marietta ohio riverboat cruises

Ohio River Cruise- New 2025 Itinerary

This brand new 9-day voyage is a celebration of America’s heartland, inviting you to experience the remarkable history and natural beauty that graces the banks of the iconic Ohio River. Revel in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and explore the rich bourbon heritage of Louisville with a visit to one of its famed distilleries. Journey to the vibrant riverfront city of Cincinnati boasting world-class museums and the first professional baseball team in the U.S.

Louisville | Cincinnati | Maysville | Marietta | Moundsville | Pittsburgh

Cruise Details

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*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Louisville, KY An impressive waterfront town arching up the hillside, Louisville has a long history of commerce and revelry. The town grew at a portage around the treacherous Falls of the Ohio, now inundated behind the Ohio River’s Markland Dam. The historic importance of river commerce to the town is represented by the “Belle of Louisville” day excursion boat just down the banks, still operating after more than a century. Settle into your hotel and explore the city at your leisure.

2 Day of Cruising Board your ship and be treated to a Welcome Reception. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon cruising along the serene Ohio River.

3 Cincinnati, OH The dramatic bridges that span the Ohio River provide an impressive scenic welcome to your visit to Cincinnati. As an early shipbuilding and shipping metropolis, the town became known as the “Queen City.” Your adventures ashore reveal the highlights of this vibrant cultural center which include major sports franchises, a delightful zoo, and a botanical garden, as well as numerous theaters and museums, including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. Admire the eclectic architecture as you stroll along its charming streets and enjoy the diverse attractions, ranging from the abundant gardens of the Krohn Conservatory to the architectural wonders of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. Get a taste for local cuisine by trying Cincinnati Skyline Chili or stopping for a scoop at Graeter’s ice cream shop, founded in 1868.

4 Maysville, KY From the ship’s landing, gaze upon the quaint town of Maysville, nestled into the hillside. After floating down the Mississippi River to sell their commodities in New Orleans, early flatboat travelers returned along the Natchez Trace Pathway to rejoin the Ohio River in this idyllic town, steeped in American history. Learn the importance of this location to the Underground Railroad efforts to smuggle runaway slaves across the river, as well as the influence that Harriet Beecher Stowe’s visit to Maysville had on her novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Hear stories of area explorers, such as Simon Kenton, and hometown singer and movie star Rosemary Clooney.

5 Day of Cruising As you cruise along the grand Ohio River, experience the serene beauty of America's heartland. Witness the gentle sweep of greenery along the banks, interspersed with quaint towns that can be seen from the top deck. Partake in a variety of onboard activities designed to enrich your journey, from historical presentations to lively discussions, each adding depth to the stunning vistas that unfold before you. Let the rhythm of the river carry you through landscapes steeped in history, offering a peaceful yet engaging backdrop to your exploration. Each mile traveled is a new chapter in the unfolding story of the Ohio River, inviting you to witness its quiet waves and enduring charm.

6 Marietta, OH This picturesque, charming town rests at the confluence of the Muskingum River and the Ohio River and has five National Register Historic Districts with buildings that date back to the town’s founding in 1788. Explore the first settlement in the Northwest Territory on the north side of the Ohio River. Hear stories of the compelling events that unfolded here which were spotlighted in the recent book entitled, The Pioneers by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough.

7 Moundsville, WV Located along the banks of the Ohio River Moundsville, West Virginia offers a rich history. Deriving its name from the many Adena Indian burial mounds constructed here more than 2,000 years ago, the town is home to the largest conical burial mound in North America. Moundsville is a land of sacred pasts and promising futures, accented with quaint neighborhoods, and beautiful landscapes.

8 Pittsburgh, PA Our ship docks near the famous point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to begin the majestic Ohio River. Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Hear tales of famous Americans such as Heinz, Carnegie, and others who called this vibrant city home. As you cruise, delight in picturesque and ever-changing scenery, as early explorers did centuries ago. The surrounding hillsides provide a handsome backdrop for this fascinating city which was the gateway to the West for the young United States.

9 Pittsburgh, PA Enjoy breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon your adventures and the new friends made along the way.

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Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Ohio

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta, Ohio offers unique riverboat cruises with historic storytelling and stunning views of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.

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Here in Ohio, there are several boat adventures you can take for an unforgettable evening out on the water. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta, Ohio is one of the most unique ones. You'll board from one of the most historic towns in the state, enjoy delicious cuisine and see the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers like never before. This is one riverboat cruise you'll want to add to your bucket list.

Take a look:

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler is a historic gem hiding in one of the oldest towns in Ohio. In fact, Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory.

You'll find the sternwheeler at 601 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750.

Throughout the year, you can take sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and more aboard aboard the Valley Gem on the Muskingum and Ohio River.

For a complete schedule of 2018's public tours, click here .

No matter which tour you choose, you're bound to see some stunning views of the Ohio River Valley area. The next narrated sightseeing tour is on May 5.

