Sitting right where the Ohio and Muskingum rivers meet, Marietta holds a unique title as the very first permanent organized American settlement in the Northwest Territory. Founded in 1788 by Revolutionary War veterans, this town weaves deep pioneer history with a relaxed riverfront atmosphere, historic architecture, and a walkable downtown. Here are the best things to do in Marietta, Ohio for to help you plan your next visit.
Highlights of What You’ll Discover in Marietta Ohio:
- A Curated Weekend Itinerary: Step-by-step guidance on navigating Marietta’s trolley tours, river cruises, and historic sites.
- First-Hand Local Reviews: My personal recommendations for dining along the riverfront, finding hidden gems in Harmar Village, and catching live entertainment.
- Pro Travel Tips & FAQs: Insider insight on pioneer landmarks, ancient Adena earthworks, and practical advice to make the most of your visit.
Editor’s note: The author was hosted by the fine folks at Washington County CVB.
Day 1: Guided History, River Cruises & Downtown Culture
Kick Off Your Marietta Ohio Travel Itinerary at Armory Square
We kicked off our trip right in the middle of town at historic Armory Square (241 Front St). Built back in 1914 as an Ohio National Guard Armory, it’s now a central gathering place and the easiest spot to kick off a weekend exploration. We met up with Deana Clark from the Marietta-Washington County CVB to grab maps, ask a few local questions, and get the inside scoop on what makes Ohio’s oldest city tick.
Sand and Snow Tip: Always stop by the local visitors bureau or welcome center first thing in the morning to pick up physical maps, discount coupons, and insider event schedules that you won’t always find online.
Historic Marietta Trolley Tour
Right outside the Armory, we climbed onto the Historic Marietta Trolley. I always love starting a town visit with a quick guided overview, and this trolley ride gives you a great sense of layout. Our driver shared stories about the early 1788 settlement days, pointed out stunning Victorian homes, and gave us our first look at the town’s ancient earthworks before we set off on foot.
Sand and Snow Tip: Book your trolley tickets in advance during peak spring and autumn foliage seasons, as these narrated tours fill up quickly on weekend mornings.
First Mate’s Luncheon Cruise on the Valley Gem
By mid-day, we made our way down to 601 Front Street to board the Valley Gem Sternwheeler. Watching the paddlewheel churn up river water while sitting down for lunch was a real highlight of the afternoon. As we floated along the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, looking back at the town shoreline gave me a whole new appreciation for why riverboats were the lifeblood of this region for centuries.
Sand and Snow Tip: Book a window-side table early during boarding to secure the best unobstructed angles for photography as you glide past the historic riverbanks.
Campus Martius Museum & Mound Cemetery: Exploring Pioneer History
Next, we headed to Campus Martius Museum (601 Second St), built on the site of the original 1788 frontier stockade. What blew me away was seeing General Rufus Putnam’s actual two-story wooden home preserved completely intact inside the modern museum walls. It really brings the pioneer era into focus.
Quick Stop: Mound Cemetery
Just a short walk up 5th Street, we made a 15-minute stop at Mound Cemetery to see the 30-foot ancient conical earthwork rising right up out of the ground. It’s an easy, impressive stop between museum visits.
Sand and Snow Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting Campus Martius and Mound Cemetery, as the historic terrain includes slightly uneven stone walkways and hills.
Riverfront Dining at Levee House Bistro
For dinner, we booked a table at Levee House Bistro (127 Ohio St), which sits inside the only remaining 1800s riverfront building in town. I loved sitting near the windows with a craft cocktail and a fresh American dinner while watching barge traffic quietly glide down the Ohio River.
Sand and Snow Tip: Make weekend dinner reservations at Levee House Bistro several weeks ahead of time to secure a cozy window seat overlooking the water.
Evening Show at Peoples Bank Theatre
We capped off our night at the Peoples Bank Theatre (222 Putnam St), a grand 1919 theater that was saved and beautifully restored. Seeing a live show here—like a Pink Floyd tribute band—under the classic theater balcony made for a fantastic end to our first day.
Overnight Accommodations
We stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn Marietta (508 Pike St). It was clean, comfortable, and just a quick five-minute drive right back into downtown.
