Ohio's Paddle Boat Odyssey: The Ultimate Adventure

If you're looking for a paddle boat ride in Ohio, you're spoilt for choice. From the Ohio River Cruise, which takes you on a nine-day voyage from Louisville, Kentucky to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta, Ohio, there's something for everyone. The Ohio River Cruise invites you to experience the history and natural beauty of the Ohio River, while the Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers unique riverboat cruises with historic storytelling and stunning views of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.

For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider the Rockin Thunder River Tours, which offers a 40-mile scenic river cruise. Your captain and crew will point out historic locations, share river stories, and help spot wildlife. If you're looking for a dinner cruise, BB Riverboats offers multiple options, including the Captain's Dinner Cruise and the Family Dinner Cruise. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a jet boat tour with Rockin Thunder River Tours, which offers a two-day, 155-mile round trip Kentucky River Adventure.

Ohio River Cruise

Overview

Types of Ohio River Cruises

• Scenic River Cruises: These cruises focus on the breathtaking scenery and wildlife along the Ohio River. You'll glide past picturesque river towns, rolling hills, and lush forests while spotting bald eagles, blue herons, and maybe even a bobcat.
• Dinner Cruises: Combine delicious cuisine with stunning river views on a dinner cruise. Options include the Captain's Dinner Cruise, Admiral's Dinner, and Family Dinner Cruise, offering something for everyone.
• Historical Cruises: Learn about the rich history of the Ohio River and its surrounding areas with onboard storytelling and visits to significant sites. Some cruises may include stops at historic towns like Maysville, known for its role in the Underground Railroad.
• Entertainment Cruises: For a fun twist, some Ohio River Cruises offer entertainment options like live music, magic shows, or themed experiences such as the Kentucky Derby Experience.

Popular Ohio River Cruise Destinations

• Cincinnati: Known as the "Queen City," Cincinnati welcomes you with dramatic bridges and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore its diverse attractions, from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to the botanical gardens and the Cincinnati Zoo.
• Maysville: This quaint town, nestled into the hillside, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Hear stories of area explorers and learn about Harriet Beecher Stowe's visit, which inspired her novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
• Marietta: Resting at the confluence of the Muskingum River and the Ohio River, Marietta is the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Discover its rich history and explore five National Register Historic Districts with buildings dating back to 1788.
• Pittsburgh: Nicknamed "Steel City," Pittsburgh is known for its steel manufacturing past and impressive skyline. Delve into its history, admire the iconic bridges, and visit attractions like the Andy Warhol Museum and the Senator John Heinz History Museum.
• Louisville: An impressive waterfront town with a long history of commerce, Louisville is the perfect place to sip Mint Juleps and explore attractions like the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger Museum.
• American Cruise Lines: Offering a 9-day voyage from Louisville, KY, to Pittsburgh, PA, or vice versa, American Cruise Lines provides a luxurious and immersive experience. Their itinerary includes stops in Cincinnati, Maysville, Marietta, and other historic towns, with excursions showcasing each area's unique charm.
• Rockin' Thunder River Tours: For a more adventurous experience, Rockin' Thunder River Tours offers a 40-mile scenic river cruise on the Ohio River. Their trips focus on wildlife spotting and river stories, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
• BB Riverboats: Operating since 1979, BB Riverboats offers daily cruises on the Ohio River, departing from Newport, KY, just across the state line from Cincinnati. They provide a range of dinner cruise options, including the Captain's Dinner Cruise and the Family Dinner Cruise, perfect for a memorable evening on the water.
• Valley Gem Sternwheeler: Based in Marietta, OH, the Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers unique riverboat cruises with a historic twist. Throughout the year, you can join sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and more, enjoying stunning views of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.

Tips for Your Ohio River Cruise

• Booking: Reserve your cruise in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred dates and cruise type.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your cruise and dress appropriately. Some cruises may provide blankets, but it's always good to bring an extra layer for cooler evenings.
• Meals: If you're opting for a dinner cruise, review the menu options beforehand to ensure they cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.
• Excursions: Many cruises offer excursions or stops at various destinations. Research the available options and plan which ones you'd like to join to make the most of your time at each port of call.
• Photography: Don't forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning scenery, wildlife, and memorable moments during your Ohio River Cruise!

Rockin' Thunder River Tours

Rockin Thunder River Tours offers unique boat tours of the Ohio River and Kentucky River. The company is based in Madison, Indiana, and has been operating since 2012. It is the only boat tour company that explores both the Ohio River and the Kentucky River.

There are three different river experiences to choose from, each offering a unique experience for lovers of history, wildlife, and wonderful scenery. The tours are as follows:

Scenic River Tour

This is a 40-mile, 2-hour jet boat tour along a beautiful section of the Ohio River. The captain and crew will point out Bald Eagles, areas of historic interest, and share amazing river stories. The cost of this tour is $89.

Midweek Lunch Excursion

Enjoy a 75-mile, 5-hour cruise on the Ohio River with a stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant near Louisville, KY. Along the way, hear amazing river stories and spot Bald Eagles. The cost of this tour is $149, and the meal cost is not included.

2-Day Kentucky River Adventure

The 155-mile, 2-day Kentucky River Adventure is the ultimate river experience. This unique river tour takes you through two locks, and you will learn about the history of the Kentucky River. The cost of this tour is $399.

Rockin Thunder River Tours is rated as the #1 Boat Tour Company in Indiana.

BB Riverboats

Reviews of BB Riverboats are mixed. While some praise the views, food, and entertainment, others criticise the food, service, and lack of cleanliness.

Valley Gem Sternwheeler

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers a unique and relaxing riverboat cruise experience on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. With a friendly and accommodating crew, the Valley Gem provides informative and engaging narration about the history of the area and its locks. The boat is clean and well-maintained, and the staff are professional and friendly.

The Valley Gem offers a range of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner cruises. The food is highly praised, with one reviewer noting that the meal was "an actual meal of chicken, seasoned mashed potato, green beans, salad, as well as dessert". The Valley Gem also offers special occasion tours and entertainment, such as live music and character performances.

The Valley Gem is perfect for reunions, anniversaries, and group events, providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for all passengers. It is located at 601 Front Street, Marietta, OH 45750, and can be contacted at 740.373.7862 for bookings and inquiries.

Rockin' Thunder's Midweek Lunch Excursion

Rockin Thunders Midweek Lunch Excursion

About the Tour

Rockin Thunders Midweek Lunch Excursion is a 75-mile, 5-hour cruise along the Ohio River, departing from Madison and heading downriver to Louisville, Kentucky. The tour includes a lunch stop at a riverside restaurant (meal cost not included) and offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Ohio River that cannot be seen from the road.

Safety and Accessibility

Rockin Thunder River Tours prioritizes the safety of its guests, providing life jackets for all passengers and instructing them on their use. The jet boat is stable and comfortable, with the latest safety equipment, and it is inspected annually by the US Coast Guard. The tour may not be suitable for individuals with health issues or limited mobility due to the nature of the boat ride and the presence of steps. It is recommended that only guests in good health participate.

Booking and Cancellations

Booking in advance is essential, and passengers are required to check in at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Rockin Thunder River Tours accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Cancellations for the Midweek Lunch Excursion made 5 days or more before the start date will receive a full refund, while cancellations made less than 5 days in advance will receive a voucher valid for one year.

What to Expect

During the Midweek Lunch Excursion, your US Coast Guard-licensed Captain will share fascinating river stories and point out historic sites along the way. The tour provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, Deer, and possibly even a Bobcat. The cruise also passes under the new Lewis & Clark Bridge, offering a unique perspective on this modern engineering marvel.

Frequently asked questions