4/29/2011
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Blennerhassett Island will open for the summer season on Tuesday May 10. “The island was scheduled for opening on May 1, but recent spring rain has caused high waters on the Ohio River,” said Lori Armstrong, Group Tour Coordinator. “The Island Belle sternwheeler can’t land and unload visitors with the current river conditions. We know visitors and groups planning visits May 1 – 9 will be disappointed, but it is safety first when it comes to operation of the sternwheeler and the wellbeing of its passengers.”
The landing area for the loading and unloading of sternwheeler passengers is currently not accessible. However, the Blennerhassett Mansion and other structures on Blennerhassett Island are unaffected by recent rains. “We anticipate that by May 10, everything will return to normal, the grounds crew will have completed preparations for visitors, and we’ll have a great summer greeting guests at Blennerhassett Island,” said Armstrong.
Blennerhassett Island is located near Parkersburg on the Ohio River. The state park maintains and operates the island, Island Belle Sternwheeler, and the Museum of Regional History in downtown Parkersburg. Trips to the island depart from Civitan Park in Belpre, OH, as the water front is being developed in Parkersburg where transport has traditionally occurred. For more information about Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, events and hours of operation visit
www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com or call 304-420-4800.
Contact Information
Lori Armstrong, Group Tour Coordinator
304-420-4800
blennerhassettislandsp@wv.gov or
Lori.L.Armstrong@wv.gov