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21 Best Things to Do in Wheeling, West Virginia

Last Updated By VI in West Virginia on November 13, 2023

Wheeling Suspension Bridge

Oglebay park, the good zoo, capitol theatre.

• Complete List & Map

Where 10th St. becomes Virginia St. Wheeling, WV 26003

465 Lodge Dr. Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 877-436-1797

465 Lodge Drive Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 877-436-1797

1015 Main St. Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-233-7000

Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum

144 Kruger Street Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, Phone: 304-242-8133

West Virginia Independence Hall

1528 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-238-1300

Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center

1 South Stone Street Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-232-5050

Wheeling Park, Wheeling, West Virginia

1801 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, 304-243-4000

Wesbanco Arena

2 14th Street Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-233-7000

Cathedral of St. Joseph

1300 Eoff St Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-233-4121

Madonna of the Trail, Wheeling, West Virginia

On Rte. 40, near the entrance to Wheeling Park: 1801 National Rd. Wheeling, WV 26003

Wheeling-Ohio County Airport

115 Skyway Lane Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-234-3865

Challenger Learning Center

316 Washington Ave (Wheeling Jesuit University) Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-243-4325

First State Capitol Building

1413 Eoff St # 101 Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-232-2576

Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

1025 Main St. Suite 811 Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-232-6191

The Mingo Native American Statue

This fantastic statue resides on top of the Wheeling Hill, overlooking the city, and was built in 1928 to praise the Mingo Native Americans who welcomed the settlers to their lands. The Kiwanis Club of Wheeling dedicated the statue to the City of Wheeling shortly after its construction. The statue is of a Native American man from the Mingo tribe, wearing typical native American garments, holding a quiver of arrows, and his right hand outstretched to welcome any who come to Wheeling. A bow lay at the statue’s feet to signify that all visitors and settlers are welcome. Inscribed on its base is, “The Mingo.” On the west side of National Road at the top of Wheeling Hill where Mt. Wood Rd, Pike St., and Stone Blvd. intersect,

Undo's Family Restaurant, Wheeling, WV

1165 Market Street Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-233-5566

Vagabond Kitchen

1201 Market St. Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-905-6173

River City Restaurant and Bar

1400 Main Street Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-233-4555

Oglebay Institute

1330 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, 304 242 7700

• 1. Wheeling Suspension Bridge
• 2. Oglebay Park
• 3. The Good Zoo
• 4. Capitol Theatre
• 5. Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
• 6. West Virginia Independence Hall
• 7. Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
• 8. Wheeling Park, Wheeling, West Virginia
• 9. Wesbanco Arena
• 10. Cathedral of St. Joseph
• 11. Madonna of the Trail, Wheeling, West Virginia
• 12. Wheeling-Ohio County Airport
• 13. Challenger Learning Center
• 14. First State Capitol Building
• 15. Wheeling Symphony Orchestra
• 16. The Mingo Native American Statue
• 17. Undo's Family Restaurant, Wheeling, WV
• 18. Vagabond Kitchen
• 19. River City Restaurant and Bar
• 20. Oglebay Institute

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Resources: West Virginia Tourism , Visit Southern West Virginia

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Things to Do in Ohio County, WV

1. Hampton Inn Wheeling

"Cool place to stay. Not far from fast-food row and all big businesses. Plenty of park..." more

2. Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum

"I have to admit I was literally blown away by this museum. Kruger St Toy and Train M..." more

3. Generations Restaurant & Pub

"First time here tonight and looking for a local place before the Nailers game. I was ..." more

4. Annie's Burgers & Fries

"Excellent service and the burger. Just wow. So flavorful and really delicious. And to..." more

5. Oglebay Good Zoo

"Good Zoo? Try Great Zoo! Starting off with a lame play on words doesn't make for the ..." more

6. Oglebay Resort

"Oglebay is a classic old school resort. Like many of these older resorts, the main lo..." more

7. Palace of Gold

"Spectacular! I don't want to give away too many nuggets, so I'll keep this brief! Y..." more

8. Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill

"This place is always on my to go list when I'm near by! The food is always so delicio..." more

Best Restaurants in Ohio County, WV

Sarah’s On Main

"My mom and Amy both got the salty bread breakfast sandwich , which is probably the most well-known staple on their menu and it never disappoints." See all Sarah’s On Main reviews

Good Mansion Wines

"Beautiful old mansion with stained glass and lots of woodwork housing a large variety of imported wines." See all Good Mansion Wines reviews

Hangover BBQ

"I got the 2 meat 2 sides platter with ribs and sausage, Cole slaw and macaroni salad ." See all Hangover BBQ reviews

Avenue Eats

"I chose the Brie and Pear burger with a side salad and my husband chose a regular burger with fresh cut fries." See all Avenue Eats reviews

El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant

"I had the tacos Mexicano , I tried all 4 meats." See all El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant reviews

Elle & Jacks

"was amazing - for an appetizer, we had the blue cheese dip , and wifie is still talking about it - delicious." See all Elle & Jacks reviews

Annie's Burgers & Fries

" Terry , our waitress l, was phenomenal and the ratings from other folks were spot on." See all Annie's Burgers & Fries reviews

"I'm not sure if it is because my expectations are low based on the hotel/Casino or if it is really that good." See all The Pointe reviews

Pickles Eatery & Bar

"I always get the Bacon Ranchero wings and my wife gets the Captain Crunch chicken ." See all Pickles Eatery & Bar reviews

Generations Restaurant & Pub

"Visited the restaurant while visiting WV, a golf trip to Oglebay ." See all Generations Restaurant & Pub reviews

Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill

"So I enthusiastically implore all travelers and locals alike going by Dallas Pike to eat here." See all Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill reviews

Figaretti's Restaurant

"I had mushroom brie bisque that was creamy and flavorful, and linguine with clam sauce." See all Figaretti's Restaurant reviews

El Paso Mexican Grill

"Lightning fast and friendly service, great tasting food and drinks,clean facilities." See all El Paso Mexican Grill reviews

Vagabond Kitchen

"Checked in today at this new cool establishment in downtown Wheeling for lunch." See all Vagabond Kitchen reviews

Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

"Thanks to Chris (the manager) and Fawna for such teamwork and keeping the staff and public safe." See all Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar reviews

Later Alligator

Nightlife in Ohio County, WV

Taqueria 304

"Awesome food had The Juan, Beale Street, Lucky Pig and Anchor Bar all of them were perfect." See all Taqueria 304 reviews

The Market Vines

"There is great art work for sale across the street at centre market ." See all The Market Vines reviews

Undo's Elm Grove

"You get a salad, cheesy bread , baked potato and steak.." See all Undo's Elm Grove reviews

Abbey's Restaurant & Lounge

"Joey and Abby treat everyone like family." See all Abbey's Restaurant & Lounge reviews

Char House on the Boulevard

"The decor is unique and inviting ." See all Char House on the Boulevard reviews

T J's Sports Garden Restaraunt

"I witnessed a steak salad served with french fries IN THE SALAD - boom next level order." See all T J's Sports Garden Restaraunt reviews

West Sports Bar

"Forget any review prior to this one, as this place is operating with a completely new menu from the alpha ." See all West Sports Bar reviews

Capitol Theatre

Billy's Brickyard

Bubba's Gourmet Burghers &Beer

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19 surprisingly cool things to do in west virginia.

