Part Of A Long-Forgotten Michigan Theme Park Has Reopened

Recently, we posted about former theme and amusement parks that operated in Michigan, such as Cereal City, U.S.A., in Kalamazoo, or Grand Rapids' Ramona Park, which opened before 1900. On the east side of the state, on an island south of Detroit, was an amusement park that brought both Americans and Canadians to Bois Blanc Island for a day of fun at Boblo Island. 

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For almost a century, the SS Ste. Claire and SS Columbia brought visitors from the mainland to hang out with Bobbie the Bear and Louie the Lion as passengers rode roller coasters, Ferris wheels, swan boats, and more. But in 1993, the park closed for good, and the island entered its next chapter. You can read more about Boblo Island.

The SS Colombia ferrying passengers to Boblo Island. / Detroit Historical Society

After its closing, the SS Ste. Claire sat in the marina for years until it tragically caught fire in 2018. However, an extensive restoration project has brought the boat back to life, and for the first time in over thirty years, a piece of Boblo Island is open to the public.

Boblo Boat Ste. Claire Restoration Museum

As mentioned, the SS Ste. Claire caught on fire and was deemed a total loss. But before it burned, the ferry had been purchased at auction by The Maximus Corporation, which was in the process of restoring the boat. Even after the devastating blaze, they remained committed to the restoration and restarted.

Now, after years of work, a museum has opened on the main deck, showcasing Boblo Island's history. It will be the first time in 20 years that the public has been on board the SS Ste. Claire for the first time in 20 years. All funds earned from the museum go towards the restoration project.

READ MORE: Forget Nessie, Lake Erie Has Its Own Sea Monster

The ferry is located at 150 St Jean, Detroit, 48214. Hours to visit are Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The SS Ste. Claire in 2026, re-renovated after the 2018 fire. / Boblo Boat SS Ste Claire via Facebook

The goal of the restoration project is for the boat to become a running ferry on the Detroit River once the restoration is complete. So even though Boblo Island is gone, part of it is living on against all odds.