When you first lay eyes on a classic wooden boat, whether in a movie like The Italian Job or in person, you can’t look away. The craftsmanship of the wood and brass fittings evokes the elegance of a well-kept piece of Victorian furniture. The roar of the engine is akin to that of a classic car. And if you’ve ever had the opportunity to ride one, you know it’s unlike any modern vessel. Together, these elements create an experience that must be witnessed in person to appreciate. Here are seven classic wooden boat shows throughout the US that you should put on your list of things to do this summer.
Antique Boat Show & Auction
Clayton, New York
August 2nd – 4th, 2024
History runs deep through this part of the St. Lawrence River, especially in maritime tradition. One important settlement in the 1000 Islands region is Clayton, New York. It was founded in 1822 as a shipbuilding port. Home to the Antique Boat Museum, Clayton boasts the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America. This museum also hosts the longest continuously running antique boat show in the country! Along with the display of over 100 antique and classic boats and engines at the 60th antique boat show, you can attend various forums on topics such as brass casting and antique boat auction.
Walloon Woodies
Village of Walloon Lake, Michigan
August 3rd, 2024
If you want to see a wooden boat in action, the Walloon Lake event is a must-see. Started in 2013 by a group of wooden boat owners on the lake, it gathers on the first Saturday in August to parade their boats down Walloon Lake. For a closer look, head to the docks in front of Barrel Back Restaurant at Hotel Walloon from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. In addition to the boat show, there’s an Antique & Classic Car Show in Village Green Park, featuring pre-World War II models.
Concours d’ Elegance
Lake Tahoe, California
August 9th & 10th 2024
Since the early 20th century, Lake Tahoe has been the summer getaway for the wealthy—a perfect place to escape the heat (or summer fog in San Francisco) and entertain guests right on the country’s largest alpine lake. By the 1930s and 40s, many of these homeowners to entertain as well as a mode of transportation owned classic wooden boats. Fast forward to today, and the Sierra crowning jewel hosts one of the most prestigious wooden boat shows in the country. Add this event to our Lake Tahoe itinerary, and you’ve got the perfect vacation. To learn more about the Concours d’Elegance, check out our article.
Les Cheneaux Islands Antique and Wooden Boat Show and Festival Arts
Mackinac County, Michigan
August 10th, 2024
Meaning “the channels” in French, this archipelago in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is just 30 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge and features 36 islands to explore. These islands are arguably the main reason most wooden runabouts like Hacker, Gar Wood, Chris-Craft, and Century were originally built in Michigan. It’s also home to the very first Chris-Craft dealership in the country. Founded in 1978, this antique and wooden boat show attracts over 5,000 people who come to admire 150 well-preserved examples of antique and classic boats.
Gull Lake Classic Boat Show
Lake Shore, Minnesota
August 24th, 2024
Being hosted on the docks at Bar Harbor Supper Club, the 15th annual Gull Lake Classic is free to the public. Cast your eyes on vintage boats that come from miles away to showcase these classics.
ACBS International Boat Week and Show
Lake Minnetonka & Gull Lake, Minnesota
September 6th – 15th, 2024
Each year, the Antique and Classic Boat Society hosts a week-long event in a different destination that shares a passion for classic boats. For 2024, Gull Lake, Minnesota will be the host, calling it Woods & Water II. Throughout the week, there are various events, but there are two key ones for the public to note. On Saturday, September 7th, don’t miss the 48th annual Real Runabouts Rendezvous. The event is at Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge on Lake Minnetonka. Additionally, the ACBS International Boat Show is on September 13th & 14th. This one is at the Bar Harbor Supper Club and will feature over 100 of the finest classic boats in the world, all to be judged.
Geneva Lakes Boat Show
Fontana, Wisconsin
September 28th-29th
Similar to Lake Tahoe’s history, Lake Geneva region was the summer playground of the who’s who of Chicago. If you hop on a boat tour and circumnavigate this body of water, you’ll find more than 100 mansions built by magnates such as the Wrigleys, Wackers, and Schwinns. Another famous name you may know was associated to this lake – Hugh Hefner. In 1968, he opened the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel. It’s no surprise then that Lake Geneva also hosts an antique classic wooden boat show at the Abbey Resort. Participants compete for awards in categories such as Best Pre-War, Best Post-War, and Most Historic.
