As the summer season gets underway on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the region’s most distinctive ways to experience the water is also one of its oldest in spirit. The Millie B, a 28-foot mahogany triple-cockpit “woodie” operated by the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), departs daily from the Wolfeboro Town Docks, carrying passengers on narrated tours that double as a moving lesson in local history.
A replica of a 1928 Hacker-Craft, the Millie B is built to vintage specifications, accurate down to its historic seat colors and period fittings. The result is a rare working example of the wooden boats that dominated the waters a century ago when Lake Winnipesaukee was at the center of New England’s recreational boating culture.
“The Millie B is the quintessential New Hampshire Boat Museum experience,” said Devon Kurtz. “It brings our region’s boating heritage to life in a way nothing else can.”
Lasting one hour, the tour follows a route past lakeside homes, historic boathouses, and a protected Loon Sanctuary, where passengers occasionally spot a loon chick riding on its mother’s back. Individual headsets allow each guest to hear the captain’s narration covering the lake’s history, geography, geology, and wildlife.
“It is more than a boat ride,” said NHBM’s Anne Lennon. “It is a journey into the heart of Lake Winnipesaukee. Our captains share the stories that make this lake so special.”
Beyond scheduled tours, the Millie B is regularly booked for private charters, including weddings and marriage proposals. Every ticket includes free admission to NHBM, and life vests are provided for children under 12. Click here to check out tour times, availability, and ticket prices.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, North Water Marine, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, Avery Insurance, KW Lakes and Mountains, Lanes End Marine, Watermark Marine, Amoskeag Beverages, Mi Box, Fay’s Boat Yard, and BootLeggers.