From the newest national park in the U.S. to the Mothman Museum, West Virginia is increasingly intriguing.

The Top Things to Do in West Virginia

Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism

"Almost Heaven, West Virginia."

The state that inspired John Denver's now-classic American anthem, does, in fact, feel a bit like Heaven (or at least what we imagine it to be). Yet it isn't a destination at top of many bucket lists, if it even has a place on those lists at all. It's time to change your mind.

Read on to discover the top things to do in West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Glen Jean

Getty Images

If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. The area – which spans more than 70,000 acres – has long been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 53-mile stretch of the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world) is famous for whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours and rapids up to Class V, widely considered some of the most challenging to navigate.

Of course, the park also offers other ways to take in its otherworldly landscape – think scenic driving routes, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and free ranger-led activities including junior ranger programs. Accommodation options inside the park are limited to camping, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts within a short drive.

Bridge Walk: Lansing

Whatever you do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Bridge Walk, where guided tours are offered on a catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge towers 876 feet above the New River, but don't worry – guests are securely fastened to a cable, and tours move at a relaxed pace so you can feel comfortable (and stop for scenic views and photo ops along the way). Previous visitors say the Bridge Walk is a must in West Virginia, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

If you're feeling extra brave after mastering this walkway, you can even come back for Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest single-day festival, where thousands gather every October to watch daredevils jump off the bridge into the gorge below.

Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

The infamously bizarre Hatfield-McCoy Feud that lasted nearly 30 years (and even inspired a dinner show in Pigeon Forge ) actually took place in West Virginia and Kentucky. Today, the region in which the feud took place is now the largest trail system on the East Coast, with 1,000 miles of wooded pathways, rolling hills and quintessential Appalachian towns to explore.

Waterfall Trail

In June 2022, West Virginia launched a statewide Waterfall Trail, allowing travelers to more easily navigate some of the state's 200-plus waterfalls with a free mobile passport – plus the chance to win prizes along the way. As of 2023, there are 38 trail stops in total. These include the famous Blackwater Falls, where the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles tints the water. Not surprisingly, it's one of West Virginia's most photographed destinations.

Read: The Best Places to Hike in the U.S.

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park was named a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021, along with the adjacent Calvin Price State Forest and nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the nighttime light show can opt for tent camping or cabin accommodations, spring through fall.

Address: 4800 Watoga Park Road, Marlinton, WV 24954

Adventures on the Gorge: Lansing

Courtesy of Adventures on the Gorge

The ultimate experience in West Virginia, Adventures on the Gorge, is an award-winning adventure outfitter and resort on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. Adventure seekers can also enjoy zip lining and canopy tours (including a nighttime MoonTrek), rappelling, mountain biking, guided hikes, horseback riding, cave tours, laser tag and paintball. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddleboarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything.

After an action-packed day, visitors can grab a bite to eat at any of the three on-site restaurants and retreat to their choice of accommodations, which include everything from cozy cabins to glamping tents with views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding forest.

Address: 219 County Route 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862

The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs

Courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB

A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it – guided hotel tours are offered – but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. Whether you splurge for an overnight stay or not, don't miss the Bunker Tour, where you'll discover a former emergency fallout shelter and top-secret government relocation facility for Congress from the Cold War period.

Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg

Go 120 feet underground to explore stalagmites (some of which measure up to 80 feet tall) and stalactites at Lost World Caverns. Self-guided tours typically take about 45 minutes and are appropriate for all ages, while the Wild Cave Tour for ages 10 and up takes visitors to undeveloped parts of the caverns over the course of several hours. This attraction, which was first discovered in 1942, also includes a museum and gift shop. Previous visitors highly recommend Lost World Caverns, cautioning that the caves can be slippery and difficult to traverse in some areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket .

Address: 907 Lost World Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901

Harpers Ferry

Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. It's a National Historic Park with Civil War sites including battlefields, remnants of campsites and, most notably, John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum. If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859.

Harpers Ferry is also known as the psychological midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail and, as such, attracts thru-hikers to the historic Lower Town's restaurants and nearby vacation rentals. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand.

Read: The Best Places to Celebrate Black History Month

Berkeley Springs State Park: Berkeley Springs

Soak in the soothing springs of this state park, known for its warm waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and its bathhouses, where available spa services include massages and mineral baths. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. It is largely because of him that the place now known as Berkeley Springs State Park remains the popular wellness destination it is today. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here.

Address: 2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

Mothman Museum: Point Pleasant

In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. The story was so bizarre it captured the attention of Hollywood (resulting in "The Mothman Prophecies" movie, based on a book of the same name) and inspired the Mothman Museum in the town of Point Pleasant, where the mythical creature is said to reside. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission – less than $5 for adults – is cheap.

After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel.

Address: 400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV 25550

World's Largest Teapot: Chester

If you're road-tripping through West Virginia, consider making a stop at this quirky attraction, which measures 12 feet high and 44 feet wide. Before achieving fame, the "World's Largest Teapot" was created as a giant keg for Hires Root Beer and then installed as a snack stand at a mini-golf course in Pennsylvania. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. He added a spout, lid and handle so he could use the newly revamped structure to promote the region's then-booming pottery industry, selling teapots and other souvenirs from its window. The teapot went out of business around 1980, was restored by the Chester City Council in 1990, and has sat at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 2 ever since.

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West Virginia Penitentiary: Moundsville

During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. You can even try your hand at an escape room game. Previous visitors confirm the prison tours are all at once creepy, informative and enjoyable. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies.

Address: 818 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, WV 26041

Read: Hauntingly Abandoned Places You Can Still Visit

West Virginia State Museum: Charleston

Located in the charming state capital of Charleston, the West Virginia State Museum features informative and interactive exhibits that pay homage to the culture and history of the Mountain State. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. Previous visitors say this Charleston museum is truly impressive, with some advising you'll need a few hours to see everything it has to offer. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. The West Virginia State Museum also manages a few historic sites throughout the state, including West Virginia Independence Hall and Camp Washington-Carver.

Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E #435, Charleston, WV 25305

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: Beckley

Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

A small, family-operated coal mine and camp from roughly 1890 to 1910 that later became a commercial endeavor until it closed in 1953, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is now a highly rated attraction in West Virginia. Previous visitors say both kids and adults enjoy exploring the former coal mines with veteran miners, who lead guided tours in authentic "man trips," the cars used in mining operations. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. Admission includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is open from April to November, but bring a light jacket no matter when you visit as the mines can get chilly.

Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801

Twin Falls Resort State Park: Mullens

Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course and a restaurant. Overnight lodging options include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. Recent guests have left positive reviews of the resort, commenting that it's both beautiful and clean.

Monongahela National Forest

Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. Both areas offer some of the best views in the state. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes, and places to stop for a picnic lunch. You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and, if you'd like to stay a few days, camping in tents, RVs or on-site cabins. A visit in the winter affords opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

NROCKS Outdoor Adventures

With so much rugged mountain landscape, it's no surprise that West Virginia has a Via Ferrata (a mountain route with permanently installed steel rungs and cables). Located near the Monongahela National Forest, NROCKS Outdoor Adventures offers guided rock-climbing tours of the Via Ferrata. Participants aged 13 and up gain 1,085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet during the roughly 1-mile trek, which takes about 3.5 hours. Recent tourgoers say the experience is thrilling, though not for the faint of heart. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, nighttime tours are offered on select dates throughout the year.

Address: 141 County Route 28/5, Circleville, WV 26804

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Cass

A remote destination in Pocahontas County, Cass was once a company town for loggers, who transported lumber via what's now known as the Cass Scenic Railroad. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. The train ride , which affords panoramic views of the Appalachians, lasts about 4.5 hours round trip and includes lunch. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. Some travelers also suggest a visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful foliage . Within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, visitors can explore the former lumbering town as well as a gift shop, restaurant, museum and theater. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available.

Address: 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV 24927

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in West Virginia
• The Top Things to Do in Virginia
• The Most Romantic Getaways in Virginia
• The Top Things to Do in Ohio

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in West Virginia

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Apr 25, 2022

With some of the East Coast's most beautiful and rugged scenery, West Virginia is filled with year-round outdoor adventure opportunities. Its wild mountain country, densely-forested wilderness areas, and fast-running rivers are playgrounds for hiking, camping, caving, rock climbing, white water rafting, boating, and fishing. In the winter, ski resorts offer a range of snow sports .

Active travelers will never run out of things to do here. While many tourists come to the state for these outdoor activities and scenic landscapes, West Virginia offers much more in the way of tourist attractions, from the historic sights of Harpers Ferry and the elegant Greenbrier and its legendary golf courses to some very unusual attractions, including a penitentiary to tour.

You'll find plenty of vacation ideas with our list of the top tourist attractions in West Virginia.

1. Blackwater Falls State Park

2. monongahela national forest and seneca rocks, 3. the greenbrier, 4. ski & play at snowshoe, 5. berkeley springs, 6. new river gorge national river, 7. white water rafting, 8. harpers ferry, 9. west virginia penitentiary, 10. mothman museum and festival, 11. cass scenic railroad state park, 12. west virginia state museum at the culture center, 13. explore seneca caverns, 14. huntington museum of art & ritter park, 15. beckley exhibition coal mine, 16. grave creek burial mounds, 17. cathedral falls, 18. west virginia state capitol, 19. trans-allegheny lunatic asylum.

Named for the dark waters of the Blackwater River, colored by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, Blackwater Falls drops 60 feet over sandstone ledges before the river continues to rush through an eight-mile-long gorge. Steps and viewing platforms make the falls accessible year-round.

Also popular places to visit in the park are Elakala Falls , which cascade down the wall of the canyon and can be reached by a short trail, and Pendleton Falls , easily seen from a roadside pull-off.

The view into the Blackwater Canyon from Lindy Point, one of the most beautiful places in West Virginia, is another park highlight, as is Pendleton Point Overlook, at the canyon's deepest point. The park has a boating lake, as well as swimming, fishing, and camping.

Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, West Virginia

Official site: http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/

With elevations ranging from around 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level, the Monongahela National Forest offers beautiful views, wildlife, and the highest point in the state. The variety of terrain and rainfall across its more than 900,000 acres gives it one of the most diverse forest ecosystems in the country, supporting more than 225 bird species; 75 species of trees; and 70 fish species, both game and non-game.

About 100,000 acres of the park are designated as the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area , offering some of the best traditional multi-pitch technical climbing on the east coast. Seneca Rocks is a distinctive 250-foot-deep formation of white and gray quartzite that stands almost 900 feet above the North Fork River. Some routes are moderate, but experts are challenged by the exposed summit pinnacle.

You don't need to be a climber to enjoy the park. Non-climbers can visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, stay in the campgrounds at Seneca Shadows and Big Bend, go fishing, or hike and spot birds in the park's thousands of acres of wildlands.

Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, West Virginia

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf

The Greenbrier has earned its designation as a National Historic Landmark several times over. Located at White Sulphur Springs, which have been in use as a natural spa since the 1700s, the grand hotel has hosted 26 presidents, foreign dignitaries, and royalty, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

But however grand and luxurious it is as a resort, it has played other historic roles, too. Early in World War II, it was used as a detention center for German and Japanese diplomats who were in the United States when war was declared. Later in the war, it was commandeered by the U.S. Army to use as a hospital, where nearly 25,000 patients were treated.

During the Cold War, an underground shelter was built to house the entire U.S. Congress in case of nuclear attack. This shelter, given the code name "Project Greek Island," was decommissioned in 1992 and is open to the public for tours, as is the Presidents' Cottage Museum, with exhibits about presidential visits and the history of the resort.

More than 50 different activities are available in the resort and in the 5,100-acre Greenbrier State Forest . Along with horseback riding, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, adventure courses, and a 40,000-square-foot spa, the resort has multiple golf courses (even an indoor one for winter) and a distinguished golf history as the venue for numerous championships.

Greenbrier State Forest offers cabins and campsites, swimming, fishing, bike trails and hiking - the 78-mile-long Greenbrier River Trail is a multi-purpose rail trail that is also used for cross-country skiing in the winter. A getaway in one of the centuries-old Legacy Cottages is one of the most romantic things to do in West Virginia.

Address: 300 W. Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

This year-round resort is best known for its skiing, with three separate areas to choose from, all with 100 percent snowmaking. With an 800-foot vertical drop, Snowshoe Basin's 38 trails cover all experience levels, served by seven lifts, including a high-speed detachable quad. Of Silver Creek 's 18 trails, 12 are open for night skiing.

