Elkhart River Queen

06/03/2024

Due to ongoing conflict with the Dock's owner Edward Smoker, the Elkhart River Queen is canceling all cruises we have booked this summer and will not be scheduling any new cruises. More information can be found on Tom Shoff's page. Thank you for your support.

05/09/2024

04/20/2024

Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible during maintenance project. 

03/21/2024

My name is Tom Shoff and I am the President of the St. Joseph River Association, Inc. (SJRA)

Recently I was notified by my contact at Indiana & Michigan Power (IMP) that they would not be returning the river (the impoundment east of or behind the Johnson Street Dam) to the normal summer operating level. As most of you know IMP normally raises the river around mid-march.

Last year when contractors were working on the dam, they discovered some “seepage” that should not be occurring. When this was discovered, work was stopped. It should be noted that the work that was being done did not cause the issue. Several engineering firms were consulted and a “possible” solution was determined. Contractors intend to install aqueous blocks at the base of the dam, when exposed to water these blocks harden like concrete, once the contractors determine the seepage has stopped, they will cover the blocks with stone.

Work will begin on April first and it is hoped that it will be finished by the third week in May. IMP will then raise the river six inches and wait forty-eight hours and if no seepage is detected they will raise the river another six inches and wait again. This process will continue until the river is back to its normal summer level hopefully by Memorial Day.

This matter also impacts the Elkhart River Queen. Normally in May we “un-winterize” her and prepare for the season. The process of winterizing her is expensive and time consuming. The depth of the river would also impact the ability for our passengers to safely board her and also hinder navigation. Therefore, we have decided not to “un-winterize” her until we have confirmation the work on the dam is successful.

IMP has set up a line for you to call should you have any questions. 260-408-3724 or you may email them at [email protected] Project updates will also be available at www.indianamichiganpower.com/news.

I know how important our river is to all of us. IMP, I and the SJRA is recommending you wait to put in your docks and boats until the work is completed and is deemed successful. IMP has told me that the water level may need to be taken down even further than it is now.

Let’s all pray that the plan IMP has established will be successful and we can begin, while a bit later, a normal boating season.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Tom Shoff
President SJRA, Inc. & HERQ, Inc.

01/15/2024

Today we welcomed fellow Elkhart Rotarian, Project Manager for the restoration of the Elkhart River Queen, and one of the most community-minded individuals in Elkhart, Tom Shoff. Tom shared a great deal of history about the Queen, restoration efforts, and some stories of the restoration that you ha...

08/01/2023

Tickets for our September 3rd public cruise can now be purchased at

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06/30/2023

who’s making plans to decorate their boat for this year’s Flotilla??

This Saturday is the 47th annual flotilla!! Boats are asked to gather at Six Span Bridge at 1:00 pm and then follow the Elkhart River Queen downstream. Follow behind the Queen from Six Span; the Queen will hang a left after crossing the point before Martin’s Landing so the flotilla will pass by Martins Landing so the spectators on shore can cheer us on. The flotilla will then cross the river back to the North and sail past the Greenleaf Condos (Those folks have always asked us to come down their way) the Flotilla will circle past the dam and the Queen will dock at her berth. Participants should wait in the Queen’s Bay next to the Queen. The winners will be announced along with the placard number, scream, shout, honk your horn and hold up your number so the Safety Patrol can find you and deliver your prize.

As in the past few years there is no theme, so you can decorate your boat anyway you like. You can use current events (wow we have a lot of those), celebrities, Elkhart landmarks, the possibilities are endless. We are also adding some new categories; Vintage Boats and your favorite TV show or Movie. We are excited to see what you come up with this year! We have hundreds of dollars in cash prizes that will be awarded for the best decorated boats.

What if I can’t decorate, can I still be in the flotilla? Most certainly the more boats the merrier.

The 100 guests onboard the River Queen will be the Judges.