The Ohio River stretches nearly a thousand miles, forming a boundary between some northern and southern states. The river flows northwest out of Pennsylvania then meanders southwest until it converges with the Mississippi River in Illinois. In parts—depending on the season–it can be either quite shallow or more than 160 feet deep. The varied landscape along the river includes farms with cattle, horses and cornfields. It also passes by historic urban cities. A fascinating contrast of scenery. There are many choices of river front lodging along this glorious river in six different states. Each state where we have stayed was full of unique views and splendid river traffic.
Indiana and West Virginia were our most recent destinations along this impressive river. Earlier this year we stayed on the Ohio, near Louisville, Kentucky.
Our first stop on the river was a cabin in Magnet, Indiana. Heron’s Nest is three floors of living space, and a winding staircase leads to a small cupola for a bird’s eye view of the river. Our host Bud was extremely helpful. He called the day before we arrived to let us know the cabin would be ready if we needed it. 
My husband and I loved the hot tub and fire pit overlooking the river, where we could watch boats pass by. The cabin was clean, well-stocked and cozy. We enjoyed the home so much that we pretty much stayed in for two days to relax and watch this beautiful ever changing river with its tug boat and barge traffic.
In Parkersburg, West Virginia, we stayed in a beautiful contemporary cabin in a peaceful neighborhood, with its own private boat dock. On one side of the cabin is a small RV park (not too close to the cabin) and one the other side is a quiet neighbor. The best part of this property is its huge deck which faces the river. The view includes Blennerhassett Island. The island is part of the West Virginia Parks system, and is famous as headquarters for Aaron Burr after his famous 1804 duel with Alexander Hamilton in Weehawken, New Jersey (which resulted in Hamilton’s death). Burr allegedly tried to raise an army for an insurrection against the government. He fled before the Ohio militia arrived in 1806.
The cabin has high ceilings with an upstairs bedroom and bath. The kitchen opens onto a great room with a large flatscreen television with DIRECTV and Wifi. Everything is new and fresh and there is even a new air purifier to use in the bedroom. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the river.
A few months earlier we stayed along the Ohio near Louisville, Kentucky. It too had sweeping views. You can see that information in my review in “Relaxing River Retreats.”