This museum features exhibits recounting the history of the Ohio River and the many different types of boats that have been transporting people and cargo for hundreds of years. The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen have provided many of the steamboat artifacts that are featured in the museum. Their pride in sharing the history of our inland waterways and with the public and their continued support of the museum is greatly appreciated.
Three buildings of exhibits focus on the history of the Ohio River and its importance relating to the expansion of our country. The Golden Age of the steamboat recalls the romance and luxury as many people traveled the river in style. The riverâs natural history explores the stories of the beauty and the ugliness that the inland rivers sometimes tell.
The pride of the museum is the W.P. Snyder, Jr., the last of the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboats in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Docked on the Muskingum River and open for guided tours since 1955, the Snyder takes visitors back to a different era of work boats on the river. A âpool typeâ towboat, the Snyder boasts a steel hull AND hog chains. Steering levers were used on the Snyder but the pilot wheel is still present.
Someone once said, âThis egg crate was made with properly fitted joints, nailed together, and it has taken everything man and the river could dish outâ for almost 80 years. This âegg crateâ is approaching its 100th birthday in 2018 and we are looking forward to helping it celebrate!
Outside is the Tell City Pilot House, a flat boat reproduction, a restored shanty boat, and a series of poles showing the heights of some on the worst floods in recorded history to hit this area. If you think you know the rivers, come visit us at the Ohio River Museum. There is probably something there that will surprise you.
Valley Gem Sternwheeler, Front Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.04 mi (straight line)
Campus Martius Museum, 2nd Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.11 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
View Listing
202 Bellevue St, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
Distance: 0.30 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes Viewpoints
View Listing
The Castle Historic House Museum, 4th Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.42 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
Mound Cemetery, Cutler Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.58 mi (straight line)
General History Viewpoints Outdoor Experiences Guided Tours
View Listing
Peoples Bank Theatre, Putnam Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.60 mi (straight line)
Marietta Adventure Company, 2nd Street, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.64 mi (straight line)
Harmar Historic District, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.67 mi (straight line)
Cultural Districts Guided Tours
View Listing
Busy Bee, Gilman Avenue, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 0.67 mi (straight line)
101 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio, 45750
Distance: 0.87 mi (straight line)
Marietta Levee, Post Street, Marietta, Ohio, USA
Distance: 0.93 mi (straight line)
412 Muskingum Dr, Marietta, OH, USA
Distance: 1.70 mi (straight line)
Farms Food and Drinks Shopping
View Listing
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Waverly-Williamstown Road, Williamstown, WV, USA
Distance: 3.03 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
View Listing
27515 State Rte 7, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
Distance: 5.02 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes RV and Camping
View Listing
Julia-Ann Square Historic District, Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV, USA
Distance: 11.53 mi (straight line)
Oil & Gas Museum, 3rd Street, Parkersburg, WV, USA
Distance: 11.96 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
The Blennerhassett Hotel, Market Street, Parkersburg, WV, USA
Distance: 11.98 mi (straight line)
Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV, USA
Distance: 12.07 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View ListingOur bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.