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End of an Era: Michigan Princess Riverboat Dismantled
28 Feb
Summary
- The Michigan Princess riverboat is being dismantled after sustaining damage in late 2024.
- The boat had given rides to over half a million people on the Grand River since 1991.
- The family business started 50 years ago with a simple canoe rental operation.
The Michigan Princess, a popular riverboat that has carried over half a million passengers on the Grand River since 1991, is now being dismantled. The vessel, which docks at Grand River Park, will not be rebuilt following structural damage incurred in late 2024. Owner Chris Chamberlain confirmed the dismantling process began on Friday, February 27, stating that insurance coverage was inadequate for necessary repairs.
The riverboat's history is rooted in a family business that began 50 years ago with a modest canoe rental service. Over the years, the Chamberlain family expanded their operations, eventually launching the Michigan Princess. This 500-passenger boat was notably enlarged in 1997, enhancing its capacity and features.
The business continues to operate with four other vessels, including the Detroit Princess and the Grand Princess, demonstrating the family's enduring presence in riverboat services. Despite the end of the Michigan Princess, the family expressed pride in its legacy of providing memorable experiences on the water for over 30 years.
