Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Thursday, June 6, 2019

Reservations for this trip are due by May 29, 2019.

The WVU Retirees Association Activities Committee is planning a trip to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on Thursday, June 6, 2019.  The property was the site of a Palladian mansion owned by Harman Blennerhassett, a participant in some of the alleged intrigues of Aaron Burr and his wife, Margaret Agnew.  While the original mansion burned to the ground long ago, a detailed replica, which can be toured, has been built on its foundations.

The historical park is located on a small island in the Ohio River accessed by a sternwheeler riverboat. The island was settled by the  Blennerhassetts, wealthy Irish aristocrats fleeing political persecution and personal scandal.  Over the years, the couple’s mansion gained a reputation for being the West’s most beautiful home. 

We will tour the museum before boarding the Island Belle sternwheeler.  Once we board, we will access the island via a 20-minute ride departing from Point Park in Parkersburg, W.Va. The 19th century-style riverboat will carry us as passengers into a bygone era. Once on the island, we will enjoy tours of the grounds and mansion.

Options for lunch - you can bring your own bag lunch or visit the concession stands on the island. There are picnic facilities (pavilions and tables).  Other features include: gift shop, hiking trails, narrated wagon rides (at your expense).

The cost of this trip is $50.00 per person which includes bus transportation, the museum tour, the sternwheeler ride, and a tour guide for the mansion.  We will leave Morgantown at 8:00 a.m. and arrive in Parkersburg around 10:00 a.m.  We will depart around 5:30 p.m. and arrive in Morgantown around 7:30 p.m. 

Refund Policy: Reservations for this trip are due by Wednesday, May 29, 2019.  On that day we will make our commitment to the bus company.  As a result, we will not be able to make any refunds after that date. 

Making reservations is a two-step process.  You need to: (1) reserve your seat(s) on the bus and then (2) make your payment.

To reserve your seat:

To reserve your seat(s), click on Blennerhassett Island.

Make your $50 per seat payment to:

WVU Foundation
On the memo line:  Blennerhassett - 2W924

Send your check to:

WVU Retirees Association
PO Box 6640
Morgantown WV 26506