Discover Washington: Museums, River Trails and Historic Routes

The Campus Martius Museum stands on the site of the original Ohio Company fort. The Ohio Company built the fort between 1788 and 1791. The museum includes the Rufus Putnam House, which was part of the original fort. The Ohio Company Land Office is also located there; it was moved to this site in 1953.

Early history and tours

Exhibits at the Campus Martius Museum include static displays, interactive exhibits and living history. They present the history of Ohio’s earliest inhabitants, including the Adena and Hopewell cultures. Hands-on educational programs are for school groups and adult visitors. The museum thus highlights both a range of ways to present history and specific historic sites.

The Castle opened as a historic house museum in 1994. In 2026, The Castle was open for seasonal tours from April through December; this period may change. Check the seasonal tour schedule before your trip. Another place to experience history outdoors is Mound Cemetery in Marietta: the historic cemetery includes a 2,000-year-old Adena mound. Guided tours cover both the mound and Marietta residents who shaped the history of the United States.

The Ohio and Muskingum Rivers

Ohio Riverfront Park stretches along the Ohio River to the mouth of the Muskingum River. The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival takes place every year at the confluence. The program includes sternwheel steamboats and events; the fireworks are also a highlight. Major/Riviera offers public and private cruises on the Ohio River. The Valley Gem’s educational cruises are for school-age children and feature live commentary that informs and entertains.

Visitor status is also important when planning a visit to the river: in September 2026, the Ohio River Museum and the W.P. Snyder were closed while a new Ohio River Museum was being built. Check visitor status before your trip.

Walking and biking trails

The River Trail is 3.5 miles long, fully accessible and paved. This multi-use trail runs along the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, mostly on level ground around Marietta’s historic district. It runs from Lafayette Shopping Center to Indian Acres Park and Marietta Aquatic Center. The Marietta Trail Network has a different focus: its more than 18 miles of trails pass through challenging terrain and are intended for hiking and mountain biking. Surface, terrain and length are therefore different factors to consider when choosing a route.

Several hundred miles of the North Country Scenic Trail run through the Athens Ranger District and the Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest. Check trail conditions and seasonal access before setting out.

Covered bridges and excursions

The National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway follows State Route 26 from Marietta to Woodsfield, Ohio, running parallel to the Little Muskingum River for most of the way. The route covers 35 miles of riverside scenery and history and includes ten marked stops. One specific historic landmark is the Hune Covered Bridge: it was built in 1879 with a 12-panel truss. Before driving the route, check road conditions and individual stops.

Events are another reason to include dates and programs in your travel plans. Lowell Octoberfest offers a variety of German foods, including the popular German potato salad. It also features live entertainment, a flea market, a beer garden and a raffle of handmade items. For future trips, check the event dates and program. A boat ramp is located in Washington County, north of Marietta, on State Route 7 along the Ohio River Scenic Byway; check its status and facilities before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Marietta, Erie County, Licking, Hardin County, Marion County, Ottawa County, Guernsey, Harrison County.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.