Melrose Township in Walloon Lake in Charlevoix County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Walloon By Boat
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
1. Walloon By Boat Marker
Once visitors arrived at Bear Lake (later Talcott and eventually Walloon Lake) after long steamer rides on the Great Lakes, followed by several legs via the railroad, they needed to be transported to their summer cottages or one of the hotels, resorts, or boarding houses around the lake. Three notable passenger steamboats operated here at that time - the Tourist, the Tempest, and the Outing.
The tourist was a reconditioned double-deck, wood-burning, steam-powered canal boat brought to the lake in 1893 by the railroad. It was about 82 feet long, had a pilot house and a large cabin which held dozens of people. A 14 piece band was known to perform from the open upper deck on occasion and there was even mention of a slot machine on board to entertain passengers during the ride.
Top left image caption: Walloon Lake, Mich.
Top right image caption: NO 353, steamers "Tourist and Outing", Walloon Lake, Mich.
Bottom right image caption: Eagle Island Resort, Wallon [sic] Lake.
Erected 2021.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 45° 15.809′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, in the Grand Traverse Bay Region, and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Walloon Depot (a few steps from this marker); Walloon Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Walloon Village (a few steps from this marker); Walloon Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); Hemingway on Walloon (within shouting
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
2. Walloon By Boat Marker
This marker is the second from the right.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
3. Walloon By Boat Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