The Western Territory Area's steep, rugged terrain has 1,500 feet of vertical drop, the most advanced terrain in the region. Steeps on Cupp Run, designed by legendary Olympian Jean-Claude Killy, and Shay's Revenge reach 52 percent pitch.

In other seasons, activities include mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, geocaching, horseback riding, Segway tours, ziplining, trampolining, climbing, pedal boats, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, fishing, and golf at the Raven Golf Club. Not far away, in Greenbank, is the National Radio Astronomy Observatory .

Address: 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, West Virginia

Official site: http://www.snowshoemtn.com

Read More: Best Ski Resorts in West Virginia

The bathhouse at Berkeley Springs State Park , in the center of Berkeley Springs, first opened in 1930, but long before that bathing in the warm and effervescent mineral waters was popular. George Washington was a regular visitor and even earlier, the springs' restorative and therapeutic properties brought Native Americans here from as far away as southern Canada.

Baths and treatments take advantage of the five main springs and several smaller ones, flowing at a rate of 2,000 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute at a constant 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Located in the center of the small town of Berkeley Springs, the state park facilities include the old-fashioned private bathing tubs, saunas, and massages at the Old Roman Bath Building and Main Bath House; elsewhere in town are more luxurious private spas with a range of health and beauty options.

Contrary to its name, New River is actually one of the oldest rivers on the continent. As it flows into West Virginia, it cuts through the Appalachian Plateau, forming the New River Gorge and plenty of white water for tubing, rafting, and canoeing. Other recreational opportunities are all around it: hiking, ziplining, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, camping, biking, and rock climbing.

One of the state's most photographed sights is the soaring New River Bridge , the longest steel span in the hemisphere and the nation's third highest, 876 feet above the canyon floor. The National Park Service maintains 70,000 acres of park lands along the river, and at Hawk's Nest State Park, you can ride an aerial tramway into the bottom of the New River Gorge, a prime spot for white water rafting.

South of New River Gorge National River at Bluestone State Park there is hiking, fishing, camping, and boating on the large lake behind the Bluestone Dam.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm

It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. Several rivers offer world-class rapids for experts, and others are well-suited to less experienced and learning rafters. The most famous waters are in the Gauley River , between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Both the Gauley and New rivers are easily accessed from a base in nearby Babcock or Hawks Nest state parks .

Here, the 25-mile river flows at high speed through gorges and valleys, providing the thrill of a lifetime to experienced rafters; it's no wonder the Class V rapids are nicknamed the "Beast of the East."

Fall is the time to find the most challenging flow, but at any time it's a good idea to hire an experienced guide who knows the river and its quirks and can help you find the places that are best suited to your own experience level. Although it's known for its Class V rapids the Gauley has some stretches of Class III that are suitable for intermediate levels.

For those with less experience, the Tygart River, Cheat River, and Potomac River are good options, as is the Upper New River, which has good stretches for beginners. Lower New River has Class IV rapids that offer runs past the New River Gorge Bridge.

• Read More: Best White Water Rafting Rivers in West Virginia

The Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River at this small West Virginia town, which was the site of abolitionist John Brown's raid on the United States arsenal in 1859, an event that hastened the onset of the Civil War.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has museums, historical exhibits, and programs, plus about 20 miles of hiking trails. You can explore the rocks where the rivers meet and walk up to St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and the old cemetery on the hill behind it.

Also in Harpers Ferry is the Appalachian Trail Visitors Center , from which you can take a hike on the Appalachian Trail for views of the town and rivers. Local outfitters offer tubing excursions in the river.

One of the most unlikely places to visit in any state, the West Virginia Penitentiary welcomes guests from April through November to tour the grim prison that sometimes held more than 1,000 prisoners at a time. The forbidding Gothic fortress opened in 1876, and the last prisoner left in 1995. Between those dates it was the scene of fires, escapes, prison riots, and almost 100 executions.

Visitors can tour the building and its claustrophobia-inducing five-foot by seven-foot cells during the day, or explore the reportedly haunted location at night. The penitentiary is a popular place for paranormal researchers looking for evidence of spectral phenomena.

Address: 818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, West Virginia

Official site: http://www.wvpentours.com

In 1966, reports of lights in the sky and a strange flying figure began circulating in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The figure was variously described, but most reported a winged human figure dressed in black, with red eyes. From there arose the local legend of Mothman.

Pop culture took up the myth as the story spread (there's even an exhibit on Mothman at the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine) and the town turned the legend into a museum, a statue, and a Mothman Festival . The popular free event is held on the third weekend in September and features costumes, activities, and vendors selling souvenirs depicting a bat-like cartoon Mothman.

Address: 400 Main Street, Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Official site: www.mothmanmuseum.com

At the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, you can relive the Golden Age of Steam on a line built in 1901 to haul lumber from the forest to the mill, riding in refurbished logging flat-cars pulled by an original Shay steam locomotive. The full 4.5-hour trip includes switchbacks that allow the train to climb grades as high as 11 percent to reach Bald Knob. At an altitude of 4,700 feet, this is West Virginia's third highest point , overlooking spectacular views.

At Whittaker Station, a 1940s logging camp has been recreated, with the living quarters and the equipment. At the base, you can tour a museum and the depot and see restored company houses that can be rented for overnight stays. On the train ride, be prepared for noise, black smoke, and chilly temperatures at Bald Knob.

Official site: www.cassrailroad.com

Among the free things to do in West Virginia is touring the West Virginia State Museum in Charleston to learn about the state's culture, history, art, paleontology, archaeology, and geology. One of the most popular of its 60,000 artifacts is a pair of dressed fleas from a 19th-century flea circus .

Well-designed exhibits of a more serious nature literally follow a path through the state's history, beginning with stone and dirt and ending in a paved highway. As visitors progress from room to room through the centuries, audio features augment exhibits and films.

Artifacts include everyday implements and items such as a telescope that George Washington used to survey land in West Virginia. In one section, you'll learn more about John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry, and elsewhere is an original settler's cabin reconstructed in the museum.

Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, West Virginia

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charleston, West Virginia

The formation of Seneca Caverns began 460 million years ago, when the cavern's limestone bed first formed. The native Seneca people are thought to have used the caves for shelter beginning in the early 1400s.

The caverns were later found by a local farmer, Laven Teter, while looking for water for his livestock, and the largest chamber, rising to 60 feet in places, is named Teter Hall in his memory.

You can visit these on one-hour guided tours that descend to 165 feet below the entrance. Pathways are well-lit, and cement steps with handrails help visitors navigate deeper into the caverns. The separate Stratosphere Cave is on the same property.

