EVENT: OCTOBER 4-5 (2 DAYS)
EXPERIENCE HISTORIC MUSKINGUM RIVER LOCKS, CANALS & DAMS VIA TWO-DAY TOUR
From the first Native Americans to the early pioneers and on to the riverboat captains and recre- ational boaters, the Muskingum River has played an important role in the settling and building of Ohio and the nation. As the state’s largest inland waterway, the Muskingum was at the start of the journey into the Northwest Territory. As settlements grew along its banks it became a primary trade route well into the 1800’s. Due to its importance in the transfer of goods and services in and out of the region, the people living in the area petitioned the Ohio Congress for river improvement in the form of locks and dams. This addition would help control the flow of water making it passable for boats of all shapes and sizes, thus increasing travel and trade. Construction of the system began in 1836 and was completed in 1841 making it the oldest hand-operated lock and dam system remain- ing in the country. This engineering masterpiece is also a national civil engineering landmark.
Join tour guide Wendy Waite for two days of history and exploration on the Muskingum River. The tour begins in Marietta, the first settlement in the Northwest territory, with guided tours of the Campus Martius and Ohio River Museums, followed by lunch on board the Valley Gem Sternwheeler and a trip on the Valley Gem up the Muskingum and through Locks #2 & 3 at Devola and Lowell, giving the full experience of riverboat history and travel with stops at the Oliver Tucker Museum in Beverly and at Big Bottom State Park, site of the Big Bottom Massacre which started the Indian wars in Ohio. The evening will be spent din- ing and sleeping at the restored Stockport Mill Inn, where hydropower provides your electricity.
The second day journey lands you in the twin cities of Malta and McConnelsville passing by other “lock ups” along the way, such as the calaboose (jail) in Stockport and the dungeon in Malta. Stops at the Morgan County Historical Society Museum, Twin City Opera House and Morgan County Visitors Center where a working lock model is on display are included. After lunch, enjoy the leisurely downstream return to Marietta for a visit to the Ohio River Muse- um and where an extended weekend is recommended. All entry fees, meals and lodging are included price. Limit luggage to overnight stay needs.
REGISTER/INFO: Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau; 35 W. Main Street; POB 599; McConnelsville 43756 ; 740-962-4909
COST: $300/person or $550/couple. Family pricing is available upon request. Price includes all admission fees, meals plus tip and lodging. Snacks provided.
LOCATION: Departs Marietta. Visits Stockport, McConnelsville, and other stops.