The Lake George Steamboat Company has been operating steamboats on Lake George in New York (U.S.A.) since 1817. These days, the Company offers passenger cruises that include a wedding venue, conference venue, and one that’s oriented for families with small children. The retail director of the company’s gift shop reached out to Playwell Bricks to commission a replica of one of their steamboats to offer in their gift shop.

The client explained that they were looking for an item that would appeal to children. Building bricks have remained immensely popular for all ages over time, so Playwell felt like a natural fit. Sharing photos of the steamboat Minne Ha Ha, the client explained that this boat offered shorter, one-hour cruises that families loved.  

After being christened in 1969, the Minne Ha Ha cruises grew so popular that the Lake George Steamboat Company had to pull her out of the water in the 1990s to extend her length to accommodate more passengers. “People have been riding this boat year after year. Their parents brought them, and now they’re bringing their kids or their grandkids,” the client explained. 

Now, these families would have a chance to bring the Minne Ha Ha home to build in bricks and relive their adventure on the lake.

Playwell Bricks designer Eric Dubois Yang crafted this brick Minne Ha Ha replica, working from photos and detailed close-ups sent from the client. Once he captured the shape and spirit of this beloved steamboat, the graphics team created a decal that would display her name along the side railing on both sides of the set.

In the meantime, the client prepared content to be included in the Build Instructions that shares the history of the Minne Ha Ha and her place on Lake George.

Because this set is intended for children, a special step had to be added: ensuring that every brick involved in this set was tested and complied with children’s safety standards, known as the Children’s Product Certificate in the U.S. where this client was located. 

With these custom-designed Minne Ha Ha sets, the Lake George Steamboat Company has a popular toy to offer the families that come back to Lake George year after year. The Build Instructions allow the steamboat’s history to be shared, recapturing the imaginations of the builder as they relive their adventure. The Children’s Product Certificate gives both the Lake George Steamboat Company and parents peace of mind, knowing that this toy has been proven safe for kids. 

“As a first-time user of your company, we were very pleased with the product and the feedback I have received from our customers.”

- Karen Dingman, Retail Director, Lake George Steamboat Company

From concept to unboxing, custom designs from Playwell Bricks are crafted to align with your brand and your values. Bring some joy to your brand, contact Playwell Bricks and schedule your discovery call today.