Address: 3328 Germany Valley Road, Riverton, West Virginia

Official site: http://www.senecacaverns.com

In addition to its 10 exhibition spaces, the Huntington Museum of Art maintains an interactive education gallery, a 287-seat auditorium, a conservatory for tropical and subtropical plants, a coral reef aquarium, two outdoor sculpture gardens, and two miles of hiking and nature trails. A quarter-mile paved accessible Sensory Trail is designed for the visually impaired.

Outstanding in its permanent collections of more than 16,000 objects are 4,000 pieces of glassware and the Touma Near Eastern Gallery, encompassing art from the Middle East, Ottoman Turkey, Central Asia, the Indian sub-continent, North Africa, and Moorish Spain.

Highlighting the Ritter Park Historic District is a 75-acre park with a walking, jogging, and biking trail and a garden of more than 3,000 roses that is considered one of the best rose gardens in America .

Address: 2033 McCoy Road, Huntington, West Virginia

Official site: https://www.hmoa.org

Coal mining is central to both the history and economy of West Virginia, especially in the region around Beckley. You can tour one of these mines, going deep underground in a cart that once carried the miners to work daily. Guided by a miner who tells about the work here, the tour gives you a feel for the lives of those who spent their daylight hours in these dark passages.

A recreated coal camp with the Coal Company House, superintendent's house, a church, and the school depict an early 20 th -century coal camp. The adjacent Mountain Homestead recreates a 19 th -century Appalachian frontier settlement, with a log home, barn, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and general store. A Youth Museum has changing interactive exhibits.

Address: Ewart Ave., Beckley, West Virginia

Official site: https://beckley.org/coal-mine/

One of the free things to do in West Virginia, and one of its secret places, is also one of the most intriguing, a glimpse into a culture that thrived here 2,000 years ago. Grave Creek Archaeological Complex , near Wheeling, centers on the largest known burial mounds of the Adena people, built about 250-150 BC.

These mounds, as high as 62 feet and nearly 250 feet at the base, required moving more than 60,000 tons of earth, creating the largest conical type structure of any of the mound-building cultures.

The Delf Norona Museum on the site displays some of the nearly 450,000 artifacts found in the multi-level burial site and elsewhere in the area. The exhibits illuminate the lives of these prehistoric people and the construction of the mounds.

Address: 801 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia

Cane Brook joins New River a short distance east of Gauley Bridge, but before it does, the stream drops more than 100 feet from the mountains above. The lower 60 feet of its plunge are visible from a roadside stop on Route 60.

The water cascades down a canyon it has cut through the forested mountainside, dropping in a long series, splashing into a veil of foam at each successive level as it falls over the sandstone ledges. The waterfall, with its setting amid overhanging foliage, is a favorite for photographers, especially in the fall when the hardwoods are in their autumn colors.

Along with being one of the most beautiful waterfalls in West Virginia , Cathedral Falls is also the most accessible, with a roadside viewing area.

Location: Route 60, Gauley Bridge, West Virginia

Five feet higher than the dome of the US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., the 293-foot golden dome at the State Capitol in Charleston reflects Greek and Roman architectural influences. It was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Woolworth Building in New York City, the world's tallest building when it was constructed.

During the building process, from 1924 to 1932, more than 700 train carloads of Indiana limestone were used. White marble from Vermont and Italian travertine sheath much of its interior, which you can tour daily.

As unconventional a tourist attraction as the West Virginia Penitentiary, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a landmark in the history of treatment for the mentally ill. Constructed between 1858 and 1881, the asylum is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in the hemisphere, and in the world it is exceeded only by the Kremlin in Moscow.

It was designed by the architect Richard Andrews, who arranged the long rambling wings in a staggered formation, so that each of the connecting structures received as much therapeutic sunlight and fresh air as possible.

Tours highlight a number of historical themes, including architecture, Civil War raids, treatment of the mentally ill, even the facility's agricultural history and place in the local community. Like the West Virginia Penitentiary, the asylum has also been a research location for paranormal investigators .

Official site: http://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com

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More on West Virginia: For a luxurious and relaxing vacation, consider staying at one of the top resorts in West Virginia or enjoying some of the state's many outdoor attractions . If you have time to tack on one more stop during your trip, consider visiting the attractions of Charleston, West Virginia .

Where to Go Next: Bordering West Virginia on the east and south, the historic state of Virginia is scattered with charming small towns and other places for relaxing weekend getaways .

More on West Virginia

15 Things to Do in Huntington – West Virginia’s Second-Largest City

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 13, 2024
• Published on September 3, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

“You can’t change any of the toppings and still call it a West Virginia Hot Dog,” she warned.

It was the first thing I’d learned about Huntington. I was sitting in my car at the Frostop drive-in, trying to order lunch. I hesitated. The prerequisite toppings weren’t my favorite on a hot dog. The hesitation lingered too long. Finally, I gave the exceedingly patient lady my order.

West Virginia’s second-largest city has things to do that you’d expect in a city – a museum of art, urban parks, a university, and a historic city with ties to a 19th railroad mogul. But more than anything else, Huntington is a foodie destination.

And by the time I left the city on my northbound road trip, I discovered plenty of foodie surprises in the river town.

How to use this map | Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the Map Legend, then click on any of the legend items to display more information. If you have a Google account, click the (very faint) star at the end of the map’s name to save this map to your account, then access the map from your smartphone during your trip.

Just as the American Revolution started, a permanent settlement called Holderby’s Landing was established at the congruence of the Ohio and Guyandotte Rivers. Virginia became a state in 1788 and included all of present-day Kentucky and West Virginia. Midway through the Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that West Virginia could be recognized as its own state.

A few years later, Collis P. Huntington established the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway at the James River in Richmond, Virginia. The idea was to connect Virginia to the prosperous Ohio River Valley. By 1873, the railroad through the rugged West Virginia mountains was completed with a terminus in Holderby’s Landing.

Did You Know?

The route of the C&O Railroad passed across the Alleghany Mountains through Clifton Forge. The C&O Railway Heritage Center features several locomotives and train cars to explore. An enormous miniature railroad diorama and museum is inside the historic train depot.

When the city was incorporated in 1871, it was renamed Huntington in honor of the railroad tycoon. Huntington became a central commerce hub as the railroad was extended to Hampton Roads to the east and Cincinnati, Toledo, and Chicago to the west. A boom period lasted until the Great Flood of 1937 destroyed much of the town, turning nearly 60% of the city’s population into homeless refugees.

Throughout the 20th century, Huntington declined like many other railroad towns. But the city found ways to thrive with a diversified economy – today, Huntington is the second-largest city in the state, behind only Charleston.

