During our recent vacation at the Iowa Great Lakes, Gayle and I decided to try some different experiences from previous years visits. I ride on the Queen II seemed that one such opportunity.
The Queen II takes passengers around West Lake Okoboji at $15 per persons over 36" tall. This replica of the original steamer, the Queen, offers a unique view of this glacial blue water lake, the surrounding landscape and at a maximum depth of 136 feet.. The ride also comes with a history lesson from the captain.
In the late 19th century, the lake region became a resort area and the small steamboats and sailboats could not keep up with the flow of vacationers. The Queen, a large steamer, was constructed, along with other larger boats, to accommodate this new need. By the 1920s, the construction of roads around the lakes brought about the demise of most of the fleet. The Queen stayed in service for those people who wished to see the lake by water. In 1973 the Queen was finally retired, after 89 years of service. The Queen II was commissioned and built in 1986 and she was designated the "Flagship of the Iowa Navy."
They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
The excursion lasted approximately 75 minutes and I particularly enjoyed the relaxation, the scenery, and the cool breeze. My son enjoyed taking pictures of the birds flying nearby looking for food. The cruise also gave me a few landmarks for future land exploration.
Tickets can be purchased at the Queen II Dock, and when we go again, it might be kind of cool to sail around around Sunset. read more