July 4 Fireworks over Ludington as seen from the Princess
By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Writer
LAKE MICHIGAN — The Fourth of July found me in Manistee. Wally Laaksonen, owner of Manistee Harbor Tours, had invited me to join the inaugural Princess fireworks cruise to Ludington. I wasn’t about to miss that.
Over the years, I have watched the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival fireworks from the beach, from open fields around town, aboard the SS Badger and, on one memorable occasion, while helping launch the display with the Ludington Fire Department. That, however, is a story for another day.
This opportunity to board the Princess again was a real treat. If you have never made the trip to Manistee to ride the Princess, you are missing out. The Princess is a former Mackinac Island ferry boat that offers summertime excursions along the Lake Michigan shoreline and sometimes Manistee Lake.
I packed my backpack with notepads, a sweatshirt and a few essentials, and shortly after 7 p.m. headed north.
Passengers Sara Bowling, left, and Karen Lexa
When I arrived, I met bosun and deckhand Brian Ferguson, customer service representative Laura Bjork and deckhand Cory Jerome. I interrupted the crew’s dinner just long enough to ask permission to come aboard, stow my gear and get settled.
Because I had arrived early, I had time to wander around the vessel before passengers began boarding. Laaksonen soon arrived, along with bartender Trish Wellman of Brethren. This is her second summer aboard the Princess after retiring as a high school science teacher.
As I stood on the bow watching Ferguson and Jerome prepare the lines, two young girls approached me. They wanted to ask a few questions because they thought I was the captain.
“No, no, no,” I laughed. “The captain hasn’t boarded yet. I’m just a reporter covering the fireworks cruise.”
Passengers Endsley Slonim, left, and Lola Midas
After talking for a few minutes, they asked if they could be included in my story. Of course, I said yes. I enjoy talking with passengers, and with their parents’ permission, I would be happy to include them. (I did receive that permission.)
Lola Modad of Fort Myers, Fla., and her friend, Endsley Slonim, who splits her time between Fort Myers and the Florida Keys, were traveling north to attend summer camp. Later in the evening, I found them relaxing on the bow with a family I had met during the cruise, all stretched out on cushions against the railings waiting for the fireworks. I also caught up with Kelli Slonim, Endsley’s mother, in the covered cabin area, where she confirmed the girls were headed to camp the following day.
Around 8:15 p.m., boarding began. Laaksonen and Bjork greeted every passenger with a smile, handing each one a red, white and blue star necklace. Everyone also received illuminated wristbands and glowing neck loops to wear after dark. The patriotic decorations immediately set the mood for the evening.
Passengers were also reminded to bring a jacket because, while the trip south would be warm, the return across Lake Michigan after the fireworks would be much cooler.
At 8:50 p.m., Ferguson and Jerome cast off the lines. With a blast of the horn, the Princess eased away from her berth in the Manistee channel and headed toward Lake Michigan. Once clear of the piers, Capt. John Meyers turned the bow south toward Ludington.
Crew member Laura Bjork
Below deck, Ferguson and Bjork worked almost nonstop making complimentary popcorn. Bags seemed to appear everywhere. The aroma filled the cabin, and while I was certainly tempted, I reminded myself I was there to work. (Just remember that, boss.)
The trip south was beautiful. The lake remained surprisingly warm, and a light windbreaker was enough while standing on deck. Although there is a spacious enclosed cabin, I prefer being outside where I can watch everything happening around the boat.
During the trip, I met Karen Lexa of Medina, Ohio, and her friend, Sara Bowling of Columbus, Ohio. Lexa and her husband were visiting Bowling, who recently purchased a home in Manistee and plans to relocate there.
Preparing for departure.
I asked Bowling what inspired her move from Columbus to Manistee.
“Forests, lake, people,” she replied with a smile.
She simply fell in love with west Michigan.
I told her I was from Ludington. While I enjoy visiting Manistee, my heart will always be in Ludington. The three of us continued talking as the crew circulated through the boat answering questions, chatting with passengers and, of course, handing out more popcorn.
If you have never been aboard the Princess, I have to ask: why not? The cruise itself is enjoyable, the passengers are friendly, and the crew goes out of its way to make everyone feel welcome. We hadn’t even reached the fireworks yet.
