Travel Guide
Find top sights, local places, maps, weather, and simple trip tips for Marietta, Ohio.
Looking for things to do in Marietta, Ohio? This short guide helps you plan.
Marietta sits where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River. It was founded in 1788 as the Northwest Territory’s first permanent settlement.
In addition, you will find preserved Native American mounds, restored 19th‑century buildings, and small museums. The town rewards slow exploration rather than rushed one‑day visits.
Why Visit Marietta
When comparing Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio, the destination stands out for a mix of well-known sights and local experiences. History is the main draw here, and it is easy to see.
Campus Martius, the old earthworks, and river museums tell pioneer and river stories. Also, Marietta is a handy base for short trips to Parkersburg and Blennerhassett Island.
Top Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio
These attractions and local experiences are among the best things to do in Marietta, Ohio.
Campus Martius Museum
Campus Martius Museum.
Ohio Company
This reconstruction of the original stockade interprets the Ohio Company and the first settlers.
For example, exhibits explain the Northwest Territory and frontier life.
Ohio River Museum & W.P. Snyder, Jr. The museum sits along the Muskingum River and focuses on inland river history.
Also, the preserved sternwheel towboat shows how steam navigation shaped industry and towns on the Ohio River.
Mound Cemetery & Earthworks. The cemetery occupies an ancient Native American mound and a Revolutionary‑era burial ground.
In addition, it is notable for its concentration of early military graves and for nearby visible earthworks such as Sacra Via.
The Castle (Victorian house museum). This restored 1855 Gothic‑Revival mansion displays furnished rooms and period details.
Next, rotating programs and contextual tours explain Victorian Marietta and local civic life.
Historic Harmar Village & Harmar Bridge area. Across the Muskingum River, Harmar preserves a small historic neighborhood and riverfront parkland.
The bridge and riverside views reward short walks and photo stops.
Downtown walking and riverfront trails. Marietta’s compact downtown has brick streets and period architecture that lead to river viewpoints.
Meanwhile, walking lets you sample local shops, breweries, and public art at a relaxed pace.
Best Time for Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio
The best season for Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio depends on weather, crowds, and the experiences you want most. Spring through early fall is the most comfortable window for river activities and walking tours.
Fall adds pleasant foliage and quieter weekdays. However, winters are cold and quieter, which suits travelers who prefer museums and fewer crowds.
Getting Around Marietta
Marietta’s downtown and riverfront are compact and easy to explore on foot for most visitors. A car is useful for reaching nearby parks and towns, and for flexible day trips.
Furthermore, the nearest regional airport is Mid‑Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB) in Parkersburg. Larger hubs in Pittsburgh and Columbus are reachable by car within roughly two to three hours.
Location
Map of Marietta, Ohio, United States
The interactive map loads only when you choose to view it.
Planning Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio
A little planning makes Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio easier to fit into the time you have. Confirm hours and tour availability for small museums before you go, since many run seasonal or volunteer‑led schedules.
If you plan river trips or ferry connections, check operators directly for seasonal service. Additionally, expect tight downtown parking during festivals and popular weekends; plan for modest walking distances between sites.
Local Tips for Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio
These local tips make it easier to plan Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio without overcomplicating the day. Start at the riverfront to orient yourself because the confluence frames much of Marietta’s history.
Bring insect repellent in summer for riverbank trails. Moreover, look for guided tours and docent programs at local museums to add depth to self-guided visits.
Furthermore, sample local breweries and small cafes for regional fare and respect earthwork and cemetery signage.
Live conditions
Current Weather
Updated 2026-08-12 09:00
- Feels like
- 71°F / 22°C
- Today’s high / low
- 87°F / 31°C · 65°F / 18°C
- Humidity
- 97%
- Wind
- ↙ 2 mph
- Precipitation
- 0 in
- Chance of rain
- 85%
- Local time
- 2026-08-12 09:07
Nearby Places and More Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio
After exploring the main Things to Do in Marietta, Ohio, nearby places can add an easy day trip or change of pace.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (Parkersburg, WV). A short drive across the river preserves a reconstructed Blennerhassett mansion.
Seasonal ferry access and interpretive exhibits explain early 19th‑century island life.
Parkersburg, West Virginia. The larger river city across the Ohio offers waterfront parks, museums, and access points for island ferries.
It makes an easy half‑day complement to Marietta.
Belpre, Ohio. This small riverside town lies just downriver and has local parks and community museums.
Therefore, Belpre makes a pleasant short drive or detour for scenic river views.
Safety
Marietta is a small city with typical small‑town safety considerations. Use normal caution at night in unfamiliar areas and secure valuables in parked vehicles.
Near the rivers, watch for changing water levels, posted warnings, and uneven terrain along banks and historic earthworks. Additionally, follow onsite rules at museums and protected archaeological sites.
