Marietta, Ohio, USA
Founded in 1788 as the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta pairs ancient Native American earthworks with golden-age steamboat lore—all within easy walking distance of the levee dock.
Founded in 1788 as the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta pairs ancient Native American earthworks with golden-age steamboat lore—all within easy walking distance of the levee dock.
Ships tie up directly at the historic Ohio River Levee at the foot of Greene Street — you walk off the gangway and you're in downtown Marietta.
💡 Pro move: Downtown is flat and wheelchair-friendly. Brick sidewalks in some blocks — wear comfortable shoes.
All cruise ships dock directly at the historic levee; no tender service is used.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines (American Heritage, American Melody) | Ohio River Levee, foot of Greene St📍 | Docked |
| Other small river cruise operators | Ohio River Levee📍 | Docked |
Marietta's top experiences center on frontier history, ancient earthworks, and classic steamboat culture — most within easy walking distance.
Built on the original 1788 pioneer stockade site, this museum preserves the Rufus Putnam House — the oldest surviving home in Ohio — inside its walls. Exhibits trace the lives of the first Northwest Territory settlers.
Book Marietta history tours →The last intact steam-powered sternwheel towboat in the US sits moored outside this museum dedicated to the golden age of Ohio River steamboating. Step aboard the Snyder for a self-guided tour.
Find steamboat history tours →An ancient conical burial mound—part of the Marietta Earthworks built by the Adena or Hopewell peoples—rises from within a working cemetery that holds more Revolutionary War officers' graves than any other in the US. Climb the steps to the mound top for river views.
Find Marietta walking tours →An 1855 Gothic Revival mansion with octagonal towers, Victorian gardens, and guided tours through the history of Marietta's most prominent families.
Book Marietta sightseeing tours →Cross the historic Harmar Railroad Bridge — now a pedestrian swing bridge — to this neighborhood of brick streets, antique shops, and a preserved rail car. Good views back over the river confluence.
Explore Marietta on foot →Marietta's compact downtown sits directly on the levee — everything historic is within a 15-minute walk.
From the levee, walk up Greene Street into downtown, browse Front Street's boutiques and Putnam Chocolate, then continue to Mound Cemetery to see the Conus Mound and Revolutionary War graves. Return via 5th Street.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Stop in the Lafayette Hotel lobby for steamboat memorabilia, then walk two blocks to Campus Martius Museum. Quick and packed with history.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Marietta, Ohio, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F / 4°C | 22°F / -6°C | 11 | 7:43 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Feb | 43°F / 6°C | 24°F / -4°C | 10 | 7:20 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Mar | 53°F / 12°C | 32°F / 0°C | 11 | 6:40 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Apr | 65°F / 18°C | 41°F / 5°C | 11 | 5:50 AM | 7:00 PM |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 51°F / 11°C | 12 | 5:15 AM | 7:30 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 59°F / 15°C | 11 | 4:55 AM | 7:55 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 63°F / 17°C | 10 | 5:05 AM | 7:50 PM |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 | 5:30 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Sep | 77°F / 25°C | 54°F / 12°C | 9 | 6:00 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Oct | 66°F / 19°C | 43°F / 6°C | 9 | 6:35 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 34°F / 1°C | 10 | 7:10 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Dec | 43°F / 6°C | 26°F / -3°C | 11 | 7:40 AM | 5:05 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Marietta, Ohio, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.