Virginia Dare History

The Virginia Dare is a 19th Century replica side wheeler that is 63’ long, 20’ wide and 26.6’ tall. We cruise most days April through December on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake , Virginia. We can accommodate 100 guests for a seated meal or 115 guests for an Hors d’ oeuvre cruise.

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 Sightseeing, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Luncheon, Private Charters and Specially Cruises.

The Virginia Dare also organizes the Annual Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys Boat Parade of Lights each November which benefits the Lake Christian Ministries ”A Childs Christmas” Program, helping local children in need. See the Flotilla page for more details.