The Island Belle prepares to dock at Point Park after an excursion to Blennerhassett Island on Friday afternoon. The island, its opening delayed because of the pandemic, has opened for the season. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

PARKERSBURG — Blennerhassett Island has opened for the season.

The Island Belle Sternwheeler has begun transporting visitors to the island. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler will be the operator of the Island Belle that departs from Point Park in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Opening of state parks has been delayed this year because of the pandemic.

Prior to the summer start up, the Island Belle Sternwheeler has had extensive renovations performed, according to Craig Pyles, acting superintendent.

“The engine has been replaced, a new direct drive transmission has been installed and acoustic tiles in the ceiling of the downstairs indoor passenger area will make the trip quieter and more enjoyable,” Pyles said. “These changes will help with reliability and comfort for passengers as they journey to Blennerhassett Island.”

Passengers board the Island Belle sternwheeler on Friday for the ride to Blennerhassett Island State Park. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park offers activities and tours. The sternwheeler boat trip to the island ticket price is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

The Blennerhassett mansion tour is $5.00 and the horse wagon ride, provided by Hardly Able Carriage Company, will be $6.50. The Putnam-Houser House, walking paths and trails, and Walnut grove are features on the island. The gift shop, bicycle rentals and concession stand are also on the island.

The Island is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday’s that are not holidays. The first boat trip to the island will depart from Point Park at 11 a.m. and departs on an hourly basis. The last return trip off the island returning to Point Park is at 5:30 p.m.

Booking tickets online is available giving customers the opportunity to reserve and pay for advance tickets for the sternwheeler ride, mansion tour, wagon ride and museum experience. The website is www.blennerhassettislandsp.com and is a real time booking feature and boat count information. Private charters of the Island Belle is also available.

The park and the Island Belle will be following COVID-19 cleaning protocols. High-touch areas will the wiped down with disinfectant, staff will be wearing face masks, and increased cleaning of the public and restroom areas. The Island Belle will observe a 50 percent seating capacity, which allows up to 74 individuals per trip.

“The employees and volunteers are excited to be opening up for the 2020 season,” Pyles said. “Although we had to delay the start, we hope to make this a wonderful summer and fall and welcome back visitors to Blennerhassett Island.”