Day 2: Exploring Historic Harmar Village & Unique Museums
Farm-to-Table Breakfast at Busy Bee Restaurant
On Sunday morning, we crossed the Muskingum River over to historic Harmar Village for breakfast at the Busy Bee Restaurant (226 Gilman Ave). This neighborhood favorite relies on local Washington County farms for its ingredients, and you can taste the quality in their made-from-scratch breakfast plates and coffee.
Sand and Snow Tip: Arrive slightly before peak morning rush hours on Sunday to beat the local crowd and secure a table without a long wait.
Peoples Mortuary Museum: A Hidden Gem
It might sound unexpected, but visiting the Peoples Mortuary Museum (408 Front St) turned out to be one of the most memorable stops on our trip. Bill Peoples has curated an incredible collection of Victorian hand-carved hearses, horse-drawn carriages, and antique trade equipment that offers a fascinating look into 19th-century craftsmanship and American history.
Children’s Toy & Doll Museum in Historic Harmar Village
Stroll a couple of doors down from Busy Bee to check out the Children’s Toy & Doll Museum (206 Gilman Ave). Set inside a classic 1889 Queen Anne home, its nine rooms are packed with vintage scale dollhouses, rare antique dolls, and classic toys from past generations.
Sand and Snow Tip: Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes here to fully appreciate the detailed Victorian dollhouse rooms and nostalgic toy collections.
Additional Top Things to Do in Marietta Ohio for Extended Stays
If you have extra time or are planning a return trip, consider adding these Marietta destinations to your schedule:
- Harmar Railroad Bridge & Historic District: Walk across the Historic Harmar Bridge—a classic turn-of-the-century swing bridge connecting downtown to the quiet brick streets and antique shops of Harmar Village.
- The Lafayette Hotel: Located at 101 Front Street, this historic riverfront hotel features vintage maritime decor, handcrafted woodwork, and the famous Gun Room Restaurant displaying long rifles from the 1700s and 1800s.
- The W.P. Snyder Jr. / New Ohio River Museum: Located on the riverbanks, the W.P. Snyder Jr. is the nation’s last remaining steam-powered sternwheel tugboat (a National Historic Landmark). Note: The adjacent Ohio River Museum building is currently undergoing a complete reconstruction into a state-of-the-art facility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Marietta, Ohio
What is Marietta, Ohio, famous for?
Marietta is famous for being the first permanent organized American settlement in the Northwest Territory, established in 1788 by Revolutionary War veterans. When you visit, you’ll see how proud the town is of its preserved pioneer history, ancient Adena earthworks, 19th-century riverboat heritage, and vibrant downtown.
What are the best outdoor activities and sights in Marietta?
Beyond guided tours, top outdoor attractions include:
- The River Trail: A paved 3.9-mile path along the Ohio and Muskingum riverbanks, popular for walking and biking.
- Harmar Hill Lookout Point: A scenic overlook offering panoramic views where the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers meet.
- Mound Cemetery (Conus): When I visited, I was amazed to stand before this 30-foot-tall prehistoric Adena burial mound dating back to 100 BC–500 AD. Preserved by the city’s founders in 1801, it is surrounded by the graves of more Revolutionary War officers than any other cemetery in America.
What are the top historic museums to visit in Marietta?
The most visited museums include the Campus Martius Museum (housing Ohio’s oldest building on its original foundation), The Castle Historic House Museum (an 1855 Gothic Revival landmark), and the Ohio River Museum paired with the steam-powered W.P. Snyder Jr. sternwheel towboat.
What are the best local places to eat in Marietta?
Popular dining destinations feature:
- Levee House Bistro: Historic riverfront dining serving American cuisine inside the last remaining 1800s riverfront building.
- Busy Bee Restaurant: A staple in Harmar Village known for its farm-to-table breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms.
- Marietta Brewing Company & Local Cafes: Casual local brews, craft coffee, and pub favorites downtown.
How many days do you need to explore Marietta, Ohio?
During our trip, we found that a 1 to 2-day trip is the sweet spot. A single day gives you enough time to tour Campus Martius, take a riverboat cruise, and walk downtown. Adding a second day lets you explore Harmar Village, visit historic homes like The Castle, and check out unique spots like the Peoples Mortuary Museum without feeling rushed.
If you have an extra day or two, head to Parkersburg, WV, for more fun.
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