Blennerhassett Island
4.8(48)google
4.4(28)yelp
IslandHistoryHistoric BuildingBoatingFamilyPhoto Spot
Overview
Accessible only by a romantic, authentic sternwheel riverboat from Parkersburg, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park offers an elegant journey back to the late 18th century. The island centers around a meticulously reconstructed, palatial Palladian mansion originally built by an enigmatic Irish aristocrat involved in Aaron Burr's political treason plots. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours, explore a historic museum, and picnic under massive shade trees along the Ohio River.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeThis historic island park operates seasonally from May to late October. The optimal time is 10:00 AM on a clear Saturday from May to September. Boarding the vintage sternwheeler riverboat at the Parkersburg dock at this hour ensures an 11:00 AM island arrival, aligning perfectly with the first horse-drawn carriage tours.
Getting ThereLocated in the middle of the Ohio River, cars cannot drive onto the island; water access is mandatory. Drive via I-77 to Exit 176 into downtown Parkersburg, park at the 2nd Street garage, and walk to the ferry terminal at 2nd and Avery St to purchase your combined sternwheeler riverboat and island admission tickets.
Travel Tips
- Accessible only via historic sternwheeler ferry from Point Park in Parkersburg. The ferry runs strictly on a seasonal schedule (May to late October) and ceases all public operations entirely during the winter months.
- The historic mansion tours and horse-drawn carriage rides require separate ticket purchases, and the island's single snack bar is cash-only and crowded at midday. Carry ample physical US currency before boarding the ferry.
- The final return ferry departs strictly around 4:30 PM; long queues form on autumn weekends due to limited boat capacity. Head to the island dock 30 minutes early; missing this boat leaves you stranded as there is no lodging on site.
Reviews
Positive
- Riding the authentic historic sternwheeler boat across the Ohio River to the island is a delightfully nostalgic, breezy voyage.
- The reconstructed Palladian mansion is grand, brought to life by costumed docents sharing the family's treason plot history.
- Taking a horse-drawn carriage tour around the shaded island paths provides a wonderfully slow-paced, relaxing wilderness escape.
- The on-site museum houses deep early frontier lifestyle artifacts and valuable original Aaron Burr conspiracy manuscripts.
Heads up
- The island operates strictly on a seasonal schedule and closes entirely from November to April, blocking any winter exploration.
- The river boat, mansion entry, and wagon rides are billed via separate individual fees, making family total costs add up fast.
- Visiting during peak July and August heat waves means dealing with severe swarms of gnats and river mosquitoes along the dirt trails.
- The single island concession stand offers very rudimentary cold sandwiches and chips, lacking any hot meal options.