This tour is from noon - 1:30 p.m. and tickets are $14 for adults. For more information about this specific cruise, click here .

The authentic paddlewheel powered by a Detroit Diesel engine is what makes this riverboat stand out from most dinner cruises in Ohio.

You can also reserve this boat for private events by calling 740-373-7862 or emailing [email protected] .

The Captain's Dinner Cruise Series is one of the most popular public tour options. This cruise features a delicious meal, historic storytelling and additional entertainment.

This particular cruise option will take place on June 2, 23 and 30, September 22, October 6 and November 3 this year.

Other cruise options include food as well, such as the Sunday Brunch Cruise, Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise and other events.

There's truly something for everyone aboard the Valley Gem.

You can board the Valley Gem at 601 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750 . Have you ever taken this cruise before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

For more unforgettable boat rides in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 7 Boat Adventures Will Show You A Side Of Ohio You Didn’t Even Know Existed .

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The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Ohio Community on the Map

Once upon a time, Thomas Jefferson made archaeological history when he excavated a burial mound . While it caused tension with the indigenous peoples in the area, it proved to European Americans that these massive hills were, indeed, burial sites. Today, burial-purpose earthworks in the United States are protected by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), but this wasn't always the case. In fact, Cleveland was once purportedly covered in burial mounds , but these features are unfortunately long-gone. While our nation's history with indigenous burial mounds is dotted with missteps, Ohio has done an excellent job of protecting many of its archaeological treasures. We're home to many fascinating ancient features, but one mound in Miamisburg is especially notable. This place is worth a visit, so you might consider grabbing an Airbnb for the night if you're not close to Miamisburg.

Towering 65 feet over the landscape and covering a circumference of 800 feet, the Miamisburg Mound is a true archaeological wonder. This beauty, first excavated in 1869 and preserved in 1920, is the largest burial mound in the Eastern United States.

This massive structure contains a whopping 54,000 cubic yards of earth, plus a supposed several generations of ancient Ohioans. While there haven't been any excavations to reveal the total number of burials here (and there won't, now that NAGPRA has protected it from further prodding), the 1869 excavation revealed that the mound was likely built in several stages. Its construction can be traced back to the Adena culture, which flourished in the area from 800 B.C.E. to 100 C.E.

Interestingly, the conical structure of the local mound also mimics the shape of round houses with conical roofs that were characteristic of Adena settlements. While mounds were most likely just the most convenient way to bury the Adena's dearly departed, there's something comforting about the thought that ancient dead were interred in something that looked like a permanent home.

Interestingly, the preservation of this gorgeous site is owed to one famous Ohioan. Charles F. Kettering , an Ohio-born inventor and engineer best known for his hand in shaping the modern car, turned the mound into a public park in 1920. He turned over the keys to the Ohio Historical Society in 1929 to ensure its ongoing preservation. The Civilian Conservation Corps added stone steps to the site in the 1930s to make it even more of a public attraction. Circa five decades after its designation as a park, in 1971, the mound was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the mound is the crown jewel of the 37-acre Miamisburg Mound Park.

Visiting this site is a true treat. In addition to preserving a fascinating (and, unfortunately, often destroyed) piece of American history, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on the Ohioans that came before us. This spot is a cemetery, after all, and one where we'll never know the names of the local decedents. However, they're the ancestors of the indigenous people that populated the Northwest Territory when American settlers were first arriving. These ancient peoples shaped and loved the land circa 3,000 years before the moment we got to stand before their enduring handiwork. This spot is a true monument to humanity!

Love local history? You'll also enjoy a trip to the Great Serpent Mound , the largest serpent effigy in the world and a real Ohio treasure.

The Ohio Farmer’s Market Where You Can Find Pretty Much Every Country And Cuisine Under One Roof

Craving global cuisine and flavors? In Cincinnati, Findlay Market invites guests to experience a world of global cuisine and culture, with virtually every country represented at this Ohio farmer's market.

Findlay Market opened in 1855 and is the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio. It was among the first markets in the United States to use iron frame construction technology, and is one of very few that have survived.

Today, Findlay Market is a community cornerstone; a place that invites local businesses, regional farmers, and globally inspired restaurants to coexist... all under one roof!

The world is quite literally at your fingertips when shopping at Findlay Market, a place that's bound to have whatever cuisine you're craving.

Craving Mediterranean? Dean's Mediterranean Imports not only has a full market of goodies, but also ready-to-eat items like stuffed grape leaves, curried couscous salad, and falafel.

Have a hankering for the best pho in Ohio? Pho Lang Thang is another Findlay Market tenant dishing out hot and heavenly globally inspired fare.

Taco lovers, meanwhile, adore Chino’s Street Food, which serves up delicious Vietnamese street tacos unlike anything you've ever tasted before.

Of course, Mama Lo Hizo's tacos are also in a league all their own; a symphony of Mexican ingredients and flavors. Come and order a Big Mama Taco -- a deep-fried jumbo tortilla shell stuffed with everything one could possibly imagine -- or the light and zesty Fish Tacos. Mmm!

And if you're in need of comfort in a bowl, Gramma Debbie's Kitchen is all Southern soul food and country cooking, and never disappoints...

...nor does Flavors of the Isle, which brings Jamaican soul food to the table!

Whatever you're craving, you'll find it at Findlay Market, the most delightfully diverse and robust farmer's market in Ohio!

Have you visited this amazing Ohio farmer's market before? There really is no place in Ohio quite like the historic Findlay Market.

Looking for more globally inspired adventures in the Buckeye State? Jungle Jim's is an amazing trip around the world... in Ohio!

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The magnificent waterfall in new jersey that’s located only minutes from main street.

Not only is there a great hidden waterfall in NJ hiding in the town of Little Falls, but it's found in a quaint park with little walking.

Go on an Autumn Adventure, Surrounded by Fall’s Fiery Colors, With Pennsylvania Rail Bike

Pedal along a predominately flat path and to a pumpkin patch on this rail biking tour in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

This Panoramic-View Restaurant in Colorado Springs is a Must-Visit

Lumen8 Rooftop Social offers incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Colorado Springs, plus great food and drinks. Don't miss it!

What You Should Know About Hurricane Preparedness, From Our Local Experts

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park In Wisconsin That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Explore the historic town of Merrill, Wisconsin, and the natural beauty of Council Grounds State Park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and dining at local favorites.

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American Heritage

Former names: queen of the mississippi, american eagle.

Cruise line American Cruise Lines

• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)
• Pittsburgh PA (Pennsylvania)

American Heritage current position

American Heritage current location is at US Inland (coordinates 34.83950 N / -90.36285 W) cruising en route to VICKSBURG,MS. The AIS position was reported 3 hours ago.

Current itinerary of American Heritage

American Heritage current cruise is 7 days, round-trip 7 Night New Orleans to New Orleans Cruise . The itinerary starts on 05 Nov, 2024 and ends on 12 Nov, 2024 .

Specifications of American Heritage

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

American Heritage Itineraries

American Heritage Review

Review of american heritage.

The 2015-built (as "American Eagle") American Heritage cruise ship (fka "Queen of the Mississippi") is a stern-paddlewheel riverboat owned by ACL and operating Ohio and Mississippi river cruises departing from homeports New Orleans , Memphis TN , Saint Louis MO , Cincinnati OH .

Following a redesign and complete refurbishment in 2021-2022, the riverboat Queen of the Mississippi was renamed "American Heritage". Also fully-refitted and renamed were the fleetmates America (now American Splendor) and Queen of the West (now American West) .

The vessel is currently USA- flagged (MMSI 367648680) and registered in Port NOLA (New Orleans).

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the US East Coast, US West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, a top-quality enrichment program (with many complimentary land tours and excursions), highly personalized service by all-American staff and crew.

All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

Unlike the old Queen of the Mississippi ship, the newbuild's crew quarters are on Deck 1 (instead od Deck 5) as Deck 5 houses balcony staterooms and suites. Most cabins (ranging 300-600 ft2) are with private balconies, so passengers can enjoy alfresco in-cabin dining. Traditionally, American Cruise Line serves local food, focusing on Cajun and Creole cuisine. The new riverboat also features small and large lounges, library, showroom, card room, putting green, complimentary self-service launderette, 3 PC terminals (Internet computers) and free WiFi access.

"American Eagle" was the name previously chosen for the new Queen of the new Mississippi ship. This large riverboat is a sister (with similar design) to American Pride . In 2015, ACL decided to rename the old Queen of the Mississippi to "American Pride" and the new vessel ("American Eagle") to be named "Queen of the Mississippi".

On August 4, 2015, ACL announced that the boat would be renamed (first to "American Eagle") and repositioned from Mississippi to Columbia-Snake River System in early 2016, and replaced on the Mississippi by the ship "America". Another new paddle-wheeler constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding assumed the name "Queen of the Mississippi". ACL has since listed on its website the old Mississippi ship's name as "American Pride".

The vessel's sister by design is American West/Queen of the West (cruising on Snake and Columbia rivers in Northwest USA). Both ships have stern-mounted paddlewheel (23-ton). It is driven by a hydraulic motor, powered by diesel engines. The ships are easily navigated by a couple of Z-drive units providing more maneuverability and higher cruising speed than typical riverboats.

American Pride  (the old Queen of the Mississippi ship) entered service in 2012. On August 4, 2015, American Cruise Lines announced that the boat would be renamed (first to "American Eagle") and repositioned from Mississippi to Columbia-Snake River System in early 2016, and replaced on the Mississippi by the ship "America". Another new paddle-wheeler constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding assumed the name "Queen of the Mississippi". ACL has since listed on its website the old Mississippi ship's name as "American Pride". A new sistership entered service in 2017 and was named " America (American Splendor since 2022) ".

