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West Virginia Attractions|Explore|Nature|State Parks

The One Of A Kind Ferry Boat Adventure You Can Take In West Virginia

By Geoff Foster | Published July 05, 2018

Sternwheeler riverboats once filled the rivers and tributaries of America. The mighty Ohio and the Mississippi River were the main byways for the shipment of all kinds of goods. Today, we have planes and automobiles, so the slow progression of ships on the river is no longer a viable way to transport anything but fresh-caught seafood. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t still ride one today.

The Island Belle is an old fashioned sternwheeler that ferries visitors to Blennerhasset Island State Park. It is the first of many portions of your journey that attempts to recreate the world as it existed in the 19th century.

The trip downriver is not far and eventually arrives on the east end of the island. The island is a narrow strip of land in the middle of a bloated section of the Ohio River that runs along the winding border of the state.

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At this point, you and a ferry-full of fellow visitors will exit the boat onto the beautiful wooded Island.

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For this part of the journey, you will load onto an 19th century style horse drawn wagon, which will lead you down the gravel road to your main destination, The Blennerhasset Mansion, a gleaming white structure set amidst a lush, green landscape.

The structure itself was owned by Harman Blennerhasset and his wife, Margaret.

Upon arrival at the mansion, the tour will begin. Your tour guides will be dressed in period clothing to continue the illusion of stepping into another century. You will enter the main foyer, which is dominated by a grand stairway that swerves majestically to the upper levels of the stately mansion.

The entire house is decorated with period furniture and items. The dining room has a traditional 18th century look with all the furnishings and place settings of the time.

The sitting room is decorated with period furniture, oil paintings and a polished wood piano. The center table is similarly polished, its deep brown surface reflecting a courtly glean.

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Other fascinating historical displays will greet you on the tour, such as these early 20th century cars that heralded in a new era of technology while still maintaining the design aesthetic of the time.

A journey though the grounds will not only display scenic and beautiful views of nature, but also of old historic structures long since abandoned. These structures maintain the look and appearance of the nearby mansion and are clearly designed by the same architect.

Some structures are a bit older, having faced the ravages of time, giving them a rustic beauty that reflects another era, unmoved by the passing of many long years.

Sometimes there is more happening on the island than just tours. Several events are scheduled each year that honors the history of the island and the region at large. Some are historical reenactments, others are learning workshops for kids. All are promoted with the goal of historical education.

For more information about Blennerhasset Island tours, check out their website here, and their Facebook page here.

Have you ever taken this ferry ride to Blennerhasset Island? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.

Would you like to dig deeper into West Virginia history? Check out these 7 historic towns that will transport you to the past.

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