Boat
There is no river or canal public transportation system in the USA, but there are many smaller, often state-run, coastal ferry services, which provide efficient, scenic links to the many islands off the US coasts. Most larger ferries will transport private cars, motorcycles and bicycles. For details, see the regional chapters. The most spectacular coastal ferry runs are on the south coast of Alaska and along the Inside Passage. The Great Lakes have a number of islands that can be visited only by boat, such as Mackinac Island, MI; the Apostle Islands, off Wisconsin; and the remote Isle Royale National Park, MN. Or check out Majestic America Line (800-434-1232; www.majesticamericaline.com) : it offers week-long boat tours of the Mississippi and Ohio River systems, of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/transport/getting-around#85023#ixzz2pWli2nkf