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Heritage riverboat has 6 passenger decks and accommodates 150 passengers in 78 staterooms . Accommodations include 6 Suites, 49 Balcony, 22 Riverview (with non-opening windows) in 7 grades.

All staterooms feature a private bath, window, interior entrance, Wi-Fi, are among the most spacious in the river cruising industry, with more space per guest than most riverboats. An all-American crew provides carefully personalized service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship offers overnight river travel deals within the continental United States. This big-sized riverboat gives new standards to America's most iconic river. The framework of modern cruising technology is beneath gleaming woodwork and ensures guests spend a most comfortable vacation. 

Restaurants, Lounges & Bars include: Grand Dining Salon (dining room), Natchez Lounge (shows), Magnolia Lounge (club), Paddlewheel Lounge (observation), Sky Lounge (observation), Upper Lounge (cards room), Mark Twain Library, Sun Deck (Promenade, an open-air observation lounge area with Top Deck Cafe bar, shaded seating, rocking chairs, live calliope music, putting green, outdoor gym).

American Heritage river cruise prices are per person (USD) and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative ACL cruise rates. They might be different when you book your USA river cruise deals, influenced by travel agency promotions, special offers and discounts, group travel booking or last-minute deals rates.

Itineraries

American Heritage cruises feature 7-night itineraries on Mississippi and Ohio rivers with departures from the ports of New Orleans LA, Memphis TN, Nashville TN and St Louis MO.

• (Mississippi cruises) round-trip from New Orleans, from Memphis to Nashville TN (Tennessee) from Nashville to St Louis, and from Nashville to Memphis
• (Mississippi and Ohio cruises) from Memphis to St Louis, and the reverse from St Louis to Memphis, also from St. Louis to Cincinnati
• ("Lower Mississippi River Cruise") from New Orleans to Memphis, and the reverse from Memphis to New Orleans
• ("Upper Mississippi River Cruise") from St Louis to St Paul
• ("Ohio River Cruise") from St Louis to Pittsburgh PA
• themed ("Grand Heartland Cruise") from St Paul to New Orleans
• themed ("Cumberland River Cruise") from Nashville to St Louis

Some of the ACL riverboat deals are on themed voyages. Among those themes are "Food and Wine", "Fall Foliage", "American Civil War", "Music", "Savories of the South", "Mark Twain Tribute", the Holiday-themed sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Follows the list of the boat's USA departure ports:

• New Orleans LA (Louisiana)
• Memphis TN (Tennessee)
• St Louis MO (Missouri)
• St Paul MN (Minnesota)
• Cincinnati OH (Ohio).

The list of visited states and ports of call (counties) along the American Heritage itinerary routes includes:

• Louisiana - Oak Alley (Vacherie), St Francisville (West Feliciana Parish), Baton Rouge (state's capital), Houmas (Burnside)
• Mississippi - Natchez (Adams County), Vicksburg (County)
• Kentucky - Columbus (Hickman County), Paducah (McCracken County), Louisville (Louisville-Jefferson County), Henderson (County), Maysville (Mason County)
• Missouri - Cape Girardeau (County), Hannibal (Marion-Ralls)
• Illinois - Chester (Randolph County), Cave-in-Rock (Hardin County)
• Indiana - Madison (Jefferson County)
• Iowa - Davenport (Scott County), Dubuque (County)
• Wisconsin - La Crosse (County)
• Minnesota - Red Wing
• Ohio - Portsmouth, Gallipolis, Marietta
• Tennessee - Dover, Clarksville, Nashville
• West Virginia - Point Pleasant, Wheeling
• Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of the Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours/excursions, flight and coach transfers, live evening entertainment, daily expert lectures, food tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, replenished daily bottled water, room service (twice daily).

Photos of American Heritage

American Heritage ship related cruise news

ACL-American Cruise Lines begins its biggest season ever on the Mississippi

ACL-American Cruise Lines has just commenced the biggest season ever on the Mississippi. In 2023, the company is introducing its new American...

ACL-American Cruise Lines opens 2023 season with American Star ship from Florida

ACL-American Cruise Lines announced that February 18th would mark the opening of the company’s 2023 U.S. cruise season when the American Star...

ACL-American Cruise Lines’ fleet expands to 15 small ships in 2022

The USA's largest river cruise company ACL-American Cruise Lines announced that the renaming of their riverboat fleet was complete and the company...

ACL-American Cruise Lines renames and redesigns 4 paddlewheel ships

ACL-American Cruise Lines announced plans to redesign, fully refurbish and rename its 4 paddlewheel ships. The paddlewheelers will get a new...

