Virginia Dare History

The Virginia Dare is a 19 th Century replica side wheeler that is 63’ long , 20 ‘ wide and 26.6 ‘ tall. It cruises from April through December on the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake and can accommodate 112 guests for a seated meal or 135 guests for an Hors d’ oeuvre cruise. Cruises include private charters, weddings, birthdays, church groups, as well as for many other occasions. Individuals, couples and groups can purchase a boarding pass for regular cruises that are open.

The Virginia Dare was built in the spring of 1989 and made the long trip partially by water and partially by land from La Crosse, Wisconsin to Moneta, Virginia. On it’s long journey through many states, it encountered no problems until it reached a bridge on US Rt 220 just outside of Roanoke where it got stuck for several Days. The boat and the flat bed carrier were too heavy to cross the Bridge together, so the 50 ton boat had to be removed from the Flat bed so that the two could cross separately. Finally in May of 1989 the Virginia Dare completed her maiden voyage.





Originally the Virginia Dare was docked at the Bridgewater Plaza, but for over 10 years the boat has been moored at the Virginia Dare Marina at the end of Rt 853 ( Airport Road .) The Virginia Dare schedules 2 hour lunch, dinner and Sunday Luncheons cruises and other private and specially cruises.

The Virginia Dare also organizes the Annual Va Dare Flotilla for Toys Boat Parade each December which benefits the Lake Christian Ministries Toy Story Program, helping Local needy children. See Flotilla

for Toys button on home page for more details.

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
With over 500 Miles of shoreline and 23,000 acres of water, Smith Mountain Lake is the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (More)