The Dixie boat provides free birthday cake for passengers of all ages on her 86th birthday cruises Saturday, July 18.

NORTH WEBSTER — The Dixie Boat on Webster Lake is turning 86 years young and she wants her valued supporters to help her celebrate. Bring family and friends and join in the fun during special festivities aboard the historic landmark vessel.

The Dixie is Indiana’s oldest sternwheel tour boat. She is also on the National Registry of Historic Places.

On Saturday, July 18, Dixie cruises will feature free birthday cake for all passengers. Public cruises that day will have two extra departures at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Regular cruises will continue at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“Cap’n Bob,” the singing Dixie skipper, will be on the boat with live entertainment for passengers during the 9 p.m. sunset-moonlight cruise that evening. Tickets will be available at the Lake View Pizza King Dixie boat ticket window in North Webster Town Park.

Ticket prices have not increased. They are still just $7 for the 2015 season, which lasts from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Cruises last one hour and 15 minutes including a professional narrative of interesting facts about the lake and the Dixie.

Passengers also have access to a concession stand on the lower deck. Concessions are just $1 each.

Of note, there is a detour marked on SR 13 around North Webster currently in place. However, if you come from the north on SR 13 the detour is marked north of Syracuse on US 6. Take SR 13 anyway. It will lead you straight into North Webster. Follow the sign at East Himes Street to the Dixie.

Coming from the south on SR 13, turn right at Loose Moose Sports and proceed to Jellystone Park Campgrounds. Turn left and left again on the next east-west county road. It will return you to SR 13 and into North Webster.