The Mini Haha: A Boat's Identity Explored

The Minne-Ha-Ha is a stern-wheel steamboat that operates on Lake George, New York, and is owned by the Lake George Steamboat Company. The boat is 137 feet long and 30 feet wide, with a top speed of approximately 8 miles per hour. The Minne-Ha-Ha was constructed in 1968 and is the second boat by the Lake George Steamboat Company to bear this name, the first being a side-wheeler that served from 1857 to 1878. The name Minne-Ha-Ha means laughing waters. A Mini Minne, a beautiful replica of the Minne-Ha-Ha, was created by Paul Fieman, who was fascinated with the steamboat growing up.

The Mini Ha-Ha is a steamboat

The construction of the Mini Ha-Ha began on October 2, 1968, at the Steamboat Company's shipyard in Baldwin, located near Ticonderoga, New York, at the northern end of the lake. The hull of the ship was launched on December 6, 1968, and was towed to Lake George Village, where the remainder of the boat's superstructure was completed over the winter months. The Mini Ha-Ha made its debut in the summer of 1969 and has been offering daily cruises on Lake George ever since.

The Mini Ha-Ha is 137 feet long, has a 30-foot beam, and a draft of 3.5 feet. It has a top speed of approximately 8 miles per hour and is known for its distinctive steam whistles and calliope, which is played after every cruise. The boat has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of a handicap-accessible elevator and a backup propeller powered by a diesel engine.

The Mini Ha-Ha is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of Lake George. It has also left a lasting impact on its passengers, as evidenced by a testimonial from a Lake George Steamboat Co. customer, who expressed gratitude for the crew's kindness and understanding towards their special needs child.

It's owned by the Lake George Steamboat Company

The Minne-Ha-Ha is a stern-wheel steamboat owned and operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company. The company has been offering cruises on Lake George, New York, since the 1950s.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Lake George Steamboat Company owned and operated two ships: the Ticonderoga II, a retired navy ship from World War II, and the Mohican II, a converted steamer (to diesel) built by the company between 1907 and 1908. The Ticonderoga made trips up and down Lake George, while the Mohican would venture on two trips into Paradise Bay.

In 1968, the Lake George Steamboat Company experienced an increase in tourists to Lake George Village, the primary port of the Lake George Steamboat Company's ships. With this rise in visitors came a higher demand for shorter cruises. To meet the needs of those who did not have time for the longer cruises, the company decided to add a third boat to its fleet.

The Minne-Ha-Ha was designed by H.M. Tiedemann Company of New York City and constructed at the Steamboat Company's shipyard in Baldwin, near Ticonderoga, New York, at the lake's northern end. The boat's hull was launched on December 6, 1968, and towed by the Mohican II to the Steel Pier in Lake George Village. The remainder of the boat's superstructure was completed there over the winter months at a cost of $270,000.

The Minne-Ha-Ha made its debut in the summer of 1969, offering six-hourly trips each day during the summer months and on weekends during spring and fall. The boat has since undergone several renovations to improve accessibility and navigation, with the addition of a handicap-accessible elevator and a small propeller powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine as a backup safety measure.

The Lake George Steamboat Company has a rich history in the region, and the Minne-Ha-Ha has become a beloved attraction for locals and tourists alike, with its intricate design and unique features, including its steam whistles and calliope, which is played after every cruise.

The boat is 137 feet long

The Minne-Ha-Ha's impressive length of 137 feet is a testament to its status as a beloved steamboat attraction on Lake George, New York. Owned and operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company, the Minne-Ha-Ha has become a popular choice for tourists looking for shorter cruises on the lake. With a width of 30 feet and a top speed of 8 miles per hour, the boat offers a unique and enjoyable experience for its passengers.

The length of the Minne-Ha-Ha is also notable in the context of its renovation in 1998. To make the boat more accessible and improve its navigation, a decision was made to lengthen the vessel. This renovation involved replacing the hull with a new, well-designed one and adding a handicap-accessible elevator to the second deck. The Minne-Ha-Ha's original length of 103 feet was extended to 137 feet, contributing to enhanced functionality and a better experience for its passengers.

The Minne-Ha-Ha's length of 137 feet is a significant aspect of its design and renovation, ensuring that it can accommodate more passengers and provide a comfortable and accessible experience for all.

It was designed by H.M. Tiedemann Company

The Minne-Ha-Ha is a stern-wheel steamboat that operates on Lake George, New York. It is owned by the Lake George Steamboat Company. The boat was designed by the H.M. Tiedemann Company, based in New York City. Construction began on October 2, 1968, at the Steamboat Company's shipyard in Baldwin, near Ticonderoga, New York, at the northern end of the lake. The hull was launched on December 6, 1968, and towed to Lake George Village by another boat called the Mohican. The rest of the boat was constructed there over the winter, costing $270,000.

The Minne-Ha-Ha is 103 feet long, with a 30-foot beam and a draft of 3.5 feet. It has a displacement of 200 tons and can travel at a maximum speed of 7 miles per hour. The boat was named by Wilbur Dow's wife, Ruth, who chose the name Minne-Ha-Ha, meaning "laughing waters". This name has a historical precedent, as it was previously used for another side-wheeler boat that served from 1857 to 1878.

The Minne-Ha-Ha has undergone several modifications since its launch. In 1998, the boat was lengthened to improve its accessibility and navigation. This renovation included replacing the hull, adding a handicap-accessible elevator, and installing a small propeller as a backup safety measure. The Minne-Ha-Ha's signature twin split stacks were replaced by a single, sleek stack, and its skylight was later removed and replaced with elevated seating. These changes have increased the boat's length and improved its functionality and aesthetics.

The Mini Ha-Ha can be rented for special events

The Mini Ha-Ha is a stern-wheel steamboat owned and operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company. It is available for special events such as birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. The boat has a capacity of 120 guests and offers a unique and memorable setting for your event.

The Mini Ha-Ha is a popular choice for events as it offers a combination of elegance and functionality. The boat features an open-plan kitchen, state-of-the-art appliances, and a spacious deck area. The vessel also has a handicap-accessible elevator, providing access to the second deck for all your guests.

When planning your event on the Mini Ha-Ha, you can expect a dedicated and experienced staff to assist you. The Lake George Steamboat Company has a long history of hosting successful events, ensuring that your special occasion is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. They can help you with all aspects of your event, from catering to entertainment, to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

The Mini Ha-Ha is an ideal choice for a unique and memorable event. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, or any other special occasion, the boat provides a charming and elegant setting. With its steam paddle wheel and signature whistles, the Mini Ha-Ha adds a touch of nostalgia and charm to your event, creating lasting memories for you and your guests.

To make your event even more special, the Mini Ha-Ha offers six-hourly trips during the summer months and on weekends during spring and fall. You can also opt for a moonlight entertainment cruise on Saturday nights, providing a romantic and enchanting atmosphere for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions