Marietta

Marietta is a city of 13,000 people in Southeast Ohio, situated at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest city in Ohio and was the first organized settlement of the Northwest Territory. From the beginning, it was one of Ohio's more important Ohio River ports. The city's name is derived from Marie Antoinette, the French Queen who supported the American Revolution.

Marietta has maintained its small-town charm due to having been left off the rail lines and having no highway connection until 1967. Since the construction of Route 7 and the new bridge across the river, Marietta has been on a slow path to resurrection, growing from the Ohio Riverfront to the intersection of Interstate 77. The historic downtown has undergone several renovation phases, with a streetscape program as the crowning touch. The city is now one of the Ohio Valley and Southeastern Ohio's favorite destinations.

The city is adjacent to part of the Wayne National Forest, offering abundant outdoor recreation. Marietta experiences a temperate continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the river valley is particularly scenic and outdoor activities are most comfortable.

By Plane

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB IATA), south of Marietta via I-77 South and WV Route 31 East, ☏ +1 304-464-5113, is the nearest airport with scheduled service.

By Car / Road

Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The Ohio River separates Ohio from West Virginia; directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is Williamstown, WV. Parkersburg, WV, is a short distance south with access to I-77. Marietta is also accessible by boat at the Ohio Riverfront.

Marietta is a small town on the banks of the Ohio River. The historic downtown is easy to walk, though everything is uphill from the river. There is a public boat ramp for exploring the river. The Harmar historic district, found across the Muskingum River from downtown, was once connected by the Historic Harmar bridge — a railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian crossing. The Putnam Street Bridge includes historical information signs at stopping points.

• Ohio River Museum, 601 Front St, toll-free: +1-800-860-0145 — Interprets the history of the Ohio River and its importance to the region.

• Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St, ☏ +1 740-373-3750, toll-free: +1-800-860-0145 — Museum of regional history and the Northwest Territory settlement.

• Marietta Earthworks (Mound Cemetery) — Remnants of a once-large complex of Indigenous North American earthworks, partially destroyed by local construction. The remaining mound survived because of its location in Mound Cemetery, home to the highest number of American Revolutionary War officer burials in the country.

• Marietta College, 215 Fifth St, toll-free: +1-800-331-7896 — A private college founded in 1835.

• Children's Toy and Doll Museum, 206 Gilman Ave — Sa–Su 1–4PM. Wide collection of toys from around the US, from the 1800s to modern times.

• The Castle Historic House Museum (The Castle), 418 4th St, ☏ +1 740-373-4180 — Historic house museum with period furnishings and gardens.

• Peoples Mortuary Museum, 408 Front St, ☏ +1 740-373-1111 — Requires calling ahead for tours. Large variety of historic hearses.

• Start Westward Memorial, Muskingum Park — 1938 sculpture by Gutzon Borglum, commemorating the westward expansion and the 1788 establishment of Marietta.

• Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Ohio Riverfront Park — Always the weekend after Labor Day. Features the "Harry J. Robinson" Fireworks, one of Ohio's outstanding displays, launched from barges in the middle of the Ohio River with bridge illumination. Sa 7:30PM/10PM.

• Marietta Aquatic Center, 233 Pennsylvania Ave, ☏ +1 740-373-2445 — Jun 3–Sep 4 daily noon–8PM. Large water park. Adults $6, youth (up to 17) $5.

• Washington County Fair, 922 Front St (Washington County Fairgrounds), ☏ +1 740-373-1347 — Early September.

• People's Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St, ☏ +1 740-371-5152 — Historic theater hosting concerts, films, and performances.

• Valley Gem Sternwheeler Cruise, 601 Front St, ☏ +1 740-373-7862 — Rides to Blennerhassett Island, lunch or dinner cruises, or Muskingum River lock expeditions. $7–78.

• Kroger Wetlands — Wetland nature reserve with one-mile circular trail and interpretive boards. Park off Acme Street. Free.

Marietta's dining scene reflects its river town heritage, with hearty American fare and regional specialties.

Budget: Local diners and cafes in downtown Marietta serve breakfast and lunch at affordable prices, with hearty portions typical of the Ohio Valley.

Mid-range: Restaurants along Front Street and Putnam Street offer a mix of American, Italian, and river cuisine. Several establishments feature outdoor seating with views of the Ohio River.

Marietta's downtown has several pubs and cafes, many with river views. Local wineries in the surrounding area offer tastings. The Ohio River region has a growing craft beverage scene, with breweries and distilleries within driving distance.

Budget: Camping is available at nearby Wayne National Forest campgrounds.

Mid-range: The Lafayette Hotel, downtown Marietta, offers historic accommodations in a river-town setting. Additional hotels and motels are available along Route 7 and near I-77.

Upscale / heritage: The historic hotels in downtown Marietta have been restored to offer modern amenities while preserving their 19th-century character. Vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts along the river and in the Harmar district provide charming alternatives.

Fenton Art Glass, 700 Elizabeth Street, Williamstown (across the Ohio River) — The largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. Each piece is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators. The factory stores are still open. Lafayette Shopping Center, 464 Pike St, offers local retail. The River City Farmer's Market (Marietta Farmer's Market), Butler Street between Front and Second, ☏ +1 740-516-6253, operates Saturday mornings 8AM–noon with local crafts, meats, dairy, plants, mushrooms, and honey. Wit & Whimzy, 152 Front St, ☏ +1 742-371-5022, offers eclectic local and unique gifts.

• Blennerhassett Island (accessible by Valley Gem sternwheeler) — Historic island in the Ohio River with a reconstructed Palladian mansion and guided tours.
• Parkersburg, WV (15 miles south, ~20 min) — West Virginia's third-largest city with the Blennerhassett Museum and nearby state parks.
• Wayne National Forest (surrounding) — Extensive public land for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation.
• Hocking Hills State Park (90 miles northwest, ~1.5 hr) — Stunning gorges, waterfalls, and recess caves.
• Marietta College (local) — Historic campus with cultural events and athletics.