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SASKATOON — Joan and Mike Steckhan own and operate a one-of-a-kind business in Saskatchewan that will set sail for the last time in the summer of 2025.

This Saskatchewan attraction, known as The Prairie Lily, began its cruises in the spring of 2012. The ship itself was built in 1989 in La Crosse, Wis. and transported by truck to Laughlin, Nev., where she first served as a sightseeing, dinner and wedding charter ship on the Colorado River, operating as Fiesta Queen. Prairie River Cruises made the purchase and moved to the Bridge City in 2012.

The Prairie Lily owners have announced that 2025 will be their last season in operation. While interest has been shown, there has yet to be a new owner/operator secured for this premier Saskatchewan tourist attraction, located on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon.

Mike Steckhan has a storied career in the navy, while his wife, Joan, is a CMA. Together, they decided to combine their skills and create something interesting and highly attractive for the province’s residents and visitors.

In an interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca, Joan says, “We talked a lot about lining up farewell year activities; however, we realized what has remained popular in the past is still what’s popular now, so why change what people already love and appreciate about the Prairie Lily River cruises?”

The dynamic duo says that over their years of operation, which began in 2012, there has only been one short time span in their second year of operation that impacted their service.

“The summer of 2013, the water was so high, it covered the pathways and stairs, which resulted in closure, so there was no way for people to get to the Prairie Lily. We were shut down for 10 days, which was unnerving as we were only in our second year of operation,” added the Steckhans.

We asked the river boat operators what some of their biggest highlights may have been, and they responded, “Dreaming it up and making it all work. This is something very unique, and people bought into the idea hard and fast, so our success took off right away.”

The couple both chuckle that when they first started their family and friends asked what on Earth they were getting themselves into, as any mention of boats revolved around lake boats and cruising pontoon boats, but never a river boat that would tour visitors through the heart of the Bridge City, from the water.

Mike did affirm that the river has incurred record lows for four years now, but it is nothing that they couldn’t handle, as it may have only meant turning around a little sooner than the trip would extend to when river levels were normal.

How did the Prairie Lily get her name? Mike acknowledges, “We were sitting enjoying a drink with friends, asking for suggestions on what we were going to name our new adventure. We knew it should be local and not another queen or princess.”

The duo jostled back and forth of who actually came up with the name, so refer to it as a group effort. But, as soon as the words Prairie Lily were uttered, they knew this was the name this ship should have.

Captain Mike’s 27-year navy experience was a big asset, as was Joan’s business management. The captains’ engineering and driving skills combined and meshed with what was needed to run this river boat cruise.

Could this be Prairie Lily’s last year in operation?

This could be the last year for the company’s 12 staff if no one takes on operations of the Prairie Lily. While owner Mike is the senior captain, he also has on board a former navy buddy, who once was Steckhan’s commanding officer, while the other officer also flies for a major airline in addition to his riverboat work.

Sadly, as of press time, Mike affirms that while they have had three or four offers and leads, nothing has come to fruition, meaning no prospects at present.

“We know Saskatoon wants to keep this. We are operating for one last summer to provide an entire summer of training for new owners, and hopefully someone will come along.”

What lies ahead for the Steckhans? Mike says he is 10 years behind on summer work around his house, and Joan wants a weed-free garden.

What people don’t realize is that if the Prairie Lily is not purchased, they are retiring regardless, and the boat is leaving town one way or another, either by new purchaser or in pieces. It will be made available on commercial markets in mid-April.

There is a community desire for the Prairie Lily to stay as it serves as a premier Saskatchewan tourist attraction along with a highlight of Saskatoon’s tourism industry.

Joan affirms, “This boat is not just an investment; you have to get your hands dirty. You don’t just need the money to buy it, but the hands to work it. But it will provide a return on your investment.”

Guests have continually stated over the years that what stands the Prairie Lily apart from other tourism vessels is that it is always clean. That might not sound like a big deal, but it shows pride in ownership and how the ship is cared for and the comfort level for those who ride on it. What makes this riverboat special is what has been put into it by the entire crew.

Joan herself affirmed that she and Mike have “been on some ugly tubs around the world.”

The iconic riverboat’s last season could be 2025 unless a buyer comes into the picture.

“Prairie Lily does not have to retire just because we are, but we are very much hoping someone will be interested in taking over this premier Saskatoon tourist attraction.”

The Prairie Lily holds 199 passengers and spans 700 square feet of space on upper and lower decks. The lower level is where the dining experiences are enjoyed while the upper level offers the guest a wide open, fresh air experience.