Wheeling to Marietta
The Long Reach of the Ohio
From the birthplace of West Virginia to one of the first pioneer settlements in the Northwest Territory, this trip takes you down the relatively remote Ohio River including its Long Reach. Nearing the trip’s end, there is an opportunity to enjoy the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. At Marietta, there are numerous historic attractions waiting to be visited.
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Begin your Ohio River adventure at Wheeling just like so many pioneers and traders before you! Before you start, consider a visit to the Birthplace of West Virginia, West Virginia Independence Hall. Or view the fine art works and shop for works by local artisans.
Heritage Port, Water Street, Wheeling, WV, USA
Heritage Port, Water Street, Wheeling, WV, USA
Wheeling Artisan Center Shop, Main Street, Wheeling, WV, USA
West Virginia Independence Hall, Market Street, Wheeling, WV, USA
West Virginia Independence Hall, Market Street, Wheeling, WV, USA
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Little Dutchie’s deli and ice cream make any trip to Powhatan Point worthwhile. Quality ice creams, meats, and cheeses are served in a homey atmosphere.
Little Dutchie's, Ohio 7, Powhatan Point, OH, USA
Little Dutchie's, Ohio 7, Powhatan Point, OH, USA
V56W+M3 Powhatan Point, OH, USA
At Fly, Ohio you can see if the ferry to Sistersville is running or stop at the Fly Rest Area for a break and nice view of the Ohio River. The Riverview Restaurant is just upriver from the the ferry crossing.
In 1770, George Washington camped near Sistersville and was likely one of the first to call this stretch of the Ohio the Long Reach—a 16-mile stretch of relatively straight river that gave navigators a break from the tortious bends of the Ohio River above and below it. Sistersville was first settled in 1776 and named by its founder Charles Wells for his sisters. The ferry service began in 1815, so Meriwether Lewis did not see it when he passed here in September 1803 on his way to the Falls of the Ohio where William Clark was waiting for him.
At the time of this writing, the Sistersville Ferry had ceased operations.
Fly, OH, USA
900 Riverside Dr, Sistersville, WV 26175, USA
Scenic River Trailhead - Brown House, Ohio 7, Matamoras, OH, USA
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1990 spans 22 islands and four mainland tracts over 362 miles of the upper Ohio River, mostly in West Virginia.
At the Visitor Center, you can explore exhibits including a 1200-gallon aquarium with native fish, turtle tanks, and a freshwater mussel display.
The surrounding trails are ideal for birding and enjoying nature. They include the Birds and Butterflies trail (0.1 miles), Upland Trail winding 1.2 miles in the forested hills above the center, and Riverview Trail featuring floodplain riparian forests (0.7 miles).
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center, Waverly-Williamstown Road, Williamstown, WV, USA
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Waverly-Williamstown Road, Williamstown, WV, USA
Middle Island Trails, Riverside Drive, Saint Marys, WV, USA
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Waverly-Williamstown Road, Williamstown, WV, USA
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The Ohio River Museum is the epitome of the Ohio River history with the last steam-powered, stern wheeled towboat, Tell City pilot house, a flat boat reproduction, and a restored shanty boat.
One exhibit shows the historic lifeways inspired by The Pioneer, a book by David McCullough. Meet colorful characters of the river and learn about Captain Cumberland Posey who owned and ran several towboats, a bank, and one of the first black baseball teams.
“If you think you know the rivers, come visit us at the Ohio River Museum. There is probably something here that will surprise you!”
Ohio River Museum, Front Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Ohio River Museum, Front Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Campus Martius Museum, 2nd Street, Marietta, OH, USA
202 Bellevue St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
The Castle Historic House Museum, 4th Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Mound Cemetery, Cutler Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Harmar Historic District, Marietta, OH, USA
The Castle Historic House Museum, 4th Street, Marietta, OH, USA
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