Our Story

In 2017, my family and I were relocated to the Coast Guard station in Dollar Bay, MI, just a short distance from Houghton and Hancock. Approaching 20 years of dedicated service, I found myself at a crossroads—either continue in the Coast Guard and face another transfer in 2020, or retire and make a permanent home in the Keweenaw. With both of my daughters thriving in high school and forming new connections, and my wife feeling at home in our community, the decision became clear.

After retiring from the Coast Guard, I stepped into a new role as a research vessel captain at Michigan Technological University’s Great Lakes Research Center. While I valued the work and the people I worked alongside, something was still missing. During my Coast Guard career, I had often imagined running my own boat tours. After years of patrolling the Keweenaw’s waters, it was obvious that locals and visitors without a boat had few opportunities to truly experience the beauty of the Keweenaw Waterway and Lake Superior. With the encouragement of friends and community members, I finally decided to turn that long-held idea into reality.

That vision continued to grow, and in August 2025, we launched the Portage Dinner Cruise aboard the Sweet Afton—a 60-foot, Coast Guard-inspected dinner boat offering a unique dining experience unlike anything else in the area. This project represents the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and a commitment to bringing something truly special to the Keweenaw. The Sweet Afton allows guests to enjoy a relaxing, elegant meal while taking in the scenic beauty of the Portage Waterway, combining my passion for boating, hospitality, and community into one unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, we invite you to join us—on a tour or aboard the Sweet Afton—for a one-of-a-kind adventure on the water.

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Captain Jason

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