Huntington isn’t strictly off the beaten path, but it is an out-of-the-way destination in a southwest corner of the state along the Ohio River.

The easiest way to get to Huntington is along Interstate 64. From Charleston, it’s an easy one-hour drive. From Lexington, Kentucky, it’s an equally easy two-hour drive.

But the most scenic and adventurous route into Huntington is along US Highway 23. From Kingsport, Tennessee, it’s a 4-hour drive along the four-lane highway through former coal towns, beautiful mountain ranges, and charming small towns like Norton, Virginia, and Pikeville, Kentucky.

From Columbus, Ohio, it’s an easier three-hour drive on sections of US Highway 23 with interstate speed limits. The route bypasses Chillicothe and passes through Portsmouth before crossing the Ohio River.

An interesting way to visit Huntington would be an adventure on Amtrak . The passenger rail service’s Cardinal Line connects New York City and Chicago with an out-of-the-way southerly route in West Virginia. The Cardinal Line follows the same route as the original C&O Railroad across Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands.

Amtrak’s stop in Huntington is located just five blocks from Pullman Square. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions are about a twenty-minute walk from the public square.

The Cardinal Line connects to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, from New York City. The train typically leaves New York City at 7 a.m. three days per week and arrives in Huntington around 10 p.m. For this route, I suggest a coach seat for the 15-hour ride – but spend most of the time in the observation car.

From Chicago, the Cardinal Line connects to Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The train typically leaves Chicago at 6 p.m. and arrives in Huntington at about 7 a.m. the following day. For this route, I recommend a roomette in the viewliner car.

Start the day exploring Huntington at Grindstone Coffeeology . Baristas grind beans fresh for every coffee served – the menu includes all the typical staples like drip, espresso, and iced. Their all-day brunch menu includes croissant sandwiches, quiche, and breakfast burritos.

Grab a seat at a comfortable table inside the small coffee shop. Or, head to the rooftop sitting area with tables and chairs beneath shade sails.

What’s better than a local coffee shop? A local coffee shop inside a used bookstore! When owners Dawn Hylbert and Katie Norman opened Cicada Books & Coffee , they named it after the cicada – an insect known for rebirth.

Used books are stacked on shelves from the floor to the ceiling. But the retail shop has much more – local artwork, house plants, and unique gift ideas. Order a fresh ground coffee at the front, browse the used books, and then snag a table to enjoy the coffee and flip through the books before taking them home.

In 1887, Collis Huntington established the Huntington and Big Sandy Railroad, extending his precious C&O Railroad, and built a two-story passenger terminal. Over the next forty years, the brick structure was expanded several times to include growing freight. But by the early 1900s, the building was abandoned. Aside from a short tenure as the Greyhound Bus Station, the building was unused for decades.

After renovations and restorations, the former passenger and freight depot reopened as Heritage Station. An original steam locomotive and coal car are installed in front of the depot. Inside, restored hardwood floors and antique freight scales greet visitors to the historic building.

The Huntington Visitor Center is located inside the old transportation hub. Visitors can pick up the local tourism guide, browse brochures on things to do, and get tips from the friendly staff. At The Red Caboose , visitors can browse shelves of arts and crafts from local artisans, clothing, souvenirs, and Blenko glassware.

Gravels crunched beneath my feet on the path between a dozen log structures and rustic wooden buildings. The village pulsed with activity – a blacksmith hammering in a shop, kids giggling on a ropes course, and a goat grunting from an enclosure. What kind of place had I discovered?

When Mike and Henriella Perry bought an old farmhouse in 1976, they discovered a passion for their Appalachian heritage. After twenty years of collecting, building, and planning, they opened the Heritage Farm Museum & Village , they opened the farm to the public in the spring. By 2006, they had established regular business hours for visitors to explore their creations.

Seven museums cover topics like early frontier life, transportation, and technology. The MakerSpace features local arts and crafts. The Blacksmith Shop is usually staffed by someone busy making something with forged metal and muscle. The Treehouse Trek offers excitement, and Critter Corner is a great place to hang out with the animals.

Ritter Park is Huntington’s most popular place for outdoor recreation. The park is at the base of a short mountain ridge where the city’s grid of straight straights begins curvy climbs. It’s a peaceful escape from city noises and a great place for visitors to stretch their legs.

A 0.6-mile gravel path winds through the park, connecting the various attractions. The Rose Garden features manicured gardens surrounded by brick pavers. Nearly a dozen tennis courts await the arrival of eager players. The amphitheater is surrounded by the shade of towering trees.

And then there is the award-winning playground. What exactly makes it award-winning? In 2012, the American Planning Association named Ritter Park one of the “10 Great Public Spaces” in the country.

The only way to get to Harris Riverfront Park is to drive through the towering concrete wall protecting Huntington from the Ohio River. After 19 days of consecutive rain in 1937, the Ohio River broke over the banks and swept through the city. By 1943, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had completed an 11-mile-long floodwall to prevent the natural disaster in the future.

On the other side of the floodwall, the riverfront park is an impressive introduction to Huntington. An amphitheater with grassy levels faces the river. Walking paths meander beneath the shade of trees. At the end of the park, a concrete platform is a frequent destination for fishing on the river.

In the distance, the Robert C. Byrd Bridge crosses the Ohio River, connecting West Virginia and Ohio.

Opened in 1952, the Huntington Museum of Art features an impressive collection. But the enormous building and 52 acres on a hilltop are even more impressive.

Explore the ten exhibit spaces, including The Glass Collection, Portrait Gallery, and the history of firearms. Attend an event in the 287-seat auditorium. Take a walk through the only tropical conservatory in West Virginia. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours exploring the 16,000-object museum.

One of the most interesting things to do at the museum is to explore the outdoors. The 52-acre property features two miles of hiking trails and two outdoor sculpture gardens.

READ MORE: 8 Things to Do at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC

The Museum of Radio & Technology is the most fascinating museum in Huntington. In 1991, a group of radio enthusiasts purchased an old school and slowly accumulated a collection of antique radios, military communications equipment, and radio broadcast gear.

Instead of desks, former classrooms are filled with Victrola console radios. Instead of chalkboards, the walls are covered with circuit boards. Instead of books, shelves are filled with radio communications equipment.

Radio gear was stacked from the floor to the ceiling, hallways lined with wooden console radios, and tables covered with every kind of radio technology ever used. It was a fascinating walk through the history of radio communications in a casual setting.

In 2017, Dr. Joseph B. Touma and his wife, Dr. Omayma Touma, donated their collection of medical instruments and artifacts to Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The university opened a 4,000-square-foot Touma Museum of Medicine in the heart of downtown Huntington, featuring the collection throughout dozens of displays.

