riverboat in marietta ohio

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler

By Elaine Kish

Located in southeastern Ohio on the Muskingum River is Marietta — Ohio’s oldest city and home of the Valley Gem sternwheeler. In 1973 Capt. James E. Sands Sr. and his wife Peggy began operation of their first 98-passenger sternwheeler. The name Valley Gem was taken from a historic boat that traveled the Muskingum River between Marietta and Zanesville, Ohio from 1898 to 1918. Construction of the current Valley Gem was completed by Capt. Sands in 1989 and it was designed specifically for the Muskingum River. Although it can carry 296 passengers, it has only two decks so it can clear low bridges and is narrow so it can fit through the locks. We recently took the 90-minute sightseeing cruise on the Valley Gem which proved to be a relaxing trip into history.

The boat is powered by a 500 horsepower Detroit Diesel engine attached to a marine transmission and the transmission turns chains attached to the paddle wheel. This paddle wheel is the sole source of power for the boat, as it has no additional motors and no propellers. The boat is United States Coast Guard approved and handicapped accessible. Immediately after leaving the dock the boat made a 180-degree turn heading south to the Ohio River. The comfortable lower deck is completely enclosed and climate controlled with air conditioning or heat depending on the season. It contains a snack bar, restrooms and numerous tables and chairs next to large windows. You can also move to the outside deck area where standing on the front portion gives you the feeling of skimming over the water.

Moving to the upper deck for a better view, there were more tables and chairs, as well as benches, most of which were covered with an awning for sun or rain protection. It was no time until we moved to the back of the boat to see the giant paddlewheel in action. Standing too close will give you a slight shower, but there is ample dry space to see the wheel in action, churning the river water to move the boat.

As we move along, Capt. Don in the wheelhouse begins to give us a narrative history of the area. We passed under several bridges, one of which was an old railroad bridge that connects the east and west sides of Marietta.

Originally a covered bridge, it was converted for railroad use and rebuilt four times due to floods, the last time in 1913. After it was no longer used for railroad traffic, the bridge was ultimately donated to the city by the B&O Railroad and converted to pedestrian use in 1962. Interestingly, it contains a movable section which can still be manually cranked open to allow taller boats to pass through.

Continuing on our journey we converged with the Ohio River. Turning north, we passed Buckley Island, a strip of land about three miles long and a quarter-mile wide. Buckley Island has a long history beginning in 1774 when its first owner farmed the land. The island subsequently passed through numerous owners and was used for many purposes. When a new owner took possession in 1897, it was converted to an amusement park complete with a dance pavilion and family activities. Alas, another flood in 1907 destroyed that endeavor. Purchased by James Buckley in 1911, it was eventually sold again and the island is now a National Wildlife Refuge and a favorite area for boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking, and fishing.

Turning around to head back, this time we pass the other side of Buckley Island. Evident on all sides are the rock formations placed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service designed to reduce erosion of the island while also increasing the area for fish and mussels. We also witnessed a tugboat pushing its load of six empty barges. The Ohio River is a major commercial waterway for the transportation of barges loaded with coal, crude oil, petroleum products, sand, gravel, iron and steel, chemicals and grain. Lengthy and with limited navigational ability due to their size and weight, barges are confined to a shipping lane within the channel and recreational vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to them. The barges are a testament to the past, present and future of the area where water transportation is preferable over rail and truck.

During our excursion, we visited the Portside Café and enjoyed drinks and snacks, all reasonably priced. We also visited the wheelhouse where Capt. Don answered all of our questions and allowed us to take some memorable photos. The Valley Gem has a variety of cruises including the sightseeing cruise, dinner cruises, day tours, island tours and lock cruises. It is available for private charters and is fast becoming a destination wedding location available for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and receptions. They can also provide corporate events and educational tours. For more information, consult their website at valleygemsternwheeler.com .

The most memorable event of this area is the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival held each year the weekend after Labor Day in September. Each year 30-35 sternwheelers meet at the Ohio River Levee on the corner of Front and Green Streets in downtown Marietta. Events for the weekend include a 5K run, fireworks, a car show, boat races and a photo contest. Sternwheelers come to this riverboat town from everywhere to attend. What more could a river buff ask for than to see the beautiful sternwheelers all lined up, each with its own history, and offering a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts.

