Orlando celebrates 100 years of Swan Boats on Lake Eola

ORLANDO, Fla. - The City of Orlando is celebrating 100 years of its iconic swan boats on Lake Eola. 

To honor this "Swantennial," the city unveiled a gold-wrapped swan boat – in partnership with Wraps for Less. The golden swan is the centerpiece of the celebration. 

What we know:

The City of Orlando hosted its Swantennial – celebrating 100 years of its swan boats on Lake Eola, which first launched in 1925  – on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the Lake Eola Swan Boat Dock. 

The celebration pays tribute to long-standing history and the community connection the swan boats bring, the city said. 

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan unveiled the golden swan boat. 

"We're really proud to have people be able to come to enjoy beautiful Lake Eola Park," Sheehan said. "It's a very different experience when you're on the water than when you're on the land. And the swan boats are really beloved." 

The backstory:

Lake Eola's swan boats first launched on December 1, 1925, as the first two boats carried up to two dozen passengers each around the lake. The boats launched after Mrs. Bowers of Maitland first requested to add a swan boat dock. 

The original swan boat was 10 cents for children and 50 cents for adults to ride the boat, which was pedaled in the back by a single person. 

Now, as a park fixture for 100 years, the boats have become synonymous with Lake Eola Park, symbolizing the city’s charm, innovation and commitment to quality recreation for residents and visitors alike, the city said.