Located in southeastern Ohio along the Muskingum River, Marietta is Ohio’s oldest city and home to the iconic Valley Gem Sternwheeler. The history of this beloved boat dates back to 1973 when Capt. James E. Sands Sr. and his wife Peggy began operations with a 98-passenger sternwheeler. “Valley Gem” honors a historic boat that once traveled between Marietta and Zanesville from 1898 to 1918. In 1989, the current Valley Gem was completed by Capt. Sands and designed specifically for the river’s locks and bridges.
The Valley Gem: A Riverboat Built for the Muskingum
The Valley Gem sternwheeler, with its two-deck design, can carry up to 296 passengers and is tailored to fit through the Muskingum River’s narrow locks and under low bridges. A 500-horsepower Detroit Diesel engine powers the stern paddlewheel—its sole means of propulsion—without the use of propellers or additional motors. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard approved and fully handicapped accessible.
Relax on a 90-Minute Sightseeing Cruise
A while back we took the 90-minute sightseeing cruise, which offered a peaceful, narrated trip through the area’s rich river history. As the boat left the dock and completed a 180-degree turn south toward the Ohio River, we settled into the lower enclosed deck, which was climate-controlled and comfortable. This area included large windows, a snack bar, restrooms, and ample seating.
On the upper deck, shaded seating offered a breezy ride with scenic views. We moved to the rear of the boat to watch the paddlewheel churn the water—a mesmerizing sight. Get too close, and you might catch a light spray, but there’s plenty of room to stay dry while enjoying the view.
Narrated History and Riverfront Highlights
Capt. Don guided us with a detailed narration from the wheelhouse as we passed under several bridges, including the old B&O Railroad Bridge. Originally a covered bridge, it was rebuilt multiple times due to flooding. The final version, completed in 1913, was later converted to pedestrian use and donated to the city in 1962. Remarkably, it still contains a manually operated movable section for taller vessels.
Passing Buckley Island and Meeting the Ohio River
We soon met the Ohio River and traveled past Buckley Island, a long, narrow strip of land rich in history. Once used as farmland and later as an amusement park in 1897, it is now part of a National Wildlife Refuge. Today, it’s popular for boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Visible along the shoreline were rock structures placed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to combat erosion and provide habitat for aquatic life.
As we turned back, we saw a tugboat pushing six empty barges. The Ohio River remains a vital commercial waterway, transporting materials like coal, steel, chemicals, and grain. Barges have limited navigation ability and require smaller vessels to yield—a reminder of the region’s working river legacy.
Aboard Amenities and Cruise Options on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler
During the cruise, we visited the Portside Café for affordable drinks and snacks. We even stopped in the wheelhouse, where Capt. Don answered questions and welcomed us for photos. The Valley Gem offers sightseeing, dinner, and lock cruises, along with themed tours, island trips, private charters, and wedding and corporate events. Learn more at valleygemsternwheeler.com.
Celebrate at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
One of the region’s biggest annual events is the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, held the weekend after Labor Day in downtown Marietta. Around 30–35 sternwheelers gather at the Ohio River Levee on Front and Greene Streets. The weekend includes a 5K run, fireworks, a car show, boat races, and a photography contest—a dream come true for sternwheeler fans.
Don’t Miss the Historic B&O Bridge in Action
Before you leave, search YouTube for videos of the manual operation of the B&O Railroad Bridge. Watching it open by hand feels like stepping back in time—an unforgettable piece of Marietta’s riverfront history. Standing right there in history, so take a look.
For more adventures across Ohio and Beyond, visit Compass Ohio.
