Clear Water Harbor cruise boats offer relaxing look at Waupaca Chain O' Lakes
WAUPACA COUNTY (WLUK) -- As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, many people are making plans to hit the water. A leisurely boat tour on the Chain O' Lakes near Waupaca is designed to do just that during an early season ride on the Chief Waupaca.
With a signal from the bridge, the Chief Waupaca tour boat is underway. Chief Waupaca Boat Driver John Erickson is at the wheel.
"I grew up in the Waupaca area, and I always saw the Chief Waupaca and the Lady of the Lakes, which is our other boat," said Erickson. "I always saw those go out on the water, and I always wanted to be part of the crew."
Erickson led the Friday afternoon tour at the Clear Water Harbor Bar and Restaurant. Co-Owner Caitlin Meighan says the Chief Waupaca has a history.
"The boat was originally the Chief Oshkosh, and it actually transported beer up and down the water, the Fox waterways," said Meighan. "And in 1973, it was frozen in Lake Butte des Morts. Pat Meighan, the original owner, took it out of the water, brought it here, started doing tours in 1975."
Nearly a half century and thousands of passengers later, the 25 ton, 65-foot-long sternwheeler is going strong. So, how does it handle?
"I mean, the boat goes about 4.5 miles an hour wide open, so it's pretty hard to get into any trouble. The boat is very responsive to turning, so you can turn fairly quickly. So, it's just fun to be out on the water," said Erickson.
Erickson is one of seven boat captains working at the harbor.
"I like it. It's kind of a novelty job. And I tell everybody I drive the Chief Waupaca, and everybody's like, 'Wow, that's quite an honor.' So, I just enjoy it quite a bit," he said.
The tour boat season runs through the summer.
There are even cruises that take in the fall colors as well.
