Welcome to the Valley Gem Sternwheeler!

The Valley Gem offers edcuational tours that are perfect for school field trips, scout troops, and youth groups. Students will cruise the river on a genuine sternwheeler, hear historical narration about the river, learn about river navigation, have an opportunity to ask our captain questions and visit the pilot house. The basic narration includes information about the historic sites you pass, the rivers, cliff swallows, geography, and the boat itself.

Tour Length: We offer 1 hour cruises on either the Muskingum or Ohio Rivers from mid-April through October.

Number of Students: The Valley Gem can carry up to 200 students.

Cost: $6.00 each with a minimum of 40 passengers. $5.00 each with a minimum of 50 passengers. Bus drivers and teachers are complimentary. For schools with less than 40 students, we try to book you with another group in order to keep your cost on a per student basis. If that is not possible, the cost will be a minimum of $240.00 for a one hour tour. You will be notified if another group will be joining you.

Meals: The Valley Gem does provide tables and chairs if you would like to book your tour at lunch time. Weather permitting, students are encouraged to eat on the upper deck.

The Valley Gem departs from downtown Marietta at 601 Front Street.

For smaller groups, we encourage you to book seats on one of our public sightseing tours. Click Here to download a PDF of our 2011 public tour schedule.

For larger groups, you may book a private educational tour.

Willow Island Lock Tour Educational
Willow Island is one of 20 locks and dams on the Ohio River. Your school group will first travel through the lock onboard the Valley Gem, then they will disembark from the Valley Gem and take a tour of the lock. Students will learn how the lock and dam operate first-hand with the lockmaster's guidance. Please note: The tour of Willow Island lock and dam is dependent upon the national terrorism risk level. $23.00 per person; 75 student minimum
This Package Includes:
• Two hour boat tour through Willow Island lock and dam
• Pa-Pa John’s™pizza lunch served aboard the Valley Gem
• Captain’s narration
• Tour of Willow Island lock and dam

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Educational Tour
Marietta Island, one of twenty-two refuge islands on the Ohio River, is located adjacent to Marietta. Now a wildlife refuge, this island was once a private potato farm. The farmhouse and barns, built in the early 1900s, are still standing today. Students can explore with the guidance of a Park Ranger. Many different species of mussels, fish, native and invasive plants, and animals are discussed. Often students are asked to participate in tree plantings on the island. $23.00 per person; 75 student minimum
This Package Includes:
• Boat ferry service to the head and middle of the Island
• Pa-Pa John’s™ pizza lunch served aboard the Valley Gem
• Captain’s narration
• Ohio River National Wildlife Refuge Ranger

For more information Click Here to download a PDF of our 2011 Group Tour Planner.