SteamersRSS

Historic steamers range from small passenger vessels to cruise liners such as the SS United States or the Queen Mary. Many are in working condition taking guests on lake cruises or passages on inland waters. A few are static exhibits owned by maritime museums, which are happy to give you a tour. If you know of a steamer not listed, or can share a photo, send your information and photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

San Diego, CA

Launched in 1898, the steam ferry Berkeley operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay and is now on exhibit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Cangarda

Mystic, CT

The steam yacht Cangarda is a private yacht and museum ship. It is home-ported at Mystic Seaport, though it is often traveling during the summer months.

Friday Harbor, WA

Launched in 1932, the fantail motor yacht Catalyst operates as an excursion vessel in Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.

Toledo, OH

Launched in 1911, the Great Lakes freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker, formerly known as the Willis B. Boyer, will become an exhibit at the National Great Lakes Maritime Museum in Toledo, Ohio.

Detroit, MI

Launched in 1920, the passenger steamer Columbia is undergoing restoration outside Detroit.

Day Peckinpaugh

Albany, NY

Launched in 1921, the motor ship Day Peckinpaugh is a traveling exhibit and classroom managed by the New York State Museum.

Oswego, NY

Launched in 1948, the fishboat Eleanor D is undergoing restoration at the H. Lee White Marine Museum.

Ena

South Bend, WA

Launched in 1904, the launch Ena is now a dry-berth exhibit.

Detroit, MI

Launched in 1927, the yacht Helene is now an excursion vessel.

San Rafael, CA

Launched in 1926, the yacht Ida M. is now an excursion vessel.

J-3795

Fort Eustis, VA

Launched in 1954, the passenger launch J-3795 is now a dry-berth exhibit at the US Army Transportation Museum.

Superior, WI

The classic Great Lakes ore and cement carrier J.B Ford is awaiting restoration in Superior, Wisconsin.

Katahdin

Greenville, ME

Launched in 1914, the steam passenger vessel Katahdin now operates as an excursion vessel on Moosehead Lake.

Kirkland, WA

Lauched in 1934, the car ferry Kirkland is now an excursion vessel.

Eureka, CA

Launched in 1910, the launch Madaket is operated as an excursion vessel by the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum.

New York, NY

Launched in 1932, the chandlery lighter Marion M is a floating exhibit at the South Street Seaport Museum.

Mary A Whalen

Brooklyn, NY

Launched in 1938, the tanker Mary A Whalen is a floating museum in Brooklyn, New York.

Medea

San Diego, CA

Launched in 1904, the steam yacht Medea is now used as an excursion vessel by the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Superior, WI

Launched in 1896, the whaleback Meteor is a floating exhibit on the Superior waterfront.

Muskegon, MI

Launched in 1905, the passenger steamer Milwaukee Clipper is now a floating museum.