Copyright 1997-2010 Valley Gem, Inc. First Mate Kate All Rights Reserved
Call: 1.740.373.7862
physical location: 601 Front St. Marietta, OH 45750
Email: valleygeminfo@gmail.com
Educational? You bet. A cruise on the Valley Gem can help fulfill or reinforce curriculum requirements. Our Captains are very knowledgeable about history, wildlife, and commerce on the river. Every trip includes a live narration which may be tailored to the needs of your group. The basic narration includes information about the historic sites you pass, the rivers, cliff swallows, geography, and the boat itself. We pass the historic Marietta riverfront. We view an example of erosion and what the state of West Virginia is trying to do to prevent further erosion of Buckley Island. Students may visit the pilot house in groups of ten to learn about river navigation.
Cruise includes
Captain’s Commentary
- Main Ideas
- What makes the Valley Gem a genuine sternwheeler
- How and why the boat was built
- What transportation was like in the Steamboat era
- Cargo then and now on the river
A demonstration of how transportation and communication worked together for economic gain in
the steamboat era.
An opportunity for students to ask questions.
An opportunity for students to drive the boat and learn about river navigation.
Students visit the pilothouse in groups of ten. (Works for groups of 60 or less)
Other
topics may be covered to meet your educational needs.
- $6 each for a one hour ride with a minimum of 40 passengers
- $5 each for a one hour ride with a minimum of 50 passengers
- The bus driver and teachers are complimentary (based on the 1 or 2 teachers to 20-30 students model)
- For Home School Groups, the event planner is complimentary
- Additional chaperones are $5 each.
- For schools with less than 40 students, We can try to book you with another group so you will you pay on a per student basis. Otherwise is it a $240 minimum for a private cruise.
Most groups like to schedule Valley Gem trips around lunch time, as we have tables and chairs on the enclosed, climate controlled lower deck, and ample seating on the upper deck. Normally, the boat is set-up to seat at least 98 on the lower deck and at least 100 on the upper deck. We prefer that students eat on the upper deck when weather permits.
For smaller groups, chartering may not be an option. Therefore, we are happy to offer you an affordable way to get your scouts on a cruise.
Small groups of scouts, campers, church groups are welcome to come on the public sightseeing cruises. The rate is $5 for children ages 3-14 and $7 for chaperones.
Every year to wrap up our Social Studies unit on local history, we visit Marietta. The highlight of the trip is riding the Valley Gem. The experiences our students enjoy are not only educational, but memorable. They always have fun enjoying the scenery, steering the boat, talking to the Captain and crew, and watching the big stern wheel while catching sprays of water. Thank you for making our trip always very pleasant, educational, and fun.
Kim Miller, Third grade teacher at Warren Elementary School
Conveniently located next to the Ohio River Museum One block from Campus Martius Museum.
