🚤 A Hidden Gem on the Ohio River: Blennerhassett Island + Parkersburg Day Trip With Ferry Rides, History & River Views

Some of the most meaningful adventures are the ones that help you slow down. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, just across the Ohio River from Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers a peaceful blend of history, nature, and riverside serenity. From wagon rides to ferry views, this island experience leaves you refreshed—and with plenty more to explore nearby.

🏛️ First Stop: Museum & Welcome Center (They’re Separate Buildings!)

Your day starts in Parkersburg, not on the island itself. Head first to the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, where you can purchase:

🖼️ Museum admission
🎟️ Ferry tickets
🏛️ Mansion tour tickets
🐴 Wagon Ride tickets

🛑 Tickets must be purchased in person. There is no online booking, so arrive early and check official WV State Parks info for seasonal hours or weather-related closures, etc..

The museum includes exhibits on regional history and a meaningful Early American Indian display in the basement—a must-see.

A short walk away, the Welcome Center offers helpful brochures, friendly insight, and maps to nearby attractions. The staff are welcoming and eager to help you make the most of your trip.

📍 Navigation Tip:
Do not put “Blennerhassett Island” into your GPS. It may send you to the wrong side of the river.
Instead, search for:

Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History
Parkersburg Welcome Center
Or Island Belle Sternwheeler

🅿️ Where to Park (Without Getting Towed)

✅ Welcome Center Lot – Free and safe
✅ Under the Bridge by the Museum – Narrow and limited; obey all signage
⚠️ Riverfront Lot (past railroad tracks) – Closest to the ferry, but fills quickly

⏰ Ferry Schedule: Time It Right

The Island Belle departs every hour on the hour, and they do not wait.

🕓 Last return ferry departs at 4:30 PM
Miss it, and you’re stuck—there’s no overnight access.

✅ Allow at least 3 hours for your visit to comfortably enjoy:

Museum exhibits
Ferry ride
Mansion and wagon tours
Bike riding
Shopping and snacks
Riverfront rest

A Ferry Ride to Remember

The boat ride to the island is short, scenic, and memorable. On my trip, I was invited to sit at the helm of the boat—a treat that made the journey even more special.

*Highlight of the ride—getting to sit at the helm on the way to the island. One for the memory books.*

🐴 On the Island: Tours, Bikes, Snacks, and Scenic Strolls

After your peaceful ferry ride, you’ll arrive at Blennerhassett Island—a quiet and scenic place where the past meets the present.

*This swing on the island was a perfect slow-down moment.*

From shaded walking paths to wide-open green spaces, the island invites you to slow your pace and take it all in—no rush, no schedule, just serenity.

🏛️ Mansion Tour & 🐎 Wagon Ride

The restored mansion tour is a highlight for history lovers, giving a glimpse into 1800s architecture and life.

*Inside the historic Blennerhassett Mansion—an elegant look into another era.*

The mansion tour brings early 1800s history to life

Don’t miss the wagon ride, pulled by draft horses.

The wagon ride shares not only historical facts, but details about current preservation and archaeological efforts

*You can also walk or rent a bike, but this wagon ride through the trees made the island feel timeless.*

*Got to meet one of the beautiful wagon horses.*

🐴 Bring cash for the wagon ride—it supports the horses and your guide.

🚲 Bike Rentals

Explore the island trails on your own time—bike rentals are available and make for a fun, relaxing way to see more of the grounds.

🍦 Snack Bar & 🛍️ Gift Shop (On the Island!)

Located near the main visitor area, you’ll find a snack bar with light refreshments and a gift shop featuring:

Cold drinks and snacks
Souvenirs, books, and postcards
Handmade and regional keepsakes

🧁 Back on Shore: The Floating Food Truck

The Floating Food Truck, (sometimes) located near the ferry dock, is a great way to wrap up your visit. I chose the yogurt parfait, but they also offer burgers and comfort favorites for a heartier bite.

*After the island, I came back to this floating food truck docked riverside. Worth the stop!*

*Grabbed this parfait post-island—scenic snacks just hit differently.*

🌿 Don’t Miss the Swings (Parkersburg Side!)

The peaceful wooden swings along the Parkersburg riverfront are the perfect way to reflect after your visit and watch the barges go by.

🏨 Overnight Stay? Try the Blennerhassett Hotel

The historic Blennerhassett Hotel in downtown Parkersburg is a perfect overnight option if you’re staying longer. I met a couple who stayed there years ago and returned later just to finally see the island.

🏘️ Explore More in Parkersburg

🏠 Victorian Walking Tour

Stroll through Parkersburg’s historic district with self-guided maps from the Welcome Center.

🎭 Smoot Theatre

A restored 1920s venue still hosting live music and shows. Check smootheatre.com.

☕ Cafés and Lunch Spots

Ask the locals—there’s no shortage of charming coffee stops and eateries downtown.

✅ Quick Reference

🎟️ Tickets:

Must be purchased in person at the museum

🕐 Ferry:

Departs hourly (strictly)
Last return: 4:30 PM

📍 GPS Tip:
Do not enter “Blennerhassett Island” in GPS. Use the museum, ferry dock, or welcome center.

🚗 Parking:

✅ Welcome Center lot
✅ Under the bridge
⚠️ River lot (tight and fills fast)

💵 Bring Cash For:

Tickets (if buying on island)
Tips (guides + horses)
Snacks and souvenirs

🐾 Pets:
Allowed on ferry and island grounds (not in the mansion)

🚲 Bike Rentals + 🍦 Snack Bar + 🛍️ Gift Shop: All located on the island

⚠️ Before You Go — Please Note

Offerings, hours, availability, and access may vary by season, staffing, or special events.
👉 Always check the official website or call ahead to confirm ferry times, tour availability, and current visitor policies before you travel.

💛 Keep Wandering, Keep Growing

This wasn’t a flashy tourist attraction—it was a quiet moment in time. A swing. A ferry. A couple returning after years to fulfill a dream. That’s what travel is all about.

If you’re longing for meaning over mileage and beauty over busyness—this place might be what your soul needs, too.

I believe that the most powerful journeys often begin with one simple step… and a willingness to take the scenic route.

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Have you been to Blennerhassett Island? Planning your own trip? I’d love to hear from you.

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