A final note – a search of youtube revealed several eyewitness videos of the B&O Railroad bridge in Marietta being opened manually and they are extremely interesting. It’s as if you’re standing right there in history, so take a look.

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One Trip To Marietta, Ohio May Just Convince You To Permanently Move To A Small Riverboat Town

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

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Situated along the Ohio River awaits a small town positively brimming with natural beauty, history, and personality. The charming town of Marietta makes for a lovely day trip destination; there’s delicious dining and loads of activities to enjoy. However, spending just a few hours exploring this small riverboat town may just convince you to up and move. Here’s more on what you can look forward to when you explore the town of Marietta, Ohio.

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Have you ever spent time in the charming town of Marietta, Ohio? What was your favorite part about visiting? We’d love to hear all about your travels in the comments below! For more information, you can follow Marietta, Ohio on Facebook or check out the official visitor’s website .

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Valley Gem Sternwheeler, Marietta

An excursion on the Valley Gem sternwheeler is the perfect way to explore the history and charm of Marietta.

May 2021 BY Elizabeth Stern | Photo by Casey Rearick

Watching the Valley Gem sternwheeler float down the Ohio River with its paddle wheel churning is a reminder of a bygone era. Yet the double-decker riverboat is a modern creation. Captain James Sands and his wife, Peggy, followed their dream of operating a sternwheeler by building the vessel in 1989. Since then, the Valley Gem has been docked in the historic town of Marietta — the first permanent U.S. settlement north and west of the Ohio River.  Complete with modern amenities, including heat and air conditioning, the Valley Gem offers sightseeing tours May through November. The cruises typically last an hour and a half, with narration provided by the captain.  “The [Ohio and Muskingum] rivers converging here is why Marietta was chosen as the point to move westward,” says Heather Sands, the Valley Gem ’s general manager. “Not seeing the rivers is not seeing the town fully.”  Special excursions set to return this summer include popular dinner cruises with themes such as a Murder Mystery, the Roaring ’20s and Downton Abbey. Other experiences include daylong tours showcasing Blennerhasset Island (serving breakfast and lunch) and Henderson Hall (offering dinner). Visitors can disembark to explore these historical sites.  The passion for the Valley Gem remains a Sands family affair. Today, James and Peggy’s son, Jason, and his wife, Heather, are also part of the business.  “Jason is a mechanic, I do marketing, and our family friend Don Sandford is an electrician,” Heather Sands says. “We all captain the Valley Gem . “It is all personal and thoughtful. We want to make sure it is a family-oriented place because we are family.” 601 Front St., Marietta 45750, 740/373-7862, valleygemsternwheeler.com

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Sternwheelers in Marietta

Photo Credit: Bruce Wunderlich , Compliments of Marietta CVB

Sternwheelers in Marietta on September 8, 9, and 10, 2023

Each September, this river town comes alive for the biggest event of the year, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival .  The historic downtown district is normally a peaceful setting with specialty shops, restaurants, and activities, but this weekend converts to an outdoor stage for one of the biggest events in Ohio’s Appalachian country. The three-day event attracts people from all over the country and even foreign visitors who view historic sternwheel vessels against the backdrop of a preserved riverboat-era community.

During the festival, live music and entertainment abound throughout the town.  The primary location is on a stage floating in the Ohio River at the historic riverfront levee right next to the moored sternwheelers.  Families can bring their blankets, stadium chairs, and picnic items to enjoy while they lounge on the banks of the Ohio River and listen to live music and other entertainment.  The riverfront is open to the public all day and into the evening, free of charge.  Marietta also has multiple venues with live entertainment; most are within walking distance of the festivities.

The celebrations begin on Friday as several blocks of the downtown area are closed to vehicles and filled with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and carnival-type activities for people of all ages.

Festival events kick off on Friday afternoon as performers come to the floating stage while the street celebrations begin and last into the night.

Saturday features the crowning of Queen Genevieve & Little Miss and Mr. Sternwheel.  Queen Genevieve is derived from a Native American word meaning “the gentle strength of our rivers.”  The Queen Genevieve Pageant began in 1994, and pageant winners have been awarded over $102 thousand in scholarships since then.  Saturday night, the sky will rain fire as festival attendees watch the premier fireworks show of the Ohio River Valley.

Sunday features two major events. The Rollin’ Oldies Car Show features over one hundred custom and classic automobiles.  The cars will be located throughout the historic downtown district within walking distance of the levee.  Sunday afternoon on the levee is the place to be for the sternwheel races as these historic vessels compete for the championship.

