Jordan Dice has purchased Bay City Boat Lines, taking over the Princess Wenonah and Islander vessels that have operated on the Saginaw River for nearly 30 years. Founded in 1998, the company offers historical tours focused on the area’s maritime and lumbering history and has served more than 250,000 passengers under the Fournier family’s ownership. The sale adds to Dice’s existing business holdings, which include Midland Mall, St. Laurent Brothers, and several local theaters. In a statement obtained by Detroit Free Press, Dice said, "I remember being eight years old aboard the Princess Wenonah on its first tour and thinking how cool and iconic it was for Bay City," and added, "I plan to operate the boats for many years to come and integrate them with the entertainment experiences we’re building through the theaters I own."
Kellie Rupp, marketing director for Downtown Bay City, said the sale of Bay City Boat Lines is expected to allow cruises and community events to continue under new ownership. She told WNEM the boats have been used for free history tours and are a regular part of local festivals. Rupp also pointed to possible ties between the boats and Jordan Dice’s other businesses, saying, "I know you can get St. Laurent brothers candy at the state theatre, so if you can get it on the princess Wenonah, just kind of like loop all of those three together, that would be really neat." Financial details of the sale were not disclosed, and questions remain about operations and staffing for the 2026 season. Rupp said the cruises attract visitors from around the state, adding, "It’s something that draws people from across the state to Bay City, and that helps support the local businesses and shows off the beauty of Wenonah Park and our riverfront," while Bay City Boat Lines noted the Princess Wenonah was originally built in 1954 as a car ferry.
Community response to the sale has been positive, reflecting the riverboats’ long-standing role in local history and community life. Similar to the AuSable River Queen, the Princess Wenonah and Islander are well known to many Bay City residents. New owner Jordan Dice has said he plans to continue operating the vessels and maintaining their presence on the river. More information about future waterfront plans is available through Bay City Boat Lines’ website and public updates from the company, according to Bay City Boat Lines on their Facebook page.
