In the 1800s you saw a lot of tall ships around here, and they weren’t considered nearly as grand as they are now - the Manitou, which is today one of the largest sailing vessels on the Great Lakes, is a replica of a cargo schooner. Think of it - this is what they used to haul stuff around!
Now, of course, the experience is a lot more Great Lakes vacation-friendly. The Manitou was designed to carry passengers - up to 62, in fact - yet it still maintains the authentic look and feel of its predecessors. It’s known as a windjammer, or if you’re the nautical type it’s a traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner. It still has the brave captain and the capable crew, but today they’re more into taking care of you than crates of cargo.
The Manitou is available for Bed and Breakfast cruises, and features 12 private onboard cabins with electric lighting to go along with the carefully reproduced period furnishings. Stops along the way might include St. James on Beaver Island, Old Mission Harbor or even some remote Manitou Islands. But one thing is for sure: there’s no set itinerary!
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Things to know:
Region: Traverse City
Dates and Prices: The Manitou sails seven days a week through Labor Day weekend from noon to 2 pm., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adults are $35 and children are $18; for the evening sail, adults are $45 and children are $26.
Extra Stops: Try some hiking on the beautiful Power Island in Grand Traverse Bay, or hunt for the ancient Petosky Stone while beach combing in Cathead Bay.
Related Onsite Offerings: Entertainment Nights, Wine Tasting Cruises and even Ice Cream cruises depart during the summer. The Manitou is also available for weddings and groups.
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