Lorena Sternwheeler to return to River once water recedes

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Even though it doesn’t quite feel like spring the season is officially upon us leaving some wondering when the Lorena Sternwheeler will return to the Muskingum River.

The boat has been beached at Riverside Park since December where it underwent a partial inspection by the Coast Guard.

Lorena Captain Bill Page said the full inspection still needs to be completed, but it’s up to Mother Nature on when that will be done.

‘“Right now, of course, she’s out of the water and with the high water level that we have now we’re having some difficulty getting in there working on her,” said Captain Page. “But we’re hoping the water’s going to recede to the point where we can get at it.”

Captain Page said they know there’s some work that needs to be done such as replacing the thickness of the hull, but once the weather improves and the repairs are complete the boat will be ready to coast.

“Our normal schedule starts on June the 2nd, but we like to get started a little earlier for the school groups who are still in session come down and go for rides on the boat,” said Captain Page. “So that’s what we’re really shooting for: mid-May.”

For information on this season’s tours, you can visit the Visitor Bureau’s website.