A Bay City Tradition on the Saginaw River
Bay City Boat Lines has been welcoming guests aboard the Princess Wenonah since 1998, when the Fournier family, along with original partner Scott McIntyre, launched the company to bring passenger vessel service back to the Saginaw River. Their vision was simple: create memorable experiences on the water through sightseeing tours, dining cruises, live music, and private events.
For nearly three decades, the Fourniers built Bay City Boat Lines into a community staple. From narrated historical cruises to high-energy concert nights and fireworks celebrations, the Princess Wenonah and her fleet-mate, the Islander, have carried more than 250,000 passengers while showcasing the natural beauty and rich maritime history of the Great Lakes Bay region.
Operating from Wenonah Park in downtown Bay City, the company became known not only for river tours, but for bringing people together — couples on date night, families on guided tours, corporate groups, class reunions, and generations celebrating milestones on the water.
The Princess Wenonah
Originally built in 1954 as a car ferry named the William M. Miller, the Princess Wenonah has been thoughtfully restored and repurposed into the flagship vessel of Bay City Boat Lines. Today she hosts:
- Narrated historical tours
- Dinner cruises with live entertainment
- Fireworks festival cruises
- Private charters and special events
Dining, music, and dancing on the Saginaw River have become a signature tradition — one our crew takes great pride in continuing each season.
New Ownership in 2026
As Bay City Boat Lines entered its 29th year of operation, the Fournier family announced a transition in ownership. In 2026, the company was acquired by local entrepreneur and technologist Jordan Dice.
A Bay City native, Dice recalls being eight years old aboard the Princess Wenonah on its very first tour. That early experience shaped his appreciation for the vessel as an iconic part of the community.
Under his ownership, Bay City Boat Lines joins a growing Tri-City portfolio that includes:
- Midland Mall
- St. Laurent Brothers
- State Theatre of Bay City
- Court Street Theater
Dice plans to carry forward the company’s long-standing tradition of river tours and onboard entertainment while exploring ways to thoughtfully integrate the boats into the broader entertainment experiences being developed throughout the region.
His goal is continuity — preserving what generations have loved about Bay City Boat Lines — while positioning the company for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.
Continuing the Tradition
While ownership has transitioned, the mission remains the same:
To provide safe, welcoming, and memorable experiences on the Saginaw River, and to embody the idea the #lifeisbetteronaboat
From guided tours to concert cruises, private celebrations to fireworks nights, Bay City Boat Lines remains proud to be part of the fabric of downtown Bay City.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Seasonal Operations: May 15 to October 15
Dock Location: 801 N. Water Street, Bay City, MI 48708
Mailing Address: Bay City Boat Lines, 100 Webster Street, Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 891-2628