The ULTIMATE Guide to the Moosehead Marine Museum & Katahdin Cruises
- Gerry Caron
- Aug 11
- 5 min read
The ULTIMATE Guide to the Moosehead Marine Museum & Katahdin Cruises
Discover History, Scenic Beauty, and Authentic Maine Charm in Greenville
Tucked along the shores of Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine, the Moosehead Marine Museum is more than just a destination — it’s a portal into the region’s proud maritime history. At the heart of the museum is its crown jewel: the Katahdin, affectionately known as the “Kate,” a historic steamboat that has been cruising Moosehead’s pristine waters for over a century. Today, visitors can explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits and step aboard the Kate for one of the most scenic cruises in New England and enjoy the ULTIMATE Guide to the Moosehead Marine Museum & Katahdin Cruises.
A Brief History of the Moosehead Marine Museum
The Moosehead Marine Museum was founded in 1976 with a mission to preserve and share the rich history of Moosehead Lake and its role in Maine’s heritage. Its star attraction, the Katahdin, was built in 1914 by the Bath Iron Works — the same shipyard famous for building U.S. Navy destroyers.
Originally powered by steam, the Kate served the bustling logging industry, towing massive booms of logs across the lake to mills. As roads replaced waterways for transporting timber, the Katahdin transitioned to passenger service, eventually becoming a beloved sightseeing vessel. In 1976, the ship was retired from commercial work and entrusted to the Moosehead Marine Museum, where it was restored and returned to service for public cruises.
Cruises Aboard the Katahdin
Riding the Kate is like stepping back in time while soaking up the unmatched beauty of Maine’s largest lake. Cruises typically run from late June through early October, with a variety of options for travelers:
Three-Hour Cruises – A scenic journey covering about 20 miles, perfect for taking in Moosehead’s rugged shorelines and spotting wildlife like bald eagles and moose.
Five-Hour Cruises – Explore deeper into the lake, often traveling to historic sites or more remote wilderness stretches.
Specialty Cruises – Themed trips such as foliage cruises in the fall, family fun days, and even fundraising events for the museum’s “Keep Kate Cruising” campaign.
Onboard amenities include indoor seating, open-air decks, a snack bar, and narration sharing fascinating facts about the lake’s history, geology, and culture.
Available Cruises on the Katahdin
All cruises include narration and museum admission, and can be booked online via the official site.katahdincruises.com+1
Sugar Island Cruise — A 3-hour scenic tour that sails past Sugar Island and other regional landmarks.
Moose Island Cruise — A 2-hour family-friendly cruise through West Cove to Moose Island and Beaver Cove.
Mt. Kineo Cruise — A 5-hour voyage showcasing Moosehead Lake’s beauty and history, including a stop near Mt. Kineo.
Moosehead Lake Fireworks Cruise — A 3-hour excursion timed to view fireworks over the lake.
R&B Dance Cruise — A 3-hour evening cruise with music and dancing aboard the Katahdin.
Brews & Blues Cruise — A 3-hour cruise blending live blues music with local craft beer.
Fly-In Cruises — A unique 1 hour 15-minute cruise offering views of seaplanes from the lake.
Pirate Cruise — A 3-hour themed family adventure with pirate-inspired entertainment.
Head of the Lake Cruise — A full-day, 8-hour cruise covering the length of Moosehead Lake, complete with continental breakfast and turkey dinner. katahdincruises.com
Last Log Drive Cruise — A 5-hour historical journey through key cove areas, focusing on the region’s logging past.
Rockwood Fireworks Cruise — Visit Rockwood and enjoy evening fireworks from the lake.
Country Music Cruise — A 3-hour evening cruise featuring country music, dancing, and a cash bar.
Book Your Cruise Online
To explore details, pricing, and availability — and to book your spot — visit:
Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum – Cruises Page katahdincruises.com
Quick Reference: Cruise Options & Highlights
Cruise Name | Duration | Highlights |
Sugar Island Cruise | ~3 hours | Scenic landmarks, narration |
Moose Island Cruise | ~2 hours | Family-friendly, small coves |
Mt. Kineo Cruise | ~5 hours | Monumental cliffs, full narration, lunch available |
Fireworks Cruises | ~3 hours | Evening lake fireworks (Independence Day or Rockwood) |
R&B / Brews & Blues | ~3 hours | Live music & themed fun (dance or blues + beer) |
Fly-In Cruise | ~1 hr 15 mins | Watch seaplanes from the water |
Pirate Cruise | ~3 hours | Family pirate-themed entertainment |
Head of the Lake Cruise | ~8 hours | Full day expanse, breakfast & turkey dinner included |
Last Log Drive Cruise | ~5 hours | Logging history narration, museum included |
Country Music Cruise | ~3 hours | Country tunes, dancing, onboard bar |
About the Moosehead Marine Museum
Founded: 1976
Location: 12 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, Maine
Mission: To preserve and interpret the maritime history of Moosehead Lake and the Katahdin.
Star Exhibit: The Katahdin steamboat — the last remaining wooden-hulled, passenger-carrying steamboat in Maine.
Exhibits Include: Historic photographs, maritime artifacts, navigation tools, and interactive displays about the region’s logging past.
Planning Your Visit
Season: Museum and cruises operate from late June to early October.
Tickets: Available online or at the museum. Advance booking is recommended during summer weekends and foliage season.
Accessibility: The museum and Katahdin are accessible to most visitors, though some areas of the vessel have stairs.
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Greenville shops, restaurants, Moosehead Lake hiking trails, and Lily Bay State Park.
Contact Information:
📍 12 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, ME 04441
📞 (207) 695-2716
Why It’s a Must-See
Visiting the Moosehead Marine Museum and cruising aboard the Katahdin offers a rare combination of living history and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a maritime history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for an unforgettable Maine experience, this is one destination that captures the spirit of the North Woods like no other.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Visitors can explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits and step aboard the Kate for one of the most scenic cruises in New England.
