The Queen of Tahoe turns 25. Why are there paddlewheelers on Tahoe?
Posted on May 16, 2008
Filed Under Cultural Heritage |
Hard to believe, but it’s true.
The legendary Tahoe Queen has been cruising Lake Tahoe for 25 years.
The Queen was built on the Mississippi River in 1983. She’s 144 feet long and 33 feet wide and carries up to 500 passengers.
For her Big 25, she’s getting a face lift - a $500,000 face lift. Her classic 80’s decor will be transformed into a “luxurious saloon” with one of the most impressive chandeliers west of the Mississippi!
To celebrate, throughout the 2008 summer season there will be 1983 price roll-backs and 80’s dress up nights. Check back for details.
Almost every Tahoe local has ridden on either the Queen, MS Dixie or the Tahoe Gal out of Tahoe City, with family or friends from out of town, a wedding, party or the infamous ski shuttle to North Shore. Their open decks are a great way to soak in Tahoe’s sanctuary.
Beta: Captain Chris Gallup has been sailing the Queen since the 1990’s and has logged:
- 4,000 circumnavigations of Emerald Bay
- 250,000 nautical miles on the lake
- 100,000 hours behind the wheel
When you think about it…our paddlewheelers represent a special piece of Tahoe nostalgia. The Tahoe Queen Motel - named in honor of the TQ vessel - is still standing in South Shore.
For some reason, the paddlewheeler became the boat of choice after the steamers were skuttled.
But why?
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