Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the Friends of Blennerhassett, its volunteer group, are pleased that you will visit our park. The Island is open May 1 through October of each year. While visiting our park you should allow at least three hours for a complete tour. This includes the boat trip to and from the island.
Blennerhassett Museum should be the first stop of your tour. It is the perfect orientation for all that you will see throughout the day. Your museum visit begins with viewing the video that briefly explains the lives of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. You will then be free to tour the three floors of intriguing archaeological and historical exhibits.
Please visit our schedule page for information about sternwheeler ride to Blennerhassett Island, the mansion, and other island activities.
While on the island, visitors can enjoy picnicking, horse-drawn wagon rides, shopping at the Blennerhassett Gift Shop, the refreshment stand, bike rentals, nature walks, and, of course, touring the beautiful Blennerhassett Mansion. The island ticket booth sells tickets for the mansion and wagon ride tours. It also serves as our first aid station. Blennerhassett's tranquility enthralls many of our visitors as they walk the wagon trail-road encircling the upper end of the island. Rich plant life, huge trees, and varied wildlife are a rare treat.
Mansion by Candlelight
Make plans to attend the Mansion By Candlelight evenings in 2013. The dates are October 11 and 12.
Things to Do
Visitors to the island may enjoy a refreshment stand, horsedrawn carriage rides, souvenir shop, picnic shelters, and bicycle rentals. Adding to the charm of the island, lush hardwood groves, long beaches and broad fields provide the habitat for a large deer herd, throngs of waterfowl and other birds.
Costumed volunteers conduct tours through the reconstructed mansion. Self-guided walking tours and horse drawn wagon rides are also available. For visitors needing mobility assistance, a powered cart is onsite for transportation and running daily during island hours, and for evening programs, with the exception of the Mansion by Candlelight event evenings.
Mansion Tours
The mansion is open every day the island is open. General public tickets for mansion tours are purchased at the Island Ticket Booth. Mansion tours meet at the circle in front of the mansion and last approximately 45 minutes. Tours are guided by docents dressed in period correct costumes. Tours go rain or shine.
Putnam-Houser House Tours
Putnam-Houser House, or "Maple Shade" is only open to the public Friday - Sunday. Admission is free and there are no tickets needed. A host(ess) is onsite for greeting and questions.
Wagon Ride Tours
Wagon rides operate every day the island is open. General public tickets for wagon ride tours are purchased at the Island Ticket Booth. Wagon rides are horse-drawn and last approximately 30 minutes. Tours are narrated by the wagon driver about the island history. The wagons are covered and can hold 15-20 people. The wagon trail is approximately 2 miles long and goes around the upper portion of the island. Tours go rain or shine.
Explore Related Categories