•   show more news

Other American Cruise Lines cruise ships

• ACL American Eagle
• ACL American Glory
• ACL American Legend
• ACL American Liberty
• ACL American Patriot
• ACL American Pioneer
• American Constellation
• American Constitution
• American Empress
• American Harmony
• American Independence
• American Jazz
• American Melody
• American Pride
• American Serenade
• American Song
• American Spirit
• American Splendor
• American Star
• American Symphony
• American West

American Heritage Wiki

Queen of the Mississippi riverboat cruises in the USA and offers unique travel experiences on a market that was once booming, later dormant, present-day exotic - and like no other. The Mississippi river paddle boats were the "cruise ships of the old", delivering both pleasure travel and cargo shipping services in the US in the late 1800s. But unlike her predecessors, the Queen of the Mississippi boat offers amenities and comforts unseen in these destinations before - including large-sized cabins with private verandas and bathrooms, Wi-Fi Internet, classy room service, lifts (to all decks), complimentary land tours and themed entertainment.

The cruise ship is a classic sternwheeler (paddle-wheeler) starting its first cruise on December 25, 2016. The vessel features floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in all staterooms and the industry's most spacious cabins with private balconies (stateroom sizes vary between 268-460 ft2 / 25-43m2).

This vessel, by its paddlewheel riverboat design, is sister to the fleet mates  American Pride (the old "Queen of the Mississippi" /2012) and America (2017). It is also similar to Queen of the West/American West (fleetmate) and to American Empress  and  American Queen  (both of the American Steamboat Company's fleet).

The paddle-wheel is a feature component of the ship's propulsion system. The wheel is driven by a hydraulic motor, which is powered by two Caterpillar marine diesel engines (type "CAT C32 ACERT"). The boat's paddlewheel is the main propulsion unit, to which for better maneuverability and higher service cruising speeds are added 3x Azimuth thrusters. These modern marine propulsion units are also known as "Z-drives". They are both fully submerged under water and able to rotate at 360 degrees.

Despite the fact that this so famous riverboat is powered by marine diesel engines, many call Queen of the Mississippi "steamboat". The reason is that the ship is a design replica of the US glamorous riverboats which used to sail on the country's largest rivers of the South (Mississippi and Ohio,) and in the Pacific Northwest (Snake and Columbia) in the late 1800s. Also known as "paddle steamers", they were all driven by the steam power rotating their stern paddle wheel. The alternative riverboat design was with two wheels mounted at the sides.

The ship's 7-night / 8-day itineraries are on Columbia and Snake Rivers with one-way departures from Portland Oregon and Clarkston Washington.

The new Queen of the Mississippi ship was christened (as "American Eagle") on April 25, 2015. The naming ceremony was held on the ship's bow, led by the vessel's godmother Cheryl P. Landrieu (US attorney, wife of New Orleans' Mayor M Landrieu. The ceremony was also attended by Charles Robertson (American Cruise Lines' CEO)and featured a cappella concert by Victory Belles (trio orchestra).

Following the christening ceremony, American Eagle departed on the 7-night Inaugural Cruise on Lower Mississippi River, with call ports Natchez, Vicksburg, Saint Francisville and Vacherie. The riverboat's name was changed in 2016.

This riverboat features advanced water purification equipment that minimizes the effects of greywater discharges into the Mississippi River. The hydraulic paddlewheel (at the stern) benefits from three Z-drive azimuth propellers (aka azimuth thrusters) rotating 360 degrees.

Next infographic shows American Pride cruise ship (Queen of the Mississippi's and America's sister-ship). Here you can see what is what and where on these unique riverboats.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our  River Cruises  hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen~Marietta, Ohio

ON THE OHIO RIVER_It’s amazing how much the Ohio River winds around. Our cruise started in Kentucky, continued to Indiana, up to Ohio, back to Kentucky, then to West Virginia and now Ohio again.

Today the American Queen is docked in Marietta, Ohio, another one of those charming riverboat towns that served as a gateway to the West, and our last port of call. The skies are threatening, and the boat has ponchos and umbrellas at the ready should we need them. Several guests are taking advantage of the bicycles, available from the boat at no charge.

The first stop on today’s “hop on, hop off” bus tour is neither historic nor noteworthy, unless you’re in need of toothpaste. It’s the local Rite-Aid drugstore, which is really a good idea for those who need it.

Along the way, we learn interesting facts about the city from the guides on each bus. Besides finding it was named for Marie Antoinette, we are also told the Marietta College football team beat the mighty Ohio State team in the 1880s. That must have been a shock.

Other stops include Mound Cemetery, where the largest number of Revolutionary War officers are buried, The Castle, a stately historic mansion, the Ohio River Museum, showcasing the Golden Age of steamboat travel and the Children’s Toy and Doll Museum, where you can relive your youth.

Pam and I spent extra time walking the main downtown street, marked by hanging flowers and historic buildings, many of them undergoing renovation. It’s interesting how these small towns are undergoing a renaissance as more people embrace restoring these structures to their former glory — a good trend to see.

One sure sign the cruise is coming to an end: Our luggage tags arrive. We have chosen “Independent” as our departure option, meaning they will have our bags waiting for us on the pier in Pittsburgh, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll have to be off the boat Monday by 8:45. But that still means we have 36 hours left to enjoy ourselves.

Shortly after we re-board from the tour, the rain hits. Timing, as they say, is everything. They are serving a lunch buffet at the Front Porch, as well as buffet and menu selections in the main dining room. During lunch, we meet a woman who, lo and behold, attended the same high school I did, only a few years earlier. Talk about a small world!

Another couple at our table told us this was their eighth cruise on American Queen. They have cruised on American Empress and Duchess as well, but American Queen is their favorite because of its traditional steamboat ambiance.

American Queen has a guest loyalty program: The Steamboat Society of America. Guests are automatically enrolled as “Classic” members after their first cruise. You can achieve different levels of membership based on how many nights you’ve cruised. “Ruby” is 35-69 cruise nights, “Sapphire” up to 139, “Emerald” up to 209 and “Diamond” is 210-plus cruise nights. Benefits include onboard credits, discounts and upgrades. We have heard there is one person onboard that has logged over 400 cruise nights.

In the afternoon, Mandy is hosting a trivia contest in the Grand Saloon. I think I’ll try my luck. There are 20 general knowledge questions, but I can tell after the first three this isn’t going to end well. I mean, are we supposed to know “What year did Disney World open?” and “What country has a monkey puzzle tree?” I ended up with five correct answers. The winner got 12.

After that humiliation, we listened as the Steamboat Syncopators entertained in the Captain’s Bar with a selection of Dixieland favorites. Later, they joined the ship’s entertainers for tonight’s show, “Variety Tonight,” featuring songs from Motown to the Beatles. There was a very poignant moment during “Let It Be” when a screen came down and they showed a montage of slides depicting the anti-war movement, racism protests and the social upheavals of the Sixties.

After leaving Marietta, the river ahead is wide and quite beautiful, with water more bluish in the late afternoon sun. Long barges carrying coal glided by, and we watched from the observation deck as American Queen entered the Willow Island lock. With the rains departed, it was a postcard-worthy time to be on the Ohio.

The highlight of dinner was a wild rice corn fritter and chicken pot pie. One thing we really like about the food are the portions — they are a sensible size. So often, cruise ship food is served in ridiculously large amounts, and you end up feeling guilty about the waste.

There’s a special “Night Watch” event hosted by the ship’s riverlorian, Chris Wistey, held in the boat’s Chart Room, at the front of the boat on deck four. She goes into detail about how old-time steamboats used the leadline to measure water depth, and the terms associated with it. The measure for safe water (12 feet above the lead) was “Mark Twain,” which of course became the pen name for Samuel Clemons. Outside there’s a demonstration of the boat’s three-million-candlepower searchlight, which can see things miles ahead.

Tomorrow is our last full day on the boat, and we’ll spend it navigating locks on our way to our end destination, Pittsburgh. Of course there will be bags to pack, but that can come later. We want to savor all the time we have left.

PHOTOS by Gerry Barker

• One of the giant flutes is lowered as we approach a bridge (Cover Photo)
• The Castle historic mansion in Marietta
• Entertainers perform “Variety Tonight”
• Popcorn is a favorite at The Front Porch
• Riverlorian Chris Wistey in the Chart Room

See sailings here  American Queen Voyages Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

See earlier American Queen posts here:

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen~Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Maysville, Kentucky

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Cincinnati

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Madison, Indiana: ‘Most Beautiful River Town in America’

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Indiana

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen ~Louisville

Cruising the Ohio River~on the American Queen

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• Enjoy the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.
• Enjoy shore excursions to Cape River Heritage Museum and the Red House Interpretive Center.
• Visit the studios and galleries of Paducah’s resident artists.
• Enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns through the placid waters of the Ohio River.
• Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to see actual Derby footage dating as far back as 1918.
• Visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Museum, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Betts House.

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Other american cruiselines reviews, excellent experience with american cruise lines grand new england cruise.

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Unfortunately one star is the lowest possible rating; I would rate them as MUCH worse than one star. My husband & I took the Tennessee Rivers cruise. The excur...

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American Cruise Lines offers personalized, small ship river cruises throughout the United States. Enjoy the intimate, comfortable, and fulfilling experience of small ship river cruising aboard the newest fleet of cruise ships in the world. American Cruise Lines brings you to the greatest destinations along the inland waterways and rivers of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Mississippi and Alaska. Our modern fleet of ships offer a unique, personal voyage through America's historic waterways. With no more than 150 passengers onboard, our ships provide spacious accommodations and smooth travel through the protected waterways, sheltered harbors, and magnificent rivers of the United States of America.

A refreshingly relaxing atmosphere prevails onboard our small river boats. This intimate ambience is perfect for both congenial camaraderie and quiet relaxation. Each evening before dinner, passengers are invited to mingle and share their day's adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The atmosphere for dining is informal - seating is unassigned and dress is resort casual. After dinner, guest speakers bring local history, nature, and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. Set your own pace on your vacation, and relish in the casual comfort and exceptional care that has become the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.

