sternwheeler riverboat marietta ohio

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

April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.

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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.

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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 .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Sternwheel festival starts with a bang.

Amber Kohler, representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, reads his letter prepared for the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Marietta’s 47th annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival kicked off Friday after a culmination of a year of hard work.

“We made it! Festival weekend is underway!” Stacy Nichols, Sternwheel Festival Director General, exclaimed.

The Marine Corps League presented flag colors and Sternwheel Festival Committee member Sandy Wiseman sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” While she was singing, Mark Mondo flew a helicopter with an American flag. Dennis Blauser flew an Aero L39 Albatross fighter jet.

Pastor Teddy Tackett spoke an invocation over the ceremony and festival.

During the ceremony, two longtime contributors were recognized as their time as board members was coming to a close. After 40 years of service, Dan and Evy Bryant were stepping down due to a move.

Stacy Nichols, Director General (left) watches as Christy Cobb (right) from Victory Automotive Group makes her remarks. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

“Dan’s primary role was with the Friends of the Sternwheel board, while Evy had served several festival roles over the years,” Nichols said. “Most notably, she served as the Director General in 2015 and was the creator of our annual 5K run and walk. We are so grateful for their dedication and ongoing support.”

Evy Bryant was presented with flowers and the crowd clapped for the couple in acknowledgment for their contributions to the festival.

“I feel in my heart I’ll always be a committee member,” Evy said. “I’ve made wonderful friends and it doesn’t feel like work. I’d like to thank the committee for doing this. I didn’t know they were going to honor me.”

Approximately 28 riverboats were parked along the Ohio River for the festival. One of the owners was Butch and Angie Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio.

The festival weekend schedule:

Butch (left) and Angie (right) Leport of Gallipolis, Ohio are one of 28 riverboat owners parked at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

¯ 9 a.m., Queen Genevieve Pageant, Lafayette Hotel Ballroom.

¯ Noon-1 p.m., Marietta High School Wall of Sound

¯ 1-2 p.m., Marietta High School Choir, Vocal Point

¯ 2-3 p.m., Bruce Haas Trio

Longtime board members Evy Bryant (left) and Dan Bryant (right) pose after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

¯ 3-4 p.m., Generation Gap Blues Band

¯ 5-6, Jake Binegar Band

¯ 6-7 p.m., Division Street

¯ 7-7:30 p.m., Queen coronation

¯ 7:30-8 p.m., Jake Binegar Band

Committee members Courtney Wentz (left) and Kathy Alberton (right) chat on the entertainment barge after the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

¯ 8-9 p.m., Division Street

¯ 9-9:30 p.m., Highway 96

¯ 9:30-10 p.m., the annual Harry J. Robinson Fireworks Show, Ohio River Barge. Robinson was a co-founder of the festival. The show is produced by Pyrotecnico.

¯ 10-11 p.m., Highway 96

Kathy of Thistle Ridge Creations in Sardis, Ohio arranges her jellies at the Sternwheel Festival. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

¯ 8-9 a.m., sunrise service

¯ 11 a.m.-noon, Charlie Brewer

¯ Noon-1 p.m., Gypsy River Band

¯ 1-2 p.m. Capt. James E. Sands Memorial Races

¯ 1 p.m., 23rd annual Ohio River Car Show in Memory of Garold Greenlees, 1 p.m., Second Street. The show is 1-4 p.m.

¯ 2-2:30 p.m., Gypsy River Band

¯ 2:30-4 p.m., Crush – Bon Jovi Experience.

Children’s Activities, Armory Square, 241 Front St.:

¯ Noon-1 p.m., Columbus Zoo traveling education program

¯ 1-3 p.m., coloring contest, one entry per person. Categories: easy, kids only; advanced, kids and adults. Two winners per category and winners will receive a prize.

¯ Noon-3 p.m., Dino Roar

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Tuesday 10 a.m. – Gentle Yoga 10 a.m. – Book Club 1 p.m. – Bridge 1 p.m. – Sit & Knit 2 ...

Starting at $4.15/week.

Main Events

Opening ceremony.

Ring in the start of the festival Friday evening at the Ohio River Levee in downtown Marietta. 

On Sunday classic cars abound. Learn More.

Queen Genevieve

Candidates, ages 17 to 22, participate for the opportunity to earn scholarship money toward college. Learn More.

Little Miss & Mr Sternwheel

Contestants, ages 5 to 8, don their Sunday best or party dress in this beloved pageant. Learn More.

Each night of the festival features live music from a variety of performers. Learn More.

On Saturday night, The Harry J. Robinson Fireworks light the sky. Learn more.

48th Annual

Ohio river sternwheel festival.

Each year, the Ohio River Sternwheel festival draws crowds of up to 100,000 people to Ohio’s oldest city for a party in the streets. At the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, festival-goers enjoy paddle-wheelers, events, and the famous fireworks display. Our sponsors and volunteers are essential for the continuation of this beloved festival tradition in our riverboat town.

Help new generations fall in love with historic Marietta by supporting the area’s biggest annual celebration.

The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio takes place the weekend after labor day. Enjoy a weekend of family fun, fireworks and more. Admission is free.

• Ohio River Levee, Marietta, OH
• 740-373-5178
• [email protected]

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Valley Gem Sternwheeler

Address 601 Front Street Marietta Ohio 45750 United States

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Hampton Inn Marietta

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Explore Marietta's unique historic attractions

We're off I-77, five minutes from Marietta College. The Ohio River Museum, Campus Martius Museum, and Castle Historic House Museum are within 10 minutes. For scenic river rides, Valley Gem Sternwheeler paddleboat is less than three miles away. Enjoy our free hot breakfast, indoor pool, and fitness center featuring a Peloton® Bike with toe cages.

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Watch CBS News

Tornadoes kill at least 3 in Ohio as storms leave trail of destruction in Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas

Updated on: March 15, 2024 / 9:51 PM EDT / CBS/AP

A tornado killed at least three people in western Ohio on Thursday night, authorities said, part of a storm system that also unleashed apparent twisters in parts of Indiana ,  Kentucky  and Arkansas  that injured dozens and left tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power.

Indian Lake, Ohio, hit by tornado

The Indian Lake area in Ohio's Logan County, northwest of Columbus, appeared to be the worst hit. At least three people were confirmed dead, according to the Logan County Sheriff's Office. 

Logan County spokesperson Sheri Timmers told CBS News there were multiple injuries, adding that an RV park was among the areas impacted. Multiple buildings in the Indian Lake area were damaged, Timmers said.

Mary Rutan Health Center, located in the Logan County city of Bellefontaine, confirmed to CBS News that as of Friday afternoon it was treating 26 patients injured in the tornadoes.

Search crews went into neighborhoods that had been blocked by gas leaks and fallen trees overnight and made a second pass in areas that were checked in the darkness right after the storm, Sheriff Randy Dodds said.

"It's going to take a long time," he said, adding he wasn't aware of anybody unaccounted for.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado had struck near Orchard Island in Logan County. The Enhanced Fujita scale  ranks tornadoes  from EF0 to EF5, based on estimated wind speeds and damage.

Chief Deputy Joe Kopus of the sheriff's office said there was heavy damage in Lakeview, Midway, Orchard Island and Russells Point.

"It is just devastating. I mean, you see it happen to other people, you finally get to comprehend what this means," Carla Morris, owner of CJ's Lakeside Tavern in Lakeview, told CBS News.

Lakeview resident Robin Holmes told CBS News he somehow survived the storm in his living room.

"We are very lucky, because all around, it just tore everything up," Holmes said. 

Photos  posted  to social media also showed the extensive residential damage in Indian Lake.  

Amber Fagan, president and chief executive of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said the village of Lakeview was "completely demolished," adding that homes, campgrounds and a laundromat were hit hard. "There's places burning," she said. "There's power lines through people's windows."

A shelter was opened for anyone displaced. Many of the homes in the area are used as summer cottages by people who come for fishing and boating.

"This is going to be a long-term recovery for our community," Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram said in a news briefing Friday.

In Ohio's Huron County, emergency management officials posted on Facebook that there was a "confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado" near Plymouth, some 75 miles northeast of Indian Lake. It damaged homes and toppled trees, officials said, but no deaths or injuries were reported.

Indiana hit hard

At about the same time the tornado hit the Indian Lake area, another one tore through Winchester, Indiana, some 75 miles to the west. 

Winchester Mayor Bob McCoy said some 130 homes were damaged or destroyed in the area. The tornado damaged a Walmart store and a Taco Bell in Winchester, Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner  told CBS Indianapolis affiliate WTTV . Travel throughout the county was restricted to emergency management workers only, he said.  

A National Weather Service survey team later confirmed  the tornado with a preliminary damage rating of EF3.

"There have been many, many significant injuries, but I don't know the number. I don't know where they are. I don't know what those injuries are," Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter told reporters just before midnight Thursday. "There's a lot that we don't know yet."

State police said earlier in the night that they were investigating reports of deaths but Carter said at the news conference there were "no known fatalities."

In a social media post early Friday morning, the Randolph County Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency reported that there were at least 38 people injured in the tornado that struck Winchester, 12 of whom required hospitalization. The agency also said there had been no confirmed fatalities.  

State officials called on Indiana Task Force One to help with search efforts in Winchester, a town of 4,700 people nearly 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis, according to a post by the rescue team on social media. The team is one of 28 Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency-sponsored Urban Search and Rescue teams in the United States.

"I'm shaken; it's overwhelming," McCoy said. "I heard what sounded like a train and then I started hearing sirens."

He and his wife were hunkered in a closet during the twister, which hit at about 8 p.m. "I've never heard that sound before; I don't want to hear it again," McCoy said.

Winchester resident Brooks Burelison said he took shelter with his mother and sister just in time.

"By the time I got home, 20 seconds from me being in the garage, I jumped in the cellar, and then all of a sudden it was over us, and then eight seconds later, it was gone," Burelison told CBS News.  

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb posted on Facebook Thursday night, "Severe weather has impacted Hoosiers all across the state, and we have emergency response personnel in the impacted areas."

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security posted on Facebook that their staff were on scene in Randolph County, home to Winchester, working with locals, and that the State Emergency Operations Center was activated with an enhanced staffing level to respond to the storm.

A Facebook post on the Winchester Community High School page said all the schools in the district would be closed Friday. Another post said the high school had electricity and was open for emergency use for people who "need somewhere warm and dry."

To the west of Winchester in Delaware County, Indiana, emergency management officials said initial assessments suggested that up to half the structures in the small town of Selma were damaged by a possible tornado.

"We are relieved to report that only minor injuries have been reported thus far, with one individual transported to the hospital for treatment," the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency said in a news release. About 750 people live in Selma.

Earlier, storms damaged homes and trailers in the Ohio River communities of Hanover and Lamb in Indiana.

Jefferson County, Indiana Sheriff Ben Flint said storms destroyed three or four single-family homes and four or five other structures and demolished several uninhabited campers along the river.

"We were fortunate that no one was injured," Flint told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Gayle Liter and his wife told CBS affiliate WLKY-TV that their Hanover home, which they had just moved into about three months ago, was destroyed by the tornado. "Total destruction, the inside, everything," Liter said. 

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles of the Indiana State Police said earlier that another suspected tornado struck Jefferson County, damaging several homes and downing trees and power lines.

He posted photos on social media showing one home with its roof torn off and another missing roof shingles as well as an image of a baseball-sized hailstone.

Kentucky, Arkansas also impacted

In Milton, Kentucky, two people were injured when their car was hit by debris from a tornado that damaged as many as 100 homes and businesses, said Trimble County Emergency Management Director Andrew Stark.

"We have a whole bunch of damage," Stark told the Courier Journal of Louisville.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued a statement saying a tornado touched down along the Indiana state border in Gallatin and Trimble counties and there were reports of a couple of minor injuries.

"It does appear that there is some really significant damage, especially to the town of Milton in Trimble County," Beshear said. "We think there are over 100 structures that are potentially damaged."

The state's emergency operations center was activated to coordinate storm response, Beshear said.

In Arkansas, a probable tornado struck the retirement community of Hot Springs Village, about 40 miles southwest of Little Rock, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Erik Green.

Baseball-sized hail also fell and some buildings were destroyed, but there were no reports of fatalities or injuries, Green said.

Large pieces of hail also was reported in parts of the St. Louis area Thursday afternoon.

There were unconfirmed reports of tornadoes in Jefferson County, Missouri, and Monroe County, Illinois, but no immediate reports of damage.

• Storm Damage

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