The Ohio River Museum and WP Snyder are currently closed.
Watch us grow!
Our NEW Ohio River Museum will be under construction soon.
The Ohio River Museum opened at its current location in 1973. This museum features exhibits recounting the history of the Ohio River and the many different types of boats that have been transporting people and cargo for hundreds of years. The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen have provided many of the steamboat artifacts that are featured in the museum. Their pride in sharing the history of our inland waterways and with the public and their continued support of the museum is greatly appreciated.
Three buildings of exhibits focus on the history of the Ohio River and its importance relating to the expansion of our country. The Golden Age of the steamboat recalls the romance and luxury as many people traveled the river in style. The river’s natural history explores the stories of the beauty and the ugliness that the inland rivers sometimes tell.
WP Snyder Jr.
The pride of the museum is the W.P. Snyder, Jr., the last of the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboats in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Docked on the Muskingum River and open for guided tours since 1955, the Snyder takes visitors back to a different era of work boats on the river. A “pool type” towboat, the Snyder boasts a steel hull AND hog chains. Steering levers were used on the Snyder but the pilot wheel is still present.
More Outdoor Exhibits
Outside is the Tell City Pilot House, a flat boat reproduction, a restored shanty boat, and a series of poles showing the heights of some on the worst floods in recorded history to hit this area.
Free Parking
Free parking is available in the museum parking lot. Ohio River Museum is also wheelchair accessible, except for W.P. Snyder. If you planning a visit to the Ohio River Museum, also make time to see Campus Martius Museum, just a three-minute walk from the Ohio River Museum.
Admission
The Ohio River Museum and WP Snyder are currently closed.
We are a Blue Star Museums Participant!
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America. Each summer since 2010, Blue Star Museums have offered free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Directions
The Ohio River Museum is located at 601 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio, one block from Ohio State Route 7, and minutes from I-77. The museum is just one block away from Campus Martius Museum. Plan on touring both during your visit!
Map
Use the interactive map below for specific driving directions.