Please Note: The Ohio River Museum is closed as we build an exciting new Ohio River Museum. Project partners include the Northwest Territory Museum Society, Washington County Public Library and the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
Explore the story of the Ohio River and step aboard the W.P. Snyder Jr., the nation’s last intact steam-powered, stern-wheeled towboat. The museum consists of three exhibit buildings, the first chronicling the origins and natural history of the Ohio River. The history of the steamboat on the Ohio River system is featured in the second building, along with a video presentation on river steamboats. The last building features displays about boat building, mussels in the Ohio River system and tools and equipment from the steamboat era.
Outside the museum, on the Muskingum River, you can take an escorted tour of the W.P. Snyder Jr.—the last intact steam-powered “pool-type” stern-wheeled towboat in the United States. After your museum visit, cruise the Ohio River on the Valley Gem, a working sternwheeler docked next door to the Ohio River Museum. Average visit time: Allow 1+ hours
