Detroit River ghost stories cruise: Electric boat, no emissions

Bootlegger drownings, shipwreck hauntings, and a cursed island: 75 minutes on a silent electric boat

A weekday private cruise on Detroit's only 100% electric boat, departing from Stanton Yards near downtown and traveling the Detroit River and Windsor Riverfront to hear stories of Prohibition violence, Underground Railroad spirits, and the haunted history of Belle Isle Park and Peche Island. The captain and first mate guide the tour in English. Gratuity is included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Electric boat cruise on Detroit River

• Depart from Stanton Yards, Detroit
• Cruise down the Detroit River
• Hear stories of Prohibition bootleggers
• Pass by Windsor Riverfront
• Learn about Belle Isle Park origins
• Explore haunted Underground Railroad sites
• View cursed Peche Island history
• See Purple Gang haunt on Greyhaven Island
• Enjoy themed cocktails and champagne
• Use Ouija board for spooky questions

The experience

What makes this cruise different is the boat itself: a cutting-edge electric vessel with zero emissions, no engine noise, and no fumes. Just the sound of the river and the guide's voice. That silence matters when you're hearing about the violent deaths of bootleggers during Prohibition, the shipwrecks that still rest on the riverbed, and the spirits said to haunt the Underground Railroad's final stop in Detroit. You'll cruise past Belle Isle Park, where the stories begin with the mythic native origins of America's largest urban park, then move downriver toward Windsor and the sites where the Purple Gang allegedly operated and where Peche Island's curse still echoes.

The boat itself is built for comfort: booth-style seating with a teak table in the stern, ample bow seating, and an award-winning sound system that carries the stories clearly across the water. You get a complimentary glass of champagne or beer (non-alcoholic for guests under 21), and the fridge stays stocked with ice so you can bring your own food and drinks if you want them. A private restroom is onboard. The whole experience runs 75 minutes, long enough to move through the river's darkest chapters without rushing.

Departures happen on weekdays from Stanton Yards, a short distance from downtown Detroit. The captain and first mate handle navigation and storytelling together, and they can accommodate dietary restrictions if you mention them when booking. Service animals are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Complimentary champagne or beer (non-alcoholic for guests under 21).
• soda and snacks.
• WiFi onboard.
• private restroom.
• award-winning Bluetooth sound system.
• cooler, ice, cups and serving ware for your own food and beverages.
• captain and first mate guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 May 2027

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sycorax Cruises

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the stories land clearly even if you're hearing them for the first time. The 75-minute length fits a weekday afternoon without eating your whole day, and the electric boat's silence means you'll actually hear every detail of the river's darkest history.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of stories does the guide tell on this cruise?

The guide recounts the violent deaths of bootleggers during Prohibition, deadly shipwrecks on the Detroit River, the spirits haunting the Underground Railroad's final stop in Detroit, the cursed history of Peche Island, and the alleged haunts of the Purple Gang and Greyhaven Island. The stories are paired with eerie October Monsters music and a working Ouija board if you want to ask darker questions.

How long is the cruise and where does it depart from?

The cruise runs 75 minutes and departs from Stanton Yards near downtown Detroit, traveling the Detroit River and passing Windsor Riverfront and Belle Isle Park.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the cruise, a complimentary glass of champagne or beer (or non-alcoholic beverage if you're under 21), soda and snacks, WiFi onboard, use of the private restroom, and gratuity. You can bring your own food and beverages, and the boat provides a cooler and ice.

Is this boat different from other river cruises in Detroit?

Yes, it's the only 100% electric boat cruise in Southeast Michigan, which means no emissions, no engine fumes, and no noise pollution. The silence lets you hear the stories and the river itself.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The boat provides a cooler, ice, cups, and serving ware, so you can set up however you'd like. Dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free can be accommodated if you note them when booking.