As darkness settled over the lake, we approached Ludington’s north pier. In the distance, the SS Badger maneuvered into position for its own fireworks cruise while dozens of recreational boats spread across the lake.
I noticed both Mason County Sheriff’s Office marine patrol boats on the water helping manage boat traffic and maintain safety around the viewing area. Nearby, I also spotted what I assumed was the Ludington Harbor Patrol. I even texted Deputy Mike Fort to let him know I could see their boats.
His reply made me smile.
Captain Jon Meyers and wife Tracey in the pilot house
“We have the full crew out tonight, Mark.”
Capt. Meyers carefully positioned the Princess for the best possible view of the fireworks. His wife, Tracey Meyers, who frequently assists aboard the vessel, was also on board. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she is an avid outdoors enthusiast, a substitute teacher and manages the couple’s charter fishing business based in Ludington. We talked briefly about joining them on a future charter trip. I look forward to taking them up on that invitation.
Before the fireworks began, I returned to the bow where I met the Carr family of Manistee. David and Alexandria Carr were enjoying the evening with their sons, Greyson, 5, Liam, 3, and 7-week-old Kyler.
“It is the boys’ first fireworks,” David told me.
The excitement on the children’s faces was impossible to miss.
Soon the first shells burst overhead, followed by a spectacular display that lit up the Ludington shoreline. Watching the fireworks from Lake Michigan offers a perspective unlike any other. You are close enough to enjoy every burst while still hearing the cheers from the beach.
It was a remarkable experience.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse as seen from the Princess
This was the Princess’ inaugural Fourth of July fireworks cruise, and I hope it becomes an annual tradition. If it does, I encourage you to make plans now for next year. If you see me aboard, be sure to say hello. There is another opportunity to take a fireworks cruise this summer. See details below.
One of my favorite moments of the evening came as I watched the Carr boys cuddled up with their parents alongside Lola and Endsley. The families had become fast friends during the cruise, and the girls had quickly been welcomed into their little group as everyone watched the show together.
When the final shell faded from the sky, the Princess quietly turned north toward Manistee. Most passengers found a comfortable place inside or out of the wind and simply enjoyed the peaceful ride home.
The view of Big Sable Point Lighthouse at the Ludington State Park looked completely different from the lake on the return trip. I appreciated seeing it from that perspective. Once we passed Epworth Heights, much of the shoreline grew dark and peaceful.
Laaksonen had been right about bringing a jacket. The temperature dropped noticeably as the Princess cruised steadily along the shoreline until the lights of Manistee finally appeared ahead.
Before I knew it, we were back at the dock. Passengers exchanged goodbyes, and I climbed into my Jeep for the drive home. It was well after midnight, and I have to admit I am not 30 anymore.
After dodging deer and more than a few drivers who refused to dim their high beams, I finally pulled into my garage and collapsed into my chair.
Another adventure complete.
My thanks go to Laaksonen and the entire crew of the Princess. If you have not taken a cruise aboard this spirited little vessel, you really should. Whether it is a sightseeing cruise, a sunset trip or next year’s fireworks cruise, the experience is well worth it.
From the moment you step aboard, the crew makes you feel at home — exactly as Laaksonen intends.
Well done.
For more information on the Princess and to book tickets visit manisteeharbortours.com.
Looking for another opportunity to experience fireworks from the deck of the Princess? The next fireworks cruise is scheduled during Onekama Days.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Departure: 8:30 p.m.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Departure location: 428 River St., Manistee
Admission
• Adults (ages 13 and older): $60
• Children (12 and younger): $40
• Infants (ages 3 and younger): Free
The cruise begins with a sunset voyage on Lake Michigan before entering Portage Lake for a prime view of the Onekama Days fireworks display. Passengers can enjoy panoramic shoreline views, a festive summer atmosphere and access to the Princess’ onboard bar throughout the evening.
Highlights include:
• Sunset cruise on Lake Michigan
• Cruise into Portage Lake for the Onekama Days fireworks
• Fireworks viewed from the deck of the Princess
• Access to the Princess bar for beverages during the cruise
Click here to book tickets: manisteeharbortours.com
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