Pearl of the Lake: A Paddlewheel Legacy on the Mississippi
The Pearl of the Lake was more than a boat—it was a moving landmark on Lake Pepin, one of the most scenic stretches among the secret lakes of Minnesota. For 17 seasons, this authentic sternwheeler brought stories, scenery, and a touch of 1800s nostalgia to thousands of passengers. Though its journey in Lake City ended in 2023, its legacy continues both in memory and in a new chapter down south.
A Sternwheeler That Made History
Built in 1983 as a replica of 19th-century paddlewheel boats, the Pearl of the Lake was 75 feet long and relied solely on its two stern-mounted paddlewheels for movement. This wasn’t decoration. It was functionality built into history. Its churning paddles stirred the Mississippi’s largest natural lake—Lake Pepin—with every cruise.
Its design allowed passengers to feel connected to a different era. The vessel could carry up to 125 people, offering both indoor and open-air seating. Guests were treated to not just scenic views but stories told by a captain who knew the river by heart.
Captain Larry Nielson: The Voice of the River
Larry Nielson wasn’t just a captain. He was a storyteller, a photographer, and a driving force behind local tourism. Described as a legendary figure in Lake City, Nielson brought charisma and knowledge to every cruise. His tales—whether about the lake, the history of water skiing, or Pepie, the lake’s rumored monster—added charm to the boat’s educational narration.
He co-founded the Lake City Tourism Bureau, helped launch the Lake Pepin Interpretive Center, and even published a photography book. His presence was a defining feature of the Pearl’s appeal.
Cruising Lake Pepin: What the Experience Offered
1. Narrated Sightseeing Tours
The boat offered 90-minute tours filled with stories and facts. Passengers cruised past scenic bluffs, river islands, and bird habitats. These tours ran from May through October, typically Wednesday through Sunday.
2. Eagle Viewing Cruises
In collaboration with the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, the Pearl hosted two-hour cruises called “On the River” and “On the Lake.” Naturalists onboard provided live interpretation as eagles soared overhead. These floating classrooms gave passengers an up-close look at bald eagles in their natural environment.
3. Private Charters
The Pearl of the Lake doubled as a venue. It hosted weddings, family reunions, and corporate gatherings. Few places offered a backdrop like Lake Pepin under an open sky.
4. Comfort and Amenities
The boat included a restroom, covered and open-air seating areas, and refreshments for sale. Passengers could enjoy the breeze from the top deck or relax indoors.
Why It Mattered to Lake City
Lake City isn’t just a small river town—it’s the birthplace of water skiing. Ralph Samuelson invented the sport here in 1922, right on Lake Pepin. The Pearl complemented this legacy by drawing attention to the lake’s recreational and historical value.
The boat’s departure in May 2023 marked a turning point. Sold to Toho Riverboat Adventures, it left a gap in Lake City’s tourism. Its absence was felt. But its success proved that interest in lake tours remains strong, offering hope for a future successor.
The Move to Florida: A New Chapter
After 17 seasons in Minnesota, the Pearl of the Lake was sold and relocated to St. Cloud, Florida. The journey included a complicated 22-day float down several rivers followed by a truck transport due to the boat’s size. Deconstruction was necessary.
Now under the ownership of Captain Richard “Stitch” Lawrence, the Pearl operates on East Lake Toho. Lawrence’s interest began with sunset cruises; he eventually earned his captain’s license and brought the Pearl back to life in a new setting.
Current Offerings in Florida
Amenities now include a bar, snacks, retro games, and narrated historical lessons. Some challenges accompanied the transition—higher-than-expected costs, permitting issues, and discrepancies in the boat’s documented weight—but the Pearl continues its journey.
The Pearl Button Legacy
The boat’s name reflects more than river imagery. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Lake City had a booming pearl button industry. Freshwater mussels from Lake Pepin were harvested for their shells, used to make button blanks. Some even held natural pearls.
The Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company operated from around 1914 to 1920. Overharvesting and the invention of plastic buttons led to its decline. Today, the original 1866 building houses an antique store and a mini-museum honoring this unique past.
Local jeweler Steve Swan has kept the story alive, crafting pieces from native freshwater pearls. The name “Pearl of the Lake” honored both the paddleboat and this forgotten trade.
Lake Pepin Still Draws Visitors
Even without the Pearl, Lake Pepin offers a range of water-based activities:
– Sailing Charters
– Fishing Excursions
– Boat Rentals
– Birdwatching Tours
The lake is also under threat from sedimentation—around a million tons settle each year, endangering its long-term health. Conservation efforts are ongoing, highlighting the need for sustainable interaction with this treasured resource.
Nearby Frontenac State Park provides camping and panoramic views. Birdwatchers, hikers, and naturalists find the park and surrounding area a reliable stop during migration seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Pearl of the Lake was more than a boat—it was a cultural fixture, a storyteller, and a floating window into the region’s past. Its echo still lingers on Lake Pepin’s waters, in the hearts of those who boarded it, and in the traditions of a city built on river history.
Those who seek the paddlewheel experience now must travel to Florida. But for Lake City, the gap left behind serves as a reminder of what worked—and what still might return.
