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Free History Tours

Our community tradition, since 1998

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Limited Time Free Weekday Morning History Tour

FREE Tour Courtesy of Local Sponsors! | 2 Hours | Limited Time: Mon – Thurs Mornings at 10 AM in July | Reservation Open 2 Weeks in Advance


Rates

Per Person – FREE!*

NOTE: We limit each booking to a maximum of FOUR people for free tours

*How to Book & Secure Seats

  • ➑️ Reservations open up to two weeks in advance for each sponsor week (see dates above)
  • 🎟 Reserve online only
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Limit 4 tickets per household
  • πŸ“† Limit 1 free tour date per household per season
  • 🚫 No group reservations, please β€” for group outings, check out our Friday & Saturday afternoon tours Β»
  • ⚠️ Persons/organizations making multiple reservations will have their reservations canceled
  • πŸ“ Correct and complete passengers’ names/contact info is required (per U. S. Coast Guard)
  • πŸ•€ Arrive by 9:30 a.m. for a brief safety orientation before boarding
  • ⏳ Stand-by seating may be available just before departure at the dock

What to Expect

  • 🚒 Two-hour narrated river tour from 10 am to 12 pm
  • 🎀 Live local guides
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Great for all ages
  • πŸ†“ Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance online
  • πŸ“Departs from Wenonah Park (near Doubletree Hotel)
  • 🧭 All 2025 tours will follow the downriver (northbound) route
  • πŸ•€ Please arrive by 9:30 a.m. for a pre-boarding safety orientation

Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors!

Check back in Spring 2026 for availability next July

Accessibility

  • Vessels are NOT barrier-free but have limited access.
  • See FAQ below and contact our office to discuss whether our facility will be able to accommodate you.

Location and Parking

  • See our map for parking available in downtown Bay City
  • Board the Princess Wenonah along the riverfront near Wenonah Park and the Doubletree Hotel. Search Bay City Boat Lines Wenonah Park Dock for directions.

What to Bring

  • Print or digital copy of your confirmation email/tickets
  • Photo ID may be requested
  • Layered clothing or jacket in case of cooler weather

Not Permitted

  • Outside Food, Beverage and Coolers
  • Smoking/vaping
  • Weapons
  • Pets
  • Large Bags

Weather

In the unlikely event of cancellation, we will notify you by email shortly before the tour


Frequently Asked Questions:

What Can I Bring on the Tour? Cameras, phones, binoculars, jackets, and blankets are all welcome.

What Should I Leave at Home? Outside food and beverage, coolers, weapons, pocket-knives, smoking and vaping materials, pets and large bags are not allowed. We inspect all items before guests board.

Can I Buy Snacks on Board? Yes, we have a snack bar with bottled water, soft drinks, chips, and candy, beer, and wine. Cash and card are accepted.

What Happens if it Rains? We cruise rain or shine and have sheltered areas on both decks. Cancellation for weather is rare and limited to severe circumstances. In the unlikely event of cancellation, we will notify you by email shortly before the tour.

How Do I Make Changes to My Reservation? If you need to change passenger names, cancel your reservation, or change your reservation date, please reply to the email confirmation you received when placing your order and request the change. We will make the correction and you will receive an email confirming the update.

Is the Boat Handicap Accessible? No, but there is limited access for handicapped individuals, depending on your needs. Most guests with walkers and wheelchairs can board the vessel with assistance, however, the only restrooms on board are small and must be reached by walking up a flight of stairs. There is a handrail on the stairs. Please contact Michelle Judd at 989-891-2628 to discuss your particular situation.

I Have a Group, Can You Accommodate Us? The free tours are open to households and individuals, with a limit of 4 per party. If you have a group traveling together, such as a church group, family reunion, or social group, and need more than 4 tickets, please consider our Weekday Afternoon River Tour or Saturdays on the Saginaw Tour, which have no ticket limit. If your group has at least 30 people, contact us for private charter options.

Do You Make Any Exceptions for Non-Profits? If you are a non-profit that assists underserved persons and your primary purpose is NOT social or fellowship, fill out our online form to be considered for additional tickets.

What Else Should I Know? There is no smoking or vaping abroad, Princess Wenonah, per State Law.

Go to Full Calendar of Events

Seasonal Operations: May 15 to October 15
Dock Location: 801 N. Water Street, Bay City, MI 48708
Mailing Address: Bay City Boat Lines, 1020 N. Water Street, Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 891-2628