Historic Lake Orion boat tour — via pontoon

There are plenty of historic homes in and around the community that are fun to look at and ponder about, ‘I wonder what’s the story with that house??
Starting in September area residents can learn some ‘history, folklore and lies? surrounding that big body of water for which are town is named, Lake Orion. Orion Marine will host two-hour pontoon boat tours, Wednesday evenings thru October.
‘I love the lake and its history,? Riva Campbell said.
Her love of the lake, its history and folklore come naturally. Her father and mother, Scott and Cathy Campbell, are the longtime owners of Orion Marine — on M-24, next to Green’s Park. Over the years, her mother has collected and donated many old photos of the lake and its hot spots from the 1920s and 30s.
Riva will captain the tours and her mother will share some of the lake’s stories complete with historic photographs. Those taking the tour will learn of the Lake Orion dragon, the history of Park Island’s amusement park, the Bellevue Hotel and more.
Tour passengers will be aboard one of the six, 22-foot long new pontoons from the rental fleet, seating 10 passengers. Tours will depart around 5:30 p.m., leaving from the fuel docks. Those who don’t want to ‘miss the boat? (literally) should arrive early to gather in the marina’s picnic area. If tours prove popular, the Campbell’s will add more dates to accommodate.
Those wanting more information or to register for a tour should call the Orion Marine Pontoon Rental office at 248-693-1076, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Campbells say folks can bring food and drink with them for the tour.