Img

about the lillypad

The S.S. Lillypad II entered the waters of Lake Wawasee in the Summer of 2006. It was purchased in January of 2014 by Doug Shoemaker.  The two story, 120-passenger houseboat has all the amenities to make your voyage on Lake Wawasee one to remember.  Its 70 feet in length makes it the largest vessel on Lake Wawasee.

Every Sunday between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekends, the SS Lillypad plays host to the Syracuse/Lake Wawasee Ministrial Association Boat-in Church Service. For over 55 years, local churches take part in the non-denominational service that both enlighten and entertain guests. The Lillypad loads at 7:30 am from The Frog Tavern, departs at 7:45 am sharp. Services start at 8:30 am, conclude at 9 am, and the boat returns at 9:30 am to The Frog Tavern. Guests are first come, first serve until max capacity is reached. Complimentary coffee and danish are offered on the Lillypad. Those who cannot make the Lillypad are welcome to catch services on the shores of Oakwood Resort. Bringing lawn chairs is highly recommended, as is the Oakwood brunch after. Guests can also anchor down by boat or nearby shore.

brochureThe downstairs area is totally enclosed, protected from the elements and can seat up to 60 guests in a climate controlled environment and offers a food buffet area, beverage center and a dessert station.. The upper level has a second bar station and plenty of room for social gathering, a dj, band and much more and can seat 70 guests comfortably with room for more standing and socializing..  

Our visitors have hosted weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation celebrations, engagement parties, countlessless reunions, along with corporate retreats and gatherings. We can host nearly any occasion on the boat. Our catering staff has over 45 years experience and will surely provide you and your guests with an amazing meal. A full list of items are available on the Lillypad brochure.

  • MAKING RESERVATIONS

    Ready to book your cruise in 2026? Once you decide on the type of cruise you prefer, contact our cruise manager at 574-529-3300 or by email at cruise@sslillypad.com to confirm your date and time slot is open. Download our contract and fill it out with the contractselected date and time, sign it and return with your cruise deposit. We can hold your date for two weeks after confirming its availability with our manager before a deposit is needed. After that, simply decide on a meal plan and a total guest count, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact our manager to help plan your cruise.

  • AS YOU PLAN...

    The Lillypad boat serves as a banquet hall. The boat rents for $450 per hour, which includes the use of the boat, appropriate crew members and fuel. Guests can have access to the boat one hour before departure for setup. Food and drink costs are not included with the cruise fee. The food is prepared by the Lillypad/Frog staff and served on the boat. Decorations, entertainment, or alterations to what is already provided by the Lillypad is at the customer's time and expense.

    Click on the planning guide to the left if you need help planning your venture. From food, drink, entertainment and decorations, the sheet will give you guidance as you plan.

  •  

  • The lower level of the boat seats 60 people comfortably with four 6'x2.5' tables seating 7 per table, three 8'x2.5' tables seating nine per table, and a 5'x2.5' table seating five guests,, and can handle another 60 seated upstairs using up to 12 2.5'x2.5' all weather tables and chairs. A padded seating area at the bow of the boat can accommodate another 15-20 guests. .

    Every effort will be made to tour the lake. In the event of inclimate weather, the boat will sit dockside for your event, or in severe cases, The Frog will serve as the host site. There will not be a fee for weather-cancelled cruises, but the host will be charged for food and drink. We will prorate the boat fee for time spent out on the water if there is a delay.

    Most important is to get your date and time reservation in the books. From there, work on planning your event with an accurate head count and submit your food options to the Lillypad within 10 days from your event.

    Special occasion cakes can be brought on board by the hosts. The Lillypad can supply dinnerware for a minimal fee.

    At the conclusion of your cruise, any decorations left behind will be discarded in a timely manner unless previously arranged.