Our friendly, professional all-American crew members offer an extraordinary quality of gracious hospitality and personalized attention to discerning passengers. This outstanding level of service is always available to make your journey memorable and relaxing. Your masterfully skilled chef creates delectable feasts for each meal. Carefully selected fresh seafood, meats, and produce are often purchased in the regions we visit, allowing you to taste the delectable flavors of the local area. Meals are prepared to order and served in the glass-enclosed dining room, where every seat offers a panoramic view.

American Cruise Lines’ staterooms, most at over 220 square feet, are by far the largest in their class. Most staterooms have private balconies and feature an exquisite private bath and a large, opening picture window, allowing you spectacular views of the scenery.

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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.

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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World war ii ship coming to marietta thursday.

The USS LST-325 will be coming to Marietta on Thursday and will stay through Sunday. The ship served in World War II during D-Day and served during the Cold War. (Photo provided)

A ship that served in World War II during the D-Day operation is coming to Marietta Thursday.

LST Ship Memorial Inc. is bringing the USS Landing Ship Tank (LST) 325 to the Ohio River Levee in Marietta Thursday as part of its annual cruise, according to LST Ship Memorial Inc. Museum Operations Coordinator Cory Burdette .

The LST 325 came to Marietta on an LST Ship Memorial Inc. cruise about nine or 10 years ago, according to Burdette, and it will be returning Thursday and staying through Sunday.

The organization holds tours every year that include three or four stops and that have traveled up the Ohio and Mississippi rivers before, Burdette said. This year’s tour started Aug. 30 in Pittsburgh and is traveling to Wheeling and Marietta The ship will return to its Evansville, Ind., home on Sept. 18, he said.

Tours of the ship will be given from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Attendees will be able to take self-guided tours of the ship and see displays on the history of the ship. Volunteers will be available on the ship to answer questions and help guide people to different areas of the ship, according to Burdette.

A couple tours the USS LST 325 in Wheeling, W.Va., last week. The ship is headed for Marietta and will be at the Ohio River Levee and open for tours starting Thursday. (Photo provided)

The LST 325 is 320 feet long, 50 feet wide and 65 feet tall from its bottom to the top of its communication tower, he said.

“The U.S. made 1,051 LSTs in World War II … LSTs were nicknamed the workhorses of the navy because of the variety of things they could carry,” Burdette said.

He said they carried tanks, trucks, amphibious trucks and sometimes even train cars and airplanes.

Burdette called LSTs “the unsung heroes of World War II.”

LSTs have a flat bottom that allows them to go directly on shore and have bow doors and ramps that allow vehicles to be driven off them, according to Burdette.

People take in the sight of the USS LST 325, which was built in 1942 and served in World War II, the Cold War and even the Greek navy. (Photo provided)

The LST 325 “was built in 1942 in Philadelphia,” Burdette said, and it “played a big role in D-Day.”

He said it made 40 trips over the English Channel carrying the wounded to England and carrying supplies and it also played a role in the invasions of Salerno, Italy, and Sicily.

The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and then recommissioned for the Distant Early Warning Line project for the Cold War, which was an early warning radar detection system, according to Burdette.

He said the ship was decommissioned in 1961 and then the Greek Navy entered into a contract with the U.S. to use the ship because it needed vessels. He said the ship served in the Greek navy from 1964 to 1999.

After the contract expired a group called the LST Association brought the LST 325 back to the U.S. via a two month journey covering approximately 6,000 miles, Burdette said.

LST Ship Memorial Inc.’s priority is to share history with people and they acquired the LST 325 in 2005 to be a museum, according to him.

“We do two things, we help share (information) for future generations and we help people reconnect with the past,” Burdette said.

The LST 325 is the “last fully functional” World War II configuration ship that is active in the United States, he said, and that means no features have been changed on the ship nor have any modern features been added.

There are a handful of LSTs operating overseas but the LST 325 is the only operating in the United States, he said.

Burdette believes the LST 325 and its tours help give people who had relatives serve on LSTs or manufacture them a chance to “walk the decks of history, it’s like walking a mile in their (relative’s) footsteps,” he said.

The LST 325 is special, according to Burdette.

“The fact that it’s living, it’s pretty much breathing … that’s special,” he said.

Events like the ship tour coming to Marietta have an economic impact and draw many people to the city of Marietta, according to Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Deana Clark.

“Well we’re expecting several thousand people to come to Marietta” over the four days the ship is in town, Clark said.

She said when visitors come to Marietta they eat in restaurants, stay in hotels, and visit other attractions in town.

“It’s a great thing for our city,” she said of the LST 325 coming to town.

She said visiting the ship is a great way to honor veterans and it is a great thing for students because it offers an opportunity for hands-on learning.

The CVB will be hosting an opening ceremony for the LST 325 at 9 a.m. Thursday, according to Clark. It will include a color guard presentation and three-round volley to honor the veterans that lost their lives aboard the ship, a CVB Facebook post said.

Mayor Joshua Schlicher will offer a welcome and the captain of the LST 325 will give a special address about the history of the ship, according to the post.

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Ohio river sternwheel festival draws crowds to levee.

Attendees are seen enjoying the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival’s entertainment along the Ohio River Levee in Marietta Saturday from the top deck of the P.A. Denny. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — The 48th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival entertained the Mid-Ohio Valley over the weekend.

The festival that began in 1976 as a project between Harry Robinson, Capt. Gene Finch and Capt. Bob Limle has grown over the years and, according to the organizing committee, has attracted over 100,000 people to the Marietta riverside in the past 48 years.

The festival offered a wide array of options to keep everyone busy, including children’s activities, a Sunday Sunrise service, live music, Little Miss and Mr. Sternwheel Pageant and a car show Sunday morning that included more than 350 vehicles.

“Other than the rain on Friday night, I think it went perfect,” said Cheri Seevers, director general of the festival.

The rain, and particularly the lightning that accompanied it, led to the cancellation of Friday night’s performance by “American Idol” winner Chayce Beckham. But the weather cooperated the rest of the weekend, including for Saturday’s Harry J. Robinson Fireworks Display.

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival attendees walk along the bank of the Ohio River in Marietta Saturday to peruse the sternwheelers docked for the festival. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“The crowd was great,” Seevers said.

Marietta residents Pauline and John Lee have attended the festival since the beginning. Each year, they make sure to spend the weekend enjoying what it has to offer.

“We come back because there’s a lot of food, there’s a lot of sternwheelers, there’s bands,” John Lee said.

Businesses welcomed local and out-of-town traffic. The lower blocks of Front Street closed to vehicles and bustled with shoulder-to-shoulder pedestrian traffic. Inside First City Records, Finn Hall, a student at Marietta College, initially came to support the local music, but started shopping.

“I originally came down to see Vocal Point,” Hall said, referring to the Marietta High School a cappella group. “But there are a lot of people out and about, so I came into the record store to do some shopping. … I like how many people the Sternwheel Festival brings downtown.”

The Travis Lee sternwheeler is moored at the 48th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Customers breezed in and out of the Marietta Makery, where owner Greta Guimond was pleased with the turnout. Guimond also was a volunteer on the Sternwheel Festival committee.

“I have seen firsthand how the Sternwheel Festival brings in the community, and now I’m seeing it as a small business owner and how much it helps us to see people we haven’t seen in forever,” she said. “We get a lot of new people that we have never seen before. I think they’ve been really amazed with the small-town feel, and I think on the townies’ side, this is like the unofficial homecoming for people.”

At the riverbank, the Heckert family has attended the festival with the P.A. Denny since 2010 and continues to do so to honor the late Capt. “Heck” Heckert. On Friday, his great-grandchildren, Karter Scott Heckert and Myla Carpenter, had the honor of lighting the torch of cooperation during the festival’s opening ceremony. The torch is passed between community events such as the Parkersburg and Belpre Homecomings and lands at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival to highlight unity and cooperation in the community.

The spotlight wasn’t only on river transportation as the annual car show packed Second Street. Among those displaying vehicles was Parkersburg resident April Life, with the 2021 Mustang she customized with a Wonder Woman theme.

“I wanted to show the kids, especially little girls, that you can do anything you want,” she said. “It’s not just for guys.”

Local musician Evie Schaffer prepares her sound equipment for a performance on Friday outside of the Marietta Makery during the 48th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Part of her affinity for the heroine comes from the fact that Life’s children called her “Wonder Woman” as she faced a variety of health challenges. Some medical issues kept her from doing a lot of shows this year, so she was particularly excited to participate in Sunday’s event.

“I decided I needed to get out and get her driven and show people my car,” Life said.

As Seevers was helping to tear down the entertainment barge Sunday evening, she said committee members will gather in about two weeks for a wrap-up meeting, then start making plans for next year in October. They will also have an eye toward the 2026 celebration, the 50th year of the festival and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

“You know we always go all out” for anniversaries, Seevers said.

From left, Dan Carpenter and Nate Edingfield, members of the Southeast Ohio Chapter of Bikers for Christ, promote their group Saturday during the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. The chapter is aimed toward bikers, but has weekly Bible study groups at Gator’s Pub that are open to everyone. According to Carpenter, the goal is to make those who may not be comfortable in a church setting feel welcome exploring religion. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Vocal Point performs Saturday on the main stage barge at the 48th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. The a capella choir is based at Marietta High School and run by music teacher Scott Rieder. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Sternwheelers docked at the Ohio River shoreline in Marietta this past weekend for the 48th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The P.A. Denny is a regular sight at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. The Heckert family has attended with the boat since 2010, but have supported the festival since its inception in 1976. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Sternwheel Festival attendees Saturday scope out Marietta Makery, a local art store. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Spectators take in the James E. Sands Memorial Races from the levee on Sunday, the final day of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

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PARKERSBURG — The next regular meeting of the Civil War Roundtable of the Mid-Ohio Valley will be 7 p.m. Sept. 19 ...

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