For a leisurely way to view Long Lake and Brandy Pond lakefront properties, why not take a ride on the Songo River Queen II, which docks on the Causeway in Naples.
Relive a bygone era and travel from Long Lake in Naples to the Songo River, home of the historic Songo Lock. The Songo River Queen is a modern day replica of the grand riverboats that traveled the Mississippi River in the 1800s. True to tradition, her only means of propulsion is the authentic stern paddlewheel.
Built by Frank Gerrish in 1982, she operates on Long Lake and Brandy Pond. Daily cruises occur in July and August. Chartered trips are available from Mother’s Day through Halloween.One of my favorite rides on the Songo River Queen is the relaxing two and a half hour tour down the Songo River to the Songo Lock. The river is full of twists and turns. Passing through Sebago Lake State Park, we sometimes see wildlife.
And the lock is a real treat. Constructed in 1830, it is the only remaining lock of the Cumberland-Oxford Canal and it connects Sebago Lake to Brandy Pond and Long Lake. About 100 canal boats used to make the three day journey from Portland Harbor to Harrison, Maine. Originally there were 27 locks between Long Lake and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, only the Songo Lock remains.
Beginning about May 1st each year, the lock is in use and hand-operated. It feels like you are being lifted by magic as the water level raises the boat five feet. It takes about 15 minutes to pass through the lock, while the operator closes the gates on the upstream end and opens the lower ones.
When you finish your trip on the Songo River Queen II, check out these lakefront properties on Brandy Pond: