Built in 1902, the SS Columbia is one of the last two existing excursion steamships that were constructed at the turn of the century is still existing today. Along with its sister ship, SS Ste. Claire, it was designed by Louis O. Keil and Frank Kirby.

Built in Wyandotte, Michigan, SS Columbia was designed to have a dance floor. This made this ship to be the first US steamboat to have a proper ballroom. Its initial route was down the Detroit River, from Detroit to an amusement park to Bois Blanc Island, a Canadian island where passengers are usually taken.

SS Columbia was declared as a National Historic Landmark as of 1992. It is currently under restorations from the group, The SS Columbia Project.