The dean of the canal boats, "Juno" is named for the patron goddess of marriage and motherhood. She was built in 1874 at the Motala Werkstad in Motala.

The intent was to call her "Darwin" to honour the English scientist, but some of the shareholders objected and Juno was the compromise choice. As a direct result of this, many of the company's subsequent ships were also named after gods.

At first the boat was painted black with a white line around the deck and square windows. She had a single cabin on the upper deck and the long, thin funnel typical of the times.

In 1904 the boat was thoroughly rebuilt at Motala Werkstad and in 1956 she was fitted with two diesel engines. Her current profile dates to 1963 and today she is the world's oldest registered boat with overnight cabins.