If you’ve ever paddled through a serene lake or bounced over the waves on a speedboat, you know there’s no feeling quite like being on the water. The endless blue, the refreshing crisp air, and the splash of water against the hull make for a unique adventure that’s both calming and exhilarating.
Michigan’s Great Lakes offers this and much more, making it suitable for leisurely sightseers, thrill-seeking adventurers, and nature-loving families. Currently, there are numerous operators providing boat tours with accessible amenities such as ramp access, spacious decks, adaptive seating, and more. Read on to learn all about these wheelchair-accessible boat tours and how to prepare for one.
Top Wheelchair-Friendly Boat Tours In Michigan
Below are some of Michigan’s top wheelchair-accessible boat excursions:
Detroit Princess Riverboat
If you want to explore the scenic views of Detroit from a fresh perspective, then the Detroit Princess Riverboat is your ticket to a maritime adventure. On this 2-3 hour voyage, you’ll cruise along the vibrant Detroit River, glide past the iconic Hart Plaza and historic Belle Isle, and under the Ambassador Bridge while soaking in postcard-perfect panoramic views of Windsor skylines.
Thinking of throwing a bash? The Detroit Princess is no stranger to hosting a good time. Whether it’s corporate parties to impress clients, weddings that bring fairytales to life, family reunions, proms and graduations, holiday parties, or pirate-themed birthday parties, this vessel’s got the space, the views, and the vibe.
As a federally registered vessel, the Detroit Princess ticks all the right boxes for an accessible expedition. There’s an elevator to transport guests between its four enclosed, climate-controlled decks smoothly. The thoughtful design also extends to ADA-compliant restrooms on multiple levels.
The outer viewing decks are fully accessible, so you can comfortably take in the panoramas, groove to musical melodies, laugh until it hurts, or simply savor a buffet that’s as limitless as your appetite.
Lake Michigan Circle Tour
Stretching approximately 1,100 miles and navigating through four states—Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan—the Lake Michigan Circle Tour makes it possible to explore scenic landscapes, charming towns, noteworthy landmarks, and glorious beaches.
Since this tour covers the entirety of Wolverine State, it’s divided into two routes: Northern and Southern. The northern tour starts in Ludington and takes you to the Victorian port city of Manistee, where you can stroll the beautiful riverwalk.
The next leg along the M-22 Lake Michigan Shoreline brings you through breathtaking fall colors and up around the Leelanau Peninsula to Traverse City, known for its plethora of golf courses, vineyards, and water sports opportunities.
After Traverse City, the tour goes further north to Charlevoix and Petoskey. You’ll then travel past the Mackinac Bridge to experience the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty and cross towns like Manistique, Gladstone, and Escanaba to enter Wisconsin before looping back.
As for the southern trip, you’ll start off in Wisconsin, cruise south through cities like Milwaukee, and make your way to Illinois waters that’ll provide a glimpse of the impressive Chicago skyline and famous landmarks like Navy Pier and Soldier Field.
Afterward, the southern journey takes you to Indiana, where the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offers a surprisingly sandy experience for anyone thinking the Midwest is all about cornfields. As you circle back north into Michigan, the tour brings you through charming towns like Holland, where you’ll see more tulips than people during springtime.
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is 14.5 hours long, so take your time and allow the unexpected moments to become lasting memories.
Mackinac Island Ferry
If you would rather skip the road and take to the waves, the Mackinac Island Ferry offers a memorable alternative to explore the historic Mackinac Island. The ferry service provides frequent daily trips from either the Mackinaw City or St. Ignace dock.
They have a variety of vessels, including both classic ferries and modern high-speed catamarans. For instance, the pirate ship, Good Fortune, takes you back to the days of buried treasure and peg-legs, minus the plank-walking. Want to fire water cannons? You’re in the right place! The only downside is that this pirate ship isn’t wheelchair accessible, so you may have to switch your pirate ship dreams for something a tad more modern in the fleet.
Other than that, Starline has on-site handicap parking, making it easier for those with mobility issues to access the docks. Plus, ramps on select vessels allow those with wheelchairs, including electric wheelchairs, to board smoothly and enjoy the crossing to one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations.
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Accessible Features on Michigan’s Boat Tours
Before booking an accessible voyage, familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and accessibility features before you board. Check out the provider’s website for deck plans and virtual tours to learn where everything is, from accessible viewing areas to staterooms and casinos.
Some must-have accessible features include:
- A boardwalk that leads you directly to the ship’s docking station for smooth boarding and disembarking.
- Non-slip docking area and strategically placed handrails that prevent slips and falls, no matter the weather.
- Elevators and ramps that facilitate easy movement between decks, so you can catch the sunset from the top deck or head down for a snack without any issues.
- Accessible seating areas throughout the vessel, from the dining halls to the observation decks, to enjoy the panoramic views.
- Dining areas equipped with adjustable seating and lowered tables to accommodate wheelchairs.
- Cabin bathrooms with features like lowered wash basins and an accessible toilet with appropriate clearance.
- Besides that, ensure the crew provides porters that can assist during all shore excursions and offshore activities.
Tips for Planning a Wheelchair-Friendly Boat Trip
Here are some tips for planning your Michigan wheelchair-accessible boat tour:
- Book early to secure the most accessible cabin. It’s not just about the room – the staff will have more time to prepare for any special accommodations you may need.
- Don’t just throw things in your suitcase—think it through. Pack any must-have medical supplies, a power strip for charging multiple devices, and extra batteries for wheelchairs. Don’t forget gear for all weather, like a scarf for breezy evenings, a hat for sunny afternoons, or an umbrella for sudden showers.
- Seasickness is a serious issue that manifests through episodic dizziness, excessive salivation, cold sweats, nausea, headaches, and severe vomiting. If you’re prone to motion sickness but don’t want to sleep it off, stock up on remedies like wristbands, medication, or natural fixes like ginger. It’s always better to have them and not need them!
- Not all shore excursions are suitable if you have mobility concerns. Call the tour company ahead of time to iron out the details so you can choose activities that work for you. Also, make sure you have a way to contact crew members or your fellow travelers, especially when you’re off the ship.
- Last but definitely not least, the company you keep can make or break your experience. Surround yourself with pals who are all about that can-do attitude.
Start Planning Your Excursion with Clock Mobility
If you want to turn traveling woes into cruising wows, Clock Mobility has got your back. We offer a wide range of wheelchair-accessible vehicles for sale that come with ADA-compliant features, to make traveling to the Great Lakes and beyond a breeze.
We also offer wheelchair van rentals for both short trips and extended periods, so you can explore your destinations at your own pace. The best part? We are conveniently located in four cities across Michigan, so whether you’re in Traverse City or Grand Rapids, you can take advantage of our dependable service.
For more details, call us at (866) 380-3326 or fill out this form.