MINNETONKA, Minn. — The steamboat Minnehaha, a summer fixture on Lake Minnetonka will remain in dry dock for the 2020 season after a change of ownership blocked access to the only launch ramp that can get the old boat in the water.
The Museum of Lake Minnetonka (MLM) Board of Directors announced the cancellation of the Minnehaha's summer season Wednesday, the first time in 24 years that the classic steamboat will not sail.
“The launch requirements for Minnehaha given its length, weight, and the fact that it’s wood, which requires up to 24 hours to stabilize once launched, make it arguably the most challenging boat on Lake Minnetonka to launch," said MLM president Jeff Schott. "There is only one boat ramp on the lake that meets our launch requirements and we’ve been fortunate to have use of that ramp for the past 24 years. The property is being sold and the launch site will not be available in 2020 and beyond."
Shott says taking into account the logistics of modifying another ramp and transporting the Minnehaha to it, there are no viable options to get the boat in the water this year.
The challenge now is to find a new, long-term home and launch site for the steamboat Minnehaha so it can remain a living, floating part of Lake Minnetonka history. The MLM board says discussions are ongoing with a number of communities on the lake, with the goal of finding a permanent home by the end of summer.
When a home for the boat is identified, site development and a fundraising campaign will begin.
"The MLM wants to clearly state that this is not the end for Minnehaha on Lake Minnetonka," reads a news release shared with KARE 11. "This summer will allow extra long-term maintenance to be done so that when the boat is back in service it will be in the best condition it’s been in since its relaunch 24 years ago."
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