Walking through the museum is like stepping into the pages of a medical history textbook. Bygone medical instruments, aged books, and antique tools reveal how far medicine has come in a short time.

The museum is open by appointment only, and it’s the one appointment everyone should make while visiting Huntington.

Pullman Square opened in 2004, capping off decades of downtown revitalization. The two-story, open-air shopping mall features interesting stores like The Inner Geek bookstore, Old North Arcade where you can enjoy beer and food with retro arcade games, and catch a movie at Marquee Cinemas .

The grassy square is the site of annual special events like live music concerts. During the day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a break from the hustle of exploring the city.

When an enclosed space for retail shops opened in 2017, it was an instant hit with the locals. The Market quickly became the hangout place with great food and live music. It’s one of the things everyone should do with a visit to Huntington – morning or evening.

Butter It Up is the best place in the city for breakfast, serving delicious free-range eggs in their farm-to-table menu. Wildflower Gift Shop offers a variety of home décor and collectible items that will beg to go home with you.

Austin’s Ice Cream started in nearby Ceredo, but when The Market opened, they jumped at the chance to move downtown. All of their ice cream is homemade and features savory flavors. Order one or two scoops in a cone or bowl and find a place to sit before it melts!

In 1970, the collegiate sports world and the entire city of Huntington were shocked when a plane crash killed 75 Marshall University football team members, staff, and crew members. When director McG approached the sensitive topic of filming a dramatization of the incident in 2005, he decided to film the movie in Huntington.

The Huntington Visitor Center has copies of a self-guided tour of the filming locations throughout the city. Some scenes were filmed at private businesses and homes, but most were filmed on the Marshall University campus.

Take a walk through the campus – open to the public, but be mindful of where you park – and explore the filming locations at the Memorial Fountain, Buskirk Field, Hodges Hall, and Morrow Library.

Shortly after Billy Bare, a retired police officer, built an indoor gun range in Huntington, his wife, Christy, built a restaurant next door. When you eat at Bombshell, Burgers & BBQ , check your receipt for a discount to a round at Bare Arms Indoor Range. Opened in 2018, it’s one of the city’s quirkiest places for a great meal.

The restaurant is modeled after classic dinners from the 1940s. The WWII-inspired seating area is reminiscent of classic diners with red and white booths, painted pinup girls hanging on the walls, and rock music – albeit from the 50s – blaring from speakers.

The menu is an array of American foods like wings, pizza, barbecue, and sandwiches, but their burgers are the best. It starts with the All American – a 1/3-pound Angus Beef patty served with your choice of toppings. But the Flamethrower Burger was the winner – topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and “atomic bomb sauce.” The burger was named after Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Marine who received the Medal of Honor in WWII for his duty as a flamethrower.

You probably don’t know about the West Virginia Hot Dog if you’re not from West Virginia. The recipe is simple, but ironclad: bun, wiener, chili, slaw, onions, and mustard. No substitutions are allowed. Fortunately, Huntington has two great places to get a satisfactory meal.

In 1932, husband and wife John Louis and Gertrude Mandt bought a tiny orange building on 5th Avenue and opened Huntington’s first drive-in eatery. They had two items on the menu: Stewart’s Root Beer, invented in Ohio just a few years earlier, and popcorn. In following years, the menu grew to include hot dogs with Gertrude’s secret chili sauce – the same sauce made today.

In 2005, John Jr., the fourth generation of the family to run Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs , founded the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival . The festival is held in Huntington the last weekend of July and features carnival rides, live music, and many vendors crafting the iconic hot dog.

In 1926, L.S. Harvey opened the first Frostop Root Beer in Springfield, Ohio. Over the next three decades, the franchise spread across the country. People became familiar with the savory burgers and fresh root beer.

The Huntington location was built in 1959. The iconic mug – first installed at a Frostop in Louisiana in 1954 – has been on the roof of this location since it opened.

The burgers, grilled cheese, sandwiches, and fries are cooked to order. It’s one of the tastiest meals in Huntington. But the West Virginia Hot Dog is the star of their menu. The waitress noted, “You can’t change any of the toppings and still call it a West Virginia Hot Dog.” As it turns out, the hot dog goes great with crunchy onion rings and a fresh root beer.

Huntington is a foodie destination. With a weekend visit, you couldn’t eat at every type of restaurant in the city. You’ll find everything from a steak house to a raw bar. But you can start with dinner at one of these downtown restaurants.

Calamity J Grill & Bar is a “blend of southwest and soul.” Entrées include chicken, pasta, and burritos with a spicy twist. The owners at Huntington Ale House take meat seriously, with burgers so stacked you’ll need a fork and knife to eat them – an entire section of the menu is dedicated to mac & cheese. Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House has been a local favorite since 1938. The original owner’s daughter runs the restaurant now, where you find big portions of every meal.

21 at the Frederick is a date night. Opened in 2015 at the historic but defunct Frederick Hotel, the tables are covered in white linens, and the detailed architecture will make you feel like it’s the 1930s. You’ll find filet mignon and Colorado lamb chops on the menu and an evolving wine list.

Le Bistro features a farm-to-table menu with fresh local ingredients for Huntington’s most creative culinary experience. Since 2012, Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar has cooked up various gourmet wood-fired pizzas, but you can also order fresh seafood from their raw bar. The Peddler combines craft beer from their ten-barrel system with buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches and thick burgers.

Hampton Inn is ten minutes from downtown. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, suites with a sleeper sofa, and the best complimentary breakfast of any hotel chain. Book with Booking.com or Expedia.com

DoubleTree by Hilton is one of two downtown hotels within walking distance of restaurants and shopping. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool beneath a pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel to a parking garage – parking is an additional fee. Book with Booking.com or Expedia.com

Delta Hotels by Marriott features a nice indoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, and the executive suite has a sleeper sofa. Book with Booking.com or Expedia.com

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Mid-ohio valley region.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Region follows the valley of Ohio River along the northwest border of West Virginia and is bounded on the north by the  Northern Panhandle Region  and on the southwest by the  Metro Valley Region , both of which also follow the river. The valley region is renown for its lowland farms, which line the Ohio and its tributaries, which include the lower Kanawha and Little Kanawha rivers. Historic farmsteads such as Henderson Hall and the Blennerhassett Plantation rise alongside its streams, and hunting camps and vacation homes ascend low wooded ridges that extend outward from populous valley areas. Tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing are primary industries.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Region includes, from north to south, Tyler, Pleasants, Wood, Jackson, and Mason counties and parts of Wirt, Wetzel, Cabell, Putnam, and Ritchie counties. The region roughly corresponds to the Mid-Ohio Valley travel region of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Interstate 77 travels north to south through the western region between Charleston, to the south, and Marietta, Ohio, to the north. It interesects the east-west US-50 expressway near Parkersburg. Highway WV-2 follows the Ohio River through the whole of the region in its north-south course. Highways US-35, US-33, and WV-62

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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

33 Things To Do On Route 33

Take a drive through scenic, rolling hills on Route 33 in Upshur , Lewis and Randolph counties to experience 33 unique things to do. These 33 things to do on Route 33 can all be completed in just 3 days! Visit tasty wineries, historic sites and more. The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy.

