Discover Washington: Heritage, River Landscapes and Trails

Washington combines impressive history with river landscapes, guided experiences and diverse trails. Anyone planning a trip centered on culture, outdoor activities and special excursion ideas will find a range of highlights here: historic museums, cruises on the Ohio River, paved waterfront trails, challenging terrain and a scenic driving route. Families will also find specific points of interest, such as educational programs and narrated excursions for school-age children.

History to See and Experience

The Campus Martius Museum stands on the site of the original fort built by the Ohio Company between 1788 and 1791. The museum includes the Rufus Putnam House, which was part of this original fort. It also houses the Ohio Company Land Office, which was relocated there in 1953. Static, interactive and living-history exhibits convey the history of Ohio’s first residents, including the Adena and Hopewell cultures. Hands-on educational programs are aimed at school groups and adult visitors.

In Marietta, Mound Cemetery adds another historical highlight. The cemetery features a 2,000-year-old Adena mound and offers guided tours of the mound as well as of Marietta citizens who shaped the history of the United States. The Patriots Tour also focuses on the life stories and legacy of Patriots of the American Revolutionary War. The Castle opened as a historic house museum for tours in 1994 and is open for tours from April through December.

River Landscapes and Special Excursions

The Ohio River shapes several travel experiences. Major/Riviera offers public and private cruises. Valley Gem’s educational cruises are aimed at school-age children and feature live commentary that informs and entertains. The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival takes place every year at the confluence of the Ohio River and the Muskingum River. The program includes sternwheelers, events and a renowned fireworks display.

For current excursion planning, it is important to note that the Ohio River Museum and the W.P. Snyder are currently closed while a new Ohio River Museum is being built. Ohio Riverfront Park extends along the Ohio River to the mouth of the Muskingum River. A boat launch is located in Washington County north of Marietta on State Route 7 along the Ohio River Scenic Byway.

Trails, Bridges and Scenic Byways

The River Trail is a 3.5-mile, fully accessible, paved multi-use trail along the Ohio River and the Muskingum River. It is mostly level as it runs around Marietta’s historic district and leads from Lafayette Shopping Center to Indian Acres Park and the Marietta Aquatic Center. Those looking for more challenging terrain will find a trail system of more than 18 miles for hiking and mountain biking in the Marietta Trail Network.

For longer tours through nature and history, the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway follows State Route 26 from Marietta to Woodsfield, Ohio. For most of its route, it runs parallel to the Little Muskingum River. The byway extends for more than 35 miles and includes ten marked stations. One of them is Hune Covered Bridge, built in 1879 with a 12-panel truss. In addition, several hundred miles of the North Country Scenic Trail run through the Athens Ranger District and the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest.

Dining and Choosing Accommodation

Culinary events also offer distinctive highlights. The Lowell Octoberfest features various German dishes, live entertainment, a flea market, a beer garden and a raffle of handcrafted items. The Wine & Chocolate Walk takes visitors through Marietta with ten wine stations and ten chocolate stations. Broughton’s Nature and Wildlife Education Area has two ponds stocked with fish.

When looking for a vacation rental in Washington, it helps to determine your preferred travel pace. For a culture-focused stay, the Campus Martius Museum, The Castle and the tours at Mound Cemetery take center stage. Anyone who wants to spend plenty of time outdoors can include the paved River Trail, the Marietta Trail Network or the North Country Scenic Trail in their plans. For days out by car, the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway with its ten stations is an appealing option.

Additional destinations to choose for your own trip: Montgomery, Cuyahoga County, Champaign County, Carroll, Clark, Putnam County, Wayne.

For the overarching travel overview: Ohio.