The Riverboat Cruise In Northern California You Never Knew Existed
By Jill S.
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Published July 17, 2017
If you’ve ever visited the South, you’ve probably seen – and hopefully experienced – the steamboats chugging down the river. But what many Northern Californians don’t know is that you can experience such a cruise right here as well. The vessel is called the M.S. Dixie and it totes passengers across the biggest lake in the state. Read on to learn more.
The M.S Dixie II is a 500 passenger capacity cruising vessel on Lake Tahoe that takes passengers to popular sites such as Emerald Bay.
It was brought to Lake Tahoe in several pieces in 1948 after having served on the Mississippi River. The Amundson family, who continue to operate the cruise ship today, were responsible for its renovations and transportation.
In the 1990s, they built the M.S. Dixie II to replace its forbearer. The original vessel is still used as a viewing platform for fireworks and other events, but the newer boat takes visitors across the lake.
Lake Tahoe is 21.75 miles long, but the roads from North Tahoe to South Lake are long, winding, and often crowded. Driving from one end to the other usually takes at least an hour. Hopping on this chartered cruise can be a much more scenic and less stressful way to visit the lake.
The M.S. Dixie II is the largest boat on Lake Tahoe. Visitors can choose between scenic daytime cruises and dinner/dance parties.
You might even catch a glimpse of a historic storyteller on board. Call ahead to learn when a Mark Twain impersonator will be on board. He will regale you with stories of the time this southern steamboat enthusiast spent on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
The famous author once said, "To breathe the same air as the angels, you must go to Tahoe," and he wasn't wrong. There's nothing quite like taking in the lake and clean mountain air from the deck of the M.S. Dixie.
The M.S. Dixie is also climate controlled, so you can view the scenery in comfort. Unfortunately her sister ship, the Tahoe Queen, was recently destroyed by a fire so she is the premier option for Tahoe cruises.
This vessel may not cruise the rivers of the south like the more famous paddle boats of the Mississippi, but our Lake Tahoe gem is just as historically interesting and a thousand times more beautiful! Enjoy your cruise.
Watch this bright and fun video to see what the M.S. Dixie experience is actually like:
VIDEO
You can learn more and schedule your boat ride here .
Have you ever taken a ride the M.S. Dixie or its predecessor, the Tahoe Queen? Share your thoughts with us!
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