Additional activities will include photo contests, local and big-name entertainers at several venues in town, riverboat excursions on the community’s vessel, The Valley Gem Sternwheeler, and the town’s guided history and ghost tours.  Knowledgeable visitors will allow some free time to explore Marietta’s historic sites. Campus Martius Museum tells the story of the founding of Marietta and the Northwest Territory.  Indian Mounds are located throughout the town.  Marietta is also home to unique museums located in historic homes, including The Castle Museum, Children’s Toy and Doll Museum, and The Peoples Mortuary Museum.

Schedules of activities and performers are posted at sternwheel.org and on Facebook at “Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.”

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Marietta Awaits: Ohio’s First Riverboat Town

Celebrate Spring by planning your first road trip of the season to Ohio’s first city. Just a two-hour drive from Columbus, a visit to Marietta is the perfect destination trip to the Ohio River.

Immerse yourself in centuries old history and make a few new memories of your own.

Settled in 1788 by Rufus Putnam, Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, making it Ohio’s oldest city.

Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in Washington County, this historic Rivertown quickly became the centerpiece for ship building and commerce.

Marietta’s charming downtown is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, exploring an abundance of local shops and restaurants.

With its rich history dating back to the Hopewell and Adena cultures, there’s plenty of historical sites and museums to interest everyone. And no trip is complete without a scenic riverboat ride down the Ohio River.

With so much to see and do, you’ll probably with you stayed a bit longer. We planned a two-day visit and enjoyed it so much we added a third!

Where to Stay

If you’re planning an overnight trip, which I highly recommend, there’s no better place to stay than the historic Lafayette Hotel .

Constructed in 1918, this boutique hotel located along the banks of the Ohio River will transport you back in time to the grand era of riverboats.

Entering the lobby, visitors are greeted with a bright hand-painted ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and large arched windows overlooking the river beyond. An authentic nautical theme abounds throughout the hotel, making for a charming experience.

Travel Tip: To avoid busy street noise, book a room on the quieter river facing side.

Where to Dine

The only challenge finding a place to eat in town is choosing which one to try first. We dined at several during our stay and enjoyed the variety of experiences, but most of all the great food.

Guests of the Lafayette Hotel receive a voucher for The Gun Room during check in. Start the day off with a hearty made to order breakfast here. Our favorite breakfast spot was Busy Bee , with a welcoming décor, friendly service, and a fantastic locally sourced menu.

For lunch, the Harmar Tavern is a Marietta institution famous for their fried bologna sandwich. Great outdoor seating awaits at The Galley with a large covered patio, perfect for hot or rainy afternoons.

Marietta Brewing and 740 Social are located downtown and offer cool vibes, and good menus with even better beverage options.

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back vibe or an upscale experience for dinner, Marietta delivers.

Boathouse BBQ is a super casual place, right by the river. The food is great, especially the ribs and smoked chicken. Head to Levee House Bistro for incredible scallops and an eclectic menu. Austyns , across from the Lafayette Hotel, offers an upscale dining experience, perfect for a romantic evening.

Austyn’s Fine Dining

Things to Do in Marietta

Whether you want to immerse yourself in history, relax along the riverfront, or eat and shop your way through downtown, Marietta has you covered. It’s a great destination for families, couples, friends, or solo explorers.

Take a Guided Tour

Taking a guided tour is one of our favorite things to do when visiting a new city. It’s a great way to get oriented and learn about the area. There are several tour options to choose from in Marietta.

Historic Marietta Trolley

Board the trolley for a comfortable ride around town with a local historian as your guide. This tour will bring Marietta’s history to life and to introduce you to all of the best places around town.

From May to October, Historic Marietta Trolleys offers a 90-minute narrated tour, available on select days at 10:30am. The cost is $15 per person. All tours depart from the Armory located at 241 Front Street. Call 740-350-9852 to make an advanced reservation.

Hidden Marietta

If an in-depth walking tour is more to your liking, check out Hidden Marietta . There are three historical tours to choose from: Ancient Earthworks , Fires & Floods , and Marietta Mansions . For those who like folklore and things that go bump in the night, check out the paranormal offerings.

The tour office is located at The Anchorage Mansion, 424 George Street. Please confirm the appropriate tour start location when booking. Tour dates and prices vary.

Lafayette Hotel

Not interested in joining a guided tour? Go on a self-guided tour of the historic Lafayette Hotel. Guide books are available for purchase ($2.50 ea) at the front desk.

Walk along River Trail

The River Trail is an asphalt rail-trail that stretches about 3.3 miles along the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, including the historic downtown.

The trail is wheelchair accessible, with benches along the way to sit and take in the views. Just steps from the Lafayette Hotel, this trail is a great way to start your day or enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Along the way, stop at the historical markers recounting significant moments in Marietta’s history. Stand at the spot where the The Ohio Company landed along the banks of the Muskingum River. Learn about the history of the riverboat era and life along the Ohio River.

Take a stroll across the Marietta-Williamstown Bridge to Williamstown, WV via a pedestrian walkway. The bridge is a great place to watch the riverboats as they pass directly underneath. It also provides one of the best views of the Ohio River.

If you’re feeling energetic, continue on to Da Vinci’s for some Italian fare before making the trek back to town.

Visit a Historical Museum

Museums offer a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to learn and explore. Set aside a couple of hours to visit these interesting historical museums. You’ll be glad you did.

Campus Martius Museum

After arriving in Marietta, Rufus Putnam and the Ohio Company built a civilian stockade to protect its members from attack during the Ohio Indian Wars of 1790 to 1794.

After the Treaty of Greenville was signed, most of Campus Martius was dismantled for supplies to build homes and businesses throughout Marietta.

The Campus Martius Museum stands on the original site of the stockade, protecting the last remaining original structure, the Rufus Putnam House . Along with many historical documents and artifacts on display, visitors can also see the oldest building in Ohio, the Ohio Company Land Office.

Rufus Putnam House

The museum is located at 601 2 nd Street. It’s open to the public Monday – Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 (adult/youth), and $5 (veterans/children 5 & under). Ohio History Connection members are FREE.

Ohio River Museum 

Note: This museum is currently undergoing a major renovation and all access has been closed. It is targeted to re-open in late 2025.

The Ohio River Museum focuses on life along the Ohio River and the significant impact the steamboat age had on expansion to the West. The museum offers informative displays and artifacts for visitors to enjoy.

There are several outdoor displays to explore, including a restored shanty boat, the Tell City Pilot House (built in 1889), and some eye-opening exhibits describing the worst floods in the area.

Perhaps the pride of the Ohio River Museum is the W.P Snyder, Jr, which is permanently docked outside. It is one of the last remaining examples of steam-powered, stern wheeled towboats in the U.S. For a small fee, guided tours of the towboat are available.

W.P Snyder, Jr

The museum is located at 601 Front Street. Check the website for more information regarding its future plans to reopen.

Relax on a River Cruise

There is no better way to add some fun to your day than a relaxing excursion down the river. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers trips year-round.

There’s a tour for everyone, whether you prefer an afternoon sightseeing excursion, a leisurely dinner cruise, or prefer to jazz it up with music and a special themed event.

The Valley Gem is a genuine sternwheeler vessel accommodating 200+ guests and offers indoor seating, plus an upper-level outdoor deck. There are plenty of tables and chairs to sit and relax, with room to move around for great views. Food and drinks can be purchased on board, including a full bar.

Traveler Tip: Guests are permitted to bring personal food & snacks on board.

We chose the Sightseeing Tour, a 90-minute leisure cruise with narrated highlights of historic points along the river and Marietta. The cruise continues under the Williamstown Bridge and around Buckley Island before returning back to the dock 0n the Muskingum River.

Traveler Tip: Upper deck, port side seating provides the best views of Marietta during the captain’s narration.

The Valley Gem departs from 531 Front Street. Limited parking is available under the bridge, with additional parking at the Ohio River Museum next door. Costs vary depending on the tour selected. Make advanced reservations here .

Tour a Castle

Stop by the home of some of Marietta’s most influential citizens.

Take a guided tour of this beautifully restored, 1855 Gothic Revival castle and carriage house. Hear stories about the roles its inhabitants played in local history.

In addition to general tours, a wide variety of educational opportunities and themed events are available ( see here ). Group tours can be arranged by calling 740-373-4180.

The Castle House is located at 418 Fourth Street. It is open for tours from April through December. Days and hours vary by season, so check before you go.

Admission is $10 (adults), $9.50 (seniors), $7 (students K-12, college ID), and Free (4y & under). ½ off for active duty military & family.  

Mortuary Museum

Looking for something unique? The Peoples Mortuary Museum  is a labor of love showcasing the private collection of funeral director, William Peoples.

Packard enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of showroom worthy vehicles, including 1938 and 1940 Packards, a 1934 Studebaker President, horse-drawn hearses, and so much more!

The star of the show is a 1927 hearse named “Miss Henney”, manufactured by the Henney Motor Co. Hollywood producers frequently request Miss Henney to use in film, the most famous to date being “Get Low” starring Bill Murray.

The museum is full of historical items used during a time when the deceased were shown in their homes. Everything from embalming equipment and supplies, portable beds and draperies, clothing, lamps, coffins, and more.

Learning how these items were used to honor the deceased and support their families was quite interesting.

The museum is located at 408 Front Street. Guided tours are free of charge. Call 740-373-1111 to schedule a tour (by appointment only).

Festivals & Fun

Add some excitement to your visit by including a festival weekend or First Friday Night. Here’s a few upcoming events for 2024.

• January – December – First Fridays
• July 26-28, 2024 – Harman Days Festival
• August 8-11, 2024 – Rivers, Trails, & Ales
• September 6-8, 2024 – Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Explore Washington County and Beyond

Take in the beauty of the Appalachian foothills with some time in the great outdoors.

It doesn’t matter which direction you choose; an outdoor paradise awaits. Catch a riverboat to historic Blennerhassett Island State Park (WV), get in touch with nature at the Ohio River Islands National Refuge , or hit the trails at Wayne National Forest .

If driving tours are your jam, consider taking a covered bridge tour or scenic driving tour  through the Washington County countryside. Whether you travel by two or four wheels, Marietta is the perfect starting point for your journey.

For more information about Marietta and Washington County, click here .

Our Ohio Travel writer, Deb, randomly picks a new destination in Ohio to visit each month with her husband. Some of their trips are full weekend trips with overnight stays, while others are day trips. Their trips are always full of fun and unique stops that you’re going to want to check out.

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Living on the Cheap

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First Come, First Served 300 Maximum on Boat For more information, please call: Dona Cernus 740.350.8639

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• You must REGISTER to ATTEND ANY FUNCTION!
• Badges are to be worn at all times.
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• Sorry, we cannot refund your deposit, but it is transferable.

Meeting on The River XXXV July 19, 20, 21, 2024 • Marietta, Ohio

We look forward to seeing you!

Friday, July 19 4 p.m. Registration 7:30 p.m. Speaker

Saturday, July 20 9:30 a.m. Speaker 11:00 a.m. Al-Anon Speaker 5:00 p.m. PASTA DINNER Buffet 7:30 -10 p.m. Boat Ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler with Speaker 10:30 p.m. Roof Top Rendezvous (Topic Meeting)

Sunday, July 21 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet 10.00 a.m. Speaker

Please bring your favorite dish or snack for hospitality room!

The Conference will be held at the Hotel Lafayette, 101 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio.

The boat will pick us up at the Levee directly across from the hotel.

Please call the hotel for your room reservations at: 1-740-373-5522 or 1-800-331-9336.

Directions to Lafayette Hotel: From I-77 Exit 1 Marietta, turn right off exit ramp, follow Rt. 7 South to Greene Street, then turn right on Front Street.

If they are booked, call one of the following hotels for room reservations. Also there are several bed and breakfasts in and around Marietta.

*Remember, if the hotel is full that DOES NOT mean MOTR is full. Please contact Dona about MOTR registration 740.350.8639 or [email protected] www.meeetingontheriver.com

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American melody stops in marietta.

The American Cruise Lines’ American Melody sits waiting for passengers to disembark Monday morning in Marietta. Marietta is one of the stops on the Grand Ohio River Cruise. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)

Passengers from around the U.S. came to Marietta Monday morning.

The American Melody, one of American Cruise Lines’ ships, stopped in Marietta at the Marietta Levee, giving passengers a chance to visit the city.

According to the company’s website, the American Melody is an American riverboat that holds 180 passengers and was built in 2021, and Marietta is one of the stops on its Ohio River and Grand Ohio River Cruises.

When American Cruise Line boats stop in Marietta as part of these cruises, passengers can take a complimentary trip to the Castle Historic House Museum; participate in a Marietta Local Loop Excursion which entails a visit to the Campus Martius Museum and the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum; take a guided walking tour of Marietta’s Earthworks; see Harmar during a Harmar Heritage walk that shows off Fort Harmar and the Henry Fearing House; and participate in a guided exploration of Mound Cemetery.

Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Deana Clark and some of her staff were stationed near Ohio Riverfront Park Monday morning to welcome the cruise guests.

Sioux Falls, Sd., residents Beth Kamrath, center, and Karie Hall, right, disembark from American Cruise Line’s American Melody Monday morning at the Marietta Levee. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)

“We greet every boat that comes in,” Clark said. “We like to give them a Marietta welcome.”

According to Clark, the American Melody stopped in Marietta on July 10 on its way up to Pittsburgh and Monday it stopped in Marietta on its way back down the river from Pittsburgh.

Clark said according to a passenger she spoke with, there were about 100 people on the cruise. She said a lot of the people on the boat will visit some of Marietta’s museums and that is an added boost to the museums.

She also said passengers would come “downtown and walk around town” and “do some shopping.” She said boats stopping in Marietta also bring boat viewers to town and the CVB promotes the boats stops year round.

Owner of Schafer Leather Store Rob Schafer said the store had cruise passengers come in on Monday.

Passengers walk off the American Melody’s gangplank in Marietta on Monday morning. Marietta is one of the 11 stops on American Cruise Lines’ Grand Ohio River Cruise. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)

“They’ve been through all morning,” he said.

Scahfer said it’s a hit or miss with cruise passengers whether they buy anything in the store.

“Today they’ve been buying,” Schafer said.

He said he met passengers from California, Wisconsin and all over.

Beth Kamrath and Karie Hall, of Sioux Falls, S.D., were two of the passengers onboard the American Melody and were the first two to disembark Monday morning.

The Williamstown Bridge can be seen in the distance as the American Melody sits docked at the Marietta Levee on Monday morning. The ship stopped in Marietta as part of American Cruise Lines’ Grand Ohio River Cruise. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)

Kamrath said she and Hall decided to go on the cruise because it is “something new and something unique.”

She said that they had been on big cruise boats before but the American Melody is smaller.

“I’m liking it,” Kamrath said.

What she has seen of Marietta so far she likes, Hall said.

“It’s an interesting city,” she said.

According to Kamrath, she and Hall planned on going on the Mound Cemetery walking tour on Monday. Hall said they are history fans.

American Cruise Lines Public Relations Manager Alexa Paolella said via email that American Cruise Lines has offered 8-Day Ohio River Cruisesin previous years.

“We have expanded our itinerary options on the Ohio River this season to also include longer 16-Day Grand Ohio River Cruises, between Pittsburgh, Pa., and St. Louis, Mo.,” she said. “Both American (Cruise Lines’) 8-Day and 16-Day Ohio River itineraries visit Marietta and offer guests a large variety of shoreside experiences there.”

According to Clark, American Cruise Lines plans to stop in Marietta 14 times next year.

American Cruise Lines responded to requests for comment on its plans for next year, stating it would get back to the The Times.

To learn more about American Cruise Lines and it cruises, visit https://www.americancruiselines.com/

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Plot Your Exciting Adventure

Riverboat days: american countess.

Marietta, OH

Campus Martius and Ohio River Museum

The Ohio River Museum consists of three exhibit buildings. A video presentation on river steamboats is shown. The steam towboat W. P. SNYDER JR. (#T2587) can be visited on the Muskingum River adjacent the museum grounds. The museum grounds also feature the pilot house of the steamboat TELL CITY (#5327).

We do have more pictures of the W. P. Snyder jr.

Campus Martius and Ohio River Museum mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius/

Riverboat VALLEY GEM

The sternwheeler VALLEY GEM is making various public cruises on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers out of Marietta.

Valley Gem Sternwheeler www.valleygemsternwheeler.com

The Valley Gem is located at Front and Washington Street under the Washington Street Bridge on the Muskingum River.

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is held each September in Marietta. Boats of the American Sternwheel Association are taking part in this festival.

The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival ohioriversternwheelfestival.org www.mariettaohio.org

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

• Cruises and Sailing
• River Cruises
• Types of Travel

I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

Related Reading:

• 9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean
• 7 Things People Always Forget To Take On A Cruise Plus 8 Things They Should Leave At Home
• I Just Sailed On Royal Caribbean With My Grandchildren — Here Are My 10 Key Tips

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

Arts and entertainment events happening July 11th-14 across the Mid-Ohio Valley

Jeff dewitt joins daybreak to discuss what’s happening around the mid-ohio valley.

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Here is a look at all the arts and entertainment events happening this weekend across the Mid-Ohio Valley. A complete list of events can be found at artsbridgeonline.org

Thursday, July 11th

• Wes Banco Artist Display- Janet Pugh 9:00am - 3:00pm @ WesBanco- Market St Parkersburg, WV
• The River- Biennial Juried Exhibit for Professional WV and OH artists 10:00am - 5:00pm @ Parkersburg Art Center
• Camp Creativity- Teen Mixed Media 1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Parkersburg Art Center
• Crafternoon for Adults- ages 18+ 1:00pm - 3:00pm @ Barlow Branch Library
• Kids Water Party- ages 12 and under 2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Belpre Public Library
• Vacation Coasters- ages 13+ 4:00pm - 5:00pm @ Marietta Public Library- 5th St Marietta, OH
• Robo Camp- ages 11-14 4:30pm - 7:30pm @ Discovery World- Market St Parkersburg, WV
• Captain’s Dinner 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ Valley Gem Sternwheeler
• Let’s Cook! Smoking Foods 5:30pm - 6:30pm @ Wash Co Library- Beverly Branch
• CAL (Crochet Along at the Library)- teens and adults 13+ 6:00pm - 7:00pm @ Wash Co Library- Beverly Branch
• Artsbridge Summer Music Series 6:30pm - 8:00pm @ Parkersburg City Park
• Marietta Music in the Park 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Friday, July 12th

• Toddler Time- ages 18 months- 3 years 10:00am - 11:00am @ Marietta Public Library- 5th St Marietta, OH
• Family Story Time 10:30am - 11:30am @ Belpre Public Library
• Muskingum Lock Tours 1:30pm - 4:30pm @ Valley Gem Sternwheeler
• Small Fry Tales- ages 4-5 1:30pm - 2:30pm @ South Parkersburg Public Library
• Gaming Hour 4:00pm - 5:30pm @ Barlow Branch Library
• Murder Mystery Dinner on the Valley Gem 4:00pm - 9:30pm @ Valley Gem Sternwheeler
• Sugar and Spice Book Club- ages 18+ 5:00pm - 6:00pm @ Belpre Public Library
• Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Valley Gem Sternwheeler
• Kick Off Concert Amputee Fun Fest 7:00pm - 10:00pm @ Amputee Center
• Pop 2000 Tour 7:00pm @ Adelphia Music Hall
• Point Park Concert on the River- Epic Eagles- Tribute to The Eagles 8:00pm - 9:30pm @ Point Park
• Summer Movies on the Library Lawn 9:00pm - 11:00pm @ Marietta Public Library- 5th St Marietta, OH

Saturday, July 13th

• History in the Park 10:00am - 3:00pm @ Muskingum Park
• Dungeons and Dragons- older teens- adult 10:30am - 11:30am @ Wash Co Library- Beverly Branch
• Amputee Center Fun Fest 11:00am - 6:00pm @ Amputee Center
• Natural Connections: Vic Elam on Invasive Species 11:00am @ Parkersburg Library- Emerson
• Secret Agent Codes Course- ages 8-12 11:00am - 12:00pm @ Marietta Public Library- 5th St Marietta, OH
• Relay For Life of Wood County (30th Anniversary) 4:00pm @ Parkersburg City Park
• Ace Frehley, Steven Adler, Fan Halen perform 6:00pm @ Adelphia Music Hall
• Country Music Cruise 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Valley Gem Sternwheeler
• Mysteries of the Paranormal 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater Marietta, OH
• Kicks for Kids- 5K Run/ Walk 9:00pm - 10:00pm @ Point Park

Sunday, July 14th

• Sunday Funday- Breakfast and Lunch 7:00am - 2:00pm @ Lafayette Hotel
• Art on the Island: Dragonfly- take the noon boat from Point Park 12:00pm - 2:00pm @ Blennerhassett Island State Park
• Sensory Friendly Film: The Secret Life of Pets 2:00pm @ Peoples Bank Theatre

Copyright 2024 WTAP. All rights reserved.

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