Marine salvage expert, Captain John Beatty, purchased the paddle-wheeler in 1967 and spent one year converting it into the present "Mike Fink" restaurant. The restaurant opened in May of 1968.

The Bernstein family purchased the Mike Fink in August of 1977. The following year, they refurbished the entire interior and added the glass-enclosed dining barge outside.

The Mike Fink is the most recognized landmark along the Ohio River. This boat was placed on the National Historic Register of Buildings and Places in 1981.