Say goodbye to a Lansing icon—the Michigan Princess riverboat is officially sailing into the sunset after more than 30 years of cruising the Grand River. But here’s where it gets emotional: this beloved vessel, which carried over 500,000 passengers since its debut in 1991, is being dismantled due to irreparable damage sustained in late 2024. And this is the part most people miss—its story is not just about a boat, but about a family’s legacy and the evolution of a local business that started with a handful of canoes.
The Michigan Princess, a 500-passenger riverboat that became a staple of Lansing’s waterfront, met its end after a failed attempt to return it to the water following routine maintenance. An airbag malfunction caused structural damage that proved too costly to repair, despite insurance coverage. Owner Chris Chamberlain shared, ‘The Michigan Princess is a part of history at this point.’ The boat’s final ride was in August 2024, and since then, it’s been out of commission, leaving a void in the community it once served.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was the decision to dismantle the boat premature, or was it the only practical choice? Some might argue that with enough funding or community support, the Princess could have been saved. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
The riverboat’s journey began with humble roots. Chris’s parents, John and Karla Chamberlain, started with a canoe rental business at Potter Park in 1976. From six canoes, they grew to 150, eventually transitioning to boat-building. Their first vessel, the Spirit of Lansing, was followed by the Princess Laura in 1984, which carried 110 passengers. The Michigan Princess, completed in 1991, was their crowning achievement—though it initially lacked a galley, relying on off-site catering. Its popularity soared, and after John saw Titanic in 1997, he expanded the boat by a third, adding a dance floor, atrium, and stairs, increasing its capacity to 500.
Over the decades, the Michigan Princess hosted everyone from former Governor John Engler to countless families and companies celebrating special occasions. It wasn’t just a boat; it was a symbol of Lansing’s spirit and a testament to the Chamberlains’ entrepreneurial vision. Today, the family’s business includes four other boats, including the Detroit Princess and Grand Princess, but the Michigan Princess holds a special place in their hearts.
‘Nothing lasts forever,’ Chamberlain reflected. ‘We’re just happy that in its 30-plus years, it brought joy to over half a million people. Now, it’s fading into history.’ While the boat may be gone, its legacy lives on—a story of perseverance, innovation, and the American dream. But we have to ask: As landmarks like the Michigan Princess disappear, what does it mean for our local heritage? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your perspective.
