By Heather Rader
Posted On: Sep 2, 2022
Marietta is a charming town located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. With a rich history dating back centuries, Marietta is full of interesting museums and historical sites. Downtown Marietta is home to a variety of local shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring. And no visit to Marietta would be complete without taking a scenic riverboat ride down the Ohio River.
Whether you're looking for a historic experience or just a fun day out, Marietta has something for everyone!
Settled in 1788, Marietta was the first settlement in the Northwest Territory and is the oldest city in Ohio. The Hopewell and Adena Native American cultures were the earliest visitors arriving more than 2,000 years ago. With centuries of history, there's plenty of historical sites and museums to explore in Marietta.
Historic Harmar Village
Historical Sites and Museums To Visit:
- Historic Harmar Village
- Marietta Earthworks located in Mound Cemetery
- Campus Martius Museum
- Ohio River Museum
- Peoples Mortuary Museum
- The Castle
- Marietta Trolley Tour
- Peoples Bank Theatre
- Historic homes self-guided tour
With its riverside location and close proximity to Ohio's only national forest, outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the many miles of trails and recreation activities available in the area.
Outdoor Activities To Do:
- Bike or walk the Rivertrail Bike and Pedestrian Path
- Cruise the rivers aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler
- Explore Kroger Wetlands and the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Visit Wayne National Forest
- Take Segway Tour with Scott's Super Adventures
- Rent a kayak from Marietta Adventure Company
The walkable downtown area is perfect for a stroll to admire historic architecture and to support local businesses. There's no shortage of shopping in downtown Marietta with plenty of locally owned shops and boutiques. From antiques, primitives, and home décor to food, specialty, and apparel - you'll always find one-of-a-kind treasures in downtown Marietta.
Shops To Visit:
- McKenna's Market
- Schafer Leather Store
- Green Acres of Marietta
- Wit and Whimzy
- Dad's Primitive Workbench
- Teri Ann's Clothing
- The Cook's Shop
- And many more!
With a full day of exploration, you'll work up an appetite! There's plenty of restaurants in Marietta to satisfy every palate.
Jeremiah's Coffee House
Food and Drinks To Try:
- Jeremiah's Coffee House
- Harmar Tavern
- Busy Bee Restaurant
- Spagna's Italian Restaurant
- Austyn's Restaurant
- The Galley
- Boathouse BBQ
- Marietta Brewing Company
- Marietta Wine Cellars
From historical attractions, outdoor adventures, local shops and restaurants, and riverfront views, a visit to Marietta makes for the perfect Ohio day trip!
For more things to do, check out #OhioTheHeartofitAll at Ohio.org.
