Step aboard a restored 1957 Glass Slipper with Thunderbird-inspired style
1.5 or 3 hrs
Up to 4 people
Boat rental, life jackets, speaker
Step aboard Gladys, a beautifully restored 1957 Glass Slipper with styling inspired by the Ford Thunderbird of its era. Enjoy a vintage boat rental with room for your group and your dog.
Rebook up to 7 days before your reservation. No refund unless it is raining at departure, when a full refund or rebooking is available.
Product ID: 5XCR8Q
Allow extra time for parking. A few spaces are available in front of Retro Boat Rentals and on nearby streets, but they fill quickly on weekends. Weekend parking is also available at Saugatuck High School, with free shuttles every 15 minutes.
Bring your own snacks, but leave outside coolers behind.
Retro Boat Rentals, 730 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Josie and the rest of the staff here have built a genuinely enjoyable experience on the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck. The boats, many with charming names like Betty, Doris, and Ruby, are clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious. Families with young kids seem especially happy, with reviewers noting life jackets in all sizes and engines quiet enough for babies to nap through the whole ride. The Duffy-style boats are also a great pick for anyone with mobility concerns, as the staff goes out of their way to help guests on and off. The pace here is leisurely rather than thrilling, these are slow, scenic cruises rather than speedboat adventures. But that seems to be exactly the point, and most people leave wishing they had booked more time. The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, clear with directions, and easy to work with from check-in to docking. Dogs are welcome, swimming from the boat is an option, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks onboard. For a relaxed afternoon on the water, it is hard to find many reasons not to go.
Take the helm for simple, laid-back cruising or a fishing trip
Get on the river with an accessible launch and staff assistance
Take the helm of an easy-to-handle lake cruiser
Ride with ease on a lightweight, step-through bike
Discover the estate’s history with access to spaces usually closed to the public
Bring your own glass items for a hands-on smash session
Explore permaculture crops, greenhouses, and herbal cordial tastings
Sip a select spirit as you go behind the scenes
Explore Holland with a lightweight bike designed for comfort