Spend an entire day immersed in history as we embark through the historic lock system on the Muskingum River! Between 1836 and 1841 a system of eleven hand operated locks and dams were constructed on the Muskingum to assure a constant river pool for steamboat commerce. It was an engineering marvel of its day and guests will have the unique opportunity to experience the technology that has remained intact since the 17th century. Guests will begin with a hot breakfast as we travel upriver to the 1st of 3 locks to experience. As we travel through the locks, passengers will observe the lock masters open and close the chambers by hand. Lunch will be served as we travel through a canal, where guests will be just inches from shore. As we travel back through the locks and down river, a captains dinner buffet will be served.

This experience is one of a kind as The Valley Gem is the only passenger vessel that currently runs the Muskingum River. Our paddle wheel boat was designed specifically to operate through the locks. This all-day excursion allows you to experience a National Historic Civil Engineering landmark credited in the National Register of Historic Places as a Navigation Historic District. Reservations are required.