to worry if you get hungry or thirsty the've got you covered! The were two single person unisex bathrooms and both were extremely clean and well maintained. The boat itself was also very clean and free of clutter. I was impressed! If you visit Greenville Maine and the Moosehead Lake area I would definitely recommend adding a trip on the Katahdin to you list! It's one of the best ways to see and experience Moosehead Lake and the surrounding area! Enjoy!

See all photos from Joshua G. for Katahdin Cruises

So much fun! My family and I go every year and can't get enough of the beautiful ship and the majestic scenery of Moosehead! Highly Recommend!

Fun! Fun! Fun! And very informative- we cruised on a beautiful late summer day with smooth waters. If you're in need of good food and drink, the galley is open for service!

We were in the Greenville/Moosehead Lake area for part of our vacation to Maine. We found a cruise/tour of the lake on the steamship Katahdin. It was a great time learning about the ship as well as hearing the history of Moosehead Lake. The crew offered tours of the pilot house and engine room. Awesome experience to see how the ship was run. The galley sold a wide variety of food on board, including some homemade desserts. Great way to spend a day on the water.

Sugar island cruise. 3 hours. Beautiful day - wonderful boat. Our narrator is also the local high school history teacher - he was great. Lots of fun facts and interesting history of the " Kate" and Moosehead Lake. The crew was so friendly. Enjoyed chatting with them and the other travelers Definitely a must do !!

We enjoyed a breathtaking 3 hour tour on the Katahdin this past Friday. The weather surely helped, but this ship is managed by a fantastic team, who will be sure you get to witness some spectacular views with very informative information about the ship (past and present), famous people to the area, and the surrounding terrain. 3 hours is perfect to get you all of this, with decent lunch options too. Extremely clean and safe. Even with the waters being a bit rough, you never felt the ship sway. It can get quite windy, so hold onto those hats and get ready for a great ride on Moosehead Lake.

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Scenic Moose Boat Cruises 

Items to bring along... Weather appropriate clothing (sweater/jacket), camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, drinks and snacks.

Moose Cruise Rate: Prices are per person $69 an adult $59 a child (before tax) - 4 person minimum - 10 person maximum.  Minimum is based on the adult rate.  Cruises can be booked any day but depedant on the weather and the Captain's availability.

Boom House Rate: Prices are per person $46 an adult $36 a child (before tax) - 4 person minimum - 10 person maximum. Minimum is based on the adult rate. Cruises can be booked any day but depedant on the weather and the Captain's availability.

Call or email for details on how to book. 

MOOSE ISLAND CRUISE

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• User Ages: All ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Experience Maine’s largest lake aboard the steamboat Katahdin!

A National Historic Site, the steamboat Katahdin, more than any other remaining piece of Moosehead’s history, reflects the many eras, interests, and industries of the region’s past and present. Built-in 1914 by the young shipyard Bath Iron Works, the Katahdin was later converted to diesel. Now in her second centennial, she is the final link to a bygone era. Affectionately called the “Kate”, she’s a beautiful vessel and a step into the past.

• This family-friendly cruise takes you through West Cove and then north to Moose Island and Beaver Cove. A narration of the region’s rich history included.
• Lunch fare available from the galley.
• Admission to the Moosehead Marine Museum is included.
• Lunch fare and snacks are available for purchase aboard the boat, including gluten-free options.
• Patrons may not bring outside food or alcohol on board.
• Chevron down Quick 'Kate' Facts:
• Katahdin Cruises travel Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine
• Narration of the region’s rich history included
• Spacious decks with ample indoor and outdoor seating
• Sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, beer & wine available from our working galley