(La Porte, IN) - People will have a chance to ride on an over century old converted steamboat in La Porte.

 

Steamboat rides on Pine Lake have been added to this year’s LakeFest, which runs for three days beginning July 25.

 

The boat seating up to 18 passengers is a converted lifeboat from the SS Alabama, a steamship that cruised the Great Lakes from 1910 to 1946. The lifeboat was salvaged in 1961 when the SS Alabama started being converted for use as a barge.

 

A steam engine was put in the later restored lifeboat in 1998.

 

La Porte Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said the boat will be towed to La Porte from Cedar Lake where it’s been used the past few years to give rides to the public.

 

“This is an opportunity not just to get out on the water by a pontoon or speed boat, but to actually be on something historic, something that has a lot of interest to it,” he said.

 

Schreiber said people will be able to board the steam powered vessel at Unity Park beside Pine Lake Ave. 

 

The cost for a 30 minute ride will be $25 for adults and $15 for children 13 and under.