With these 33 ‘gotta-do’ stops along the way , you’ll create memories for a lifetime. And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia!

1. WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead

Experience early Appalachian life at the boyhood home of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead  includes the Jackson Family Mill Museum, The Blaker Grist Mill, The McWhorter Cabin, Mountain State Heritage Center and The Mary Conrad Cabin. Guided tours are offered of the Historic area. Visit our general store, sit on the porch for a spell, feed the friendly ducks, or enjoy refreshing lemonade!

2. Lambert’s Vintage Wines

This magnificent hand-cut stone winery features delicious vintage wines, winery tours, and tastings. Relax in the beautifully landscaped grounds at Lambert’s Vintage Wines , including the pond and waterfall area or in the breezeway with a stone fireplace. Browse the gift shop, featuring local pottery, wine accessories, hand-woven baskets, herbs and blends, jellies, and jams.

3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Located in the heart of Weston, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a must-see. It stands as the largest hand-cut stone building in North America and is a testament to both architectural and medical history in the treatment those with mental illness. Both historical and ghost tours are available for the public and special events are held on the grounds throughout the year.

4. West Virginia Museum of American Glass

With The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia ‘s display now reaching over 20,000 pieces of glass, this is a must see. Learn about the history of West Virginia glass and the people who made it.

5. The Mountaineer Military Museum

Learn about the history of the military at the Mountaineer Military Museum in Weston. See the history come alive through a soldier’s eyes. The exhibits cover military history locally, as well as abroad.

6. Appalachian Glass

Specializing in mouth-blown “old world” apples and ornaments, Appalachian Glass produces a unique crystal creations in their studio. The artisans of Appalachian Glass masterfully blend traditional glass-making methods with the best of modern techniques. Appalachian Glass & Gifts features an assortment of WV products including glass, toys, candles, pottery, quilts, paintings, woodcrafts, leather crafts, fresh honey and other baking products,  dressings and sauces, candy, books and more.

7. Lewis County Park

The Lewis County Park offers a swimming pool with two large water slides, a kiddy pool, two diving boards, three water features, two smaller slides, camping, tennis, basketball, putt-putt golf, playgrounds, and plenty of sun! Whether you are coming to relax by the pool or enjoy the excitement that the pool has to offer we have you covered.

8. Stonewall Jackson Lake and State Park

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park has a visitors center beneath the Stonewall Jackson Dam that is full of displays and information from around the area. The foot of the dam is also an excellent fishing hole, and the park also offers public hunting lands. The park is home to Stonewall Resort, The Briar Point Campground, and The Stonewall Marina.

9. Stonewall Resort

Nestled along the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake, Stonewall Resort features a AAA Four Diamond Adirondack-style lodge, elegant cottages and campsites. All feature breathtaking views of the woods, water or the lush greens of the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course.

10. Genealogy & History of West Virginia

Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendants, Inc. ‘s genealogy collections serve West Virginia and help people reconnect and discover their roots. The organization operates the Central West Virginia Genealogy and History Library dedicated to genealogy and history research as well as to the preservation of objects of historical interest.

11. Stonecoal Lake

Located in both Lewis and Upshur counties, Stonecoal Lake  the home to some of the best Musky fishing in the state. Besides the musky, there are also walleye, bass, trout, carp and catfish!

12. Scenic country drives

No matter the season, the winding roads of West Virginia are always an adventure. Drive through the state to see the scenic countryside and beautiful wildlife. Stop in the small towns along the way for a unique experience.

13. Special Events

Take a look at the calendar of events every day of the year to see shows, festivals, live music and more. Whether it’s live music on a Friday Night, a film showing at West Virginia’s only Micro-Theatre, a major week-long festival, or a mini-fair, there is always something memorable happening.

14. Historic Downtown

With rich heritage of the Appalachian Mountains and culture, Buckhannon is in the middle of it all. This area features history from the Revolutionary era with the Pringle Brothers living in a tree, to the state being created as a direct outcome of the Civil War. Explore today !

15. Shopping & Dining & Antique-ing

Locally owned, small businesses showcase their creativity, personality and hospitality to locals & visitors. Specialty shops, great dining and continuous downtown events draw people to browse the blocks of picturesque Main Street.

16. Creative Classes

Classes at Artistry on Main are great ways to meet local artists while getting step-by-step instructions to design your own artwork. From basket-weaving, painting or scarf dying, schedule a class at Artistry on Main in downtown Buckhannon.

17. Float the Buckhannon River

There’s no better view than from the river. With multiple boat launches along the Buckhannon River and throughout West Virginia’s country-side, you can enjoy a leisurely paddle in the midst of scenic beauty. For an even better adventure, plan to camp at Audra State Park and rent rafts for a float down the Middle Fork River!

18. Muskie Fishing

People are serious about finding the best fishing spot, and anglers across the United States have discovered the Buckhannon River . A six-mile stretch of the river has gained significant attention, and have yielded some remarkable fish!

19. Ron Hinkle Glass

Ron Hinkle’s Glass Studio is open for visitors to watch, learn and interact as each piece is handcrafted. Watch as ingredients are melted in a 2,400 degree furnace, hand-blown and slowly evolve into a finished work of art. Ron Hinkle Glass is located in a picturesque, quiet corner of West Virginia, creating an intimate atmosphere.

20. McNemar House

The McNemar House is dedicated to bringing music and the arts to the town of Buckhannon, with over-the-top entertaining, live music, falconry, auto cross racing, bee-keeping, art collecting, and interior styling. It’s a great place to discover new musicians and artists!

21. WV Wildlife Center

Nestled in the forest, you’ll find a preserved piece of West Virginia’s heritage at the WV Wildlife Center . Visitors stroll a path through the woods to see native wildlife of Appalachia – black bears, mountain lions, white tail deer and more.

22. Hike & Bike

With a landscape full of solitude and untouched beauty, this is the place to explore nature . Acres upon acres of West Virginia forest means lots of hiking and biking opportunities. More trails are opening every season, so get your gear ready for a weekend visit!

23. Racing Anyone?

Folks gather in the summer season at the local dirt track where you will thrill at the thundering stock car races and special events and fