Our Story of Uniting The Bay

Little Traverse Bay Ferry launched in the summer of 2020 and despite the restrictions of COVID-19, we were pleased to be able to service over 7000 riders!

We started as a non-profit Little Traverse Bay Foundation. The non-profit raised about half of the funds needed to acquire the boat, get it here and in service. The other half was privately funded by the current operators Princess Riverboats with the intent of turning it over to the foundation as strictly a non-profit venture. The ferry has operated either at a loss or revenue neutral since opening. We are incredibly grateful for the support the donors and the community in making this possible as it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Currently the foundation has been unable to obtain the additional funds to acquire the ferry. Princess Riverboats has agreed to keep the ferry running in the same business model and at as low cost as possible for the community. With further private investment in 2023 of an engine and transmission of over $60,000 the ferry should continue operating for years to come!

Support Our Funding Needs

Checks can be mailed to:

Little Traverse Bay Foundation:  c/o  115 E 3rd St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Credit /Debit cards are also accepted over the phone by calling: 231-444-2628

The Little Traverse Bay Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)3 entity, is a welcomed addition to the community utilizing the beautiful bay as a community space and uniting the ports of Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Harbor Springs. It is by the people and for the people. There is strong public support from participating communities whereas the city councils of both Petoskey and Harbor Springs approved the ferry service unanimously. It has generated attention from not only supportive locals, but from around the Midwest as well. But there is still so much to do!