Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale

Boblo Boats is not just a historical documentary that recounts the history of the popular boats used to go to and from Boblo Island. It captures the hearts and souls of the people who loved and continue to love both the boat and the island amusement park. The photography is excellent, but it is the telling of the story by the boat itself that truly brings the story alive and changes the film from just a documentary to a film that almost magically pulls the viewer into the story of the boats, the island, and the people who loved them.

Even for those who did not grow up with the park and boats, the film triggers childhood memories of old amusement parks and similar childhood experiences. It is a wonderful and heartwarming film!

I remember going to Boblo Island as a kid and riding on the ferry to get there. This was a lovely and nostalgic ride back on the boats that I remember from my childhood.

There is also so much about Detroit history within this documentary that - alone - makes it worth watching. Learning about Sarah Elizabeth Ray was mind-blowing and made me think a little more about what stories are or are not told.

If you want to learn about this history of Boblo Island and the two 'sisters' the Ste. Claire and the Columbia that brought us safely there... I'd recommend watching this movie. You'll get a chance to learn more about Detroit, Boblo, the ferries and the history that defines them.

A pair of deteriorating boats keeps deteriorating and then one catches fire and burns. Drama queen sold popcorn on the boat in high school and somehow becomes the restoration partner. Arabic doctor buys the boat for cheap and has health problems. Doesn't seem to give a s*^# about boat or the movie. Black people denied a seat 75 years ago. Big news. Psychic talks to boat for no apparent reason and then she dies. Did I miss anything? This was indeed one sad attempt at making a documentary - nothing much for old footage of the boat or the island. I wanted to be taken down memory lane. I was taken for $12 instead.

They missed the boat in this documentary. It would have helped if they gave more detailed dates on some of the history given on the boats. Example when the boat that caught fire there was know clear date when this happened. The documentary never had a clear ending and better explanation of what would be done moving forward. The information about the boat that was brought to New York City was not given. It would have been interesting to learn more about what they are using the New York boat for and then show with a video tour of how the interior of the boat looks. It's best to stay clear of the documentary and row far away from watching.

This documentary film has the rare magical ability to transport you through time. Many cities had a local amusement park, and Detroit's was special!

To get to Boblo Island, you had to take a ride on an old steam boat. These boats were the highlight of the trip for many people. It was a safe place to be yourself.

This is the only documentary film about that special island. It uses the "voice" of a steamboat to tell the story, narrated by Motown legend Martha Reeves. It finds people who remember the island and all it's glory.

What makes this movie so interesting is the depth it goes into the history of what happened to the boats afterwards. It follows the restoration of one for over 7 years and it's incredible journey.

From also touches on the left glorious aspects of History. The boats actually caused a supreme court civil rights case that's all but lost to time.

It's a wonderful film I will send you down a path of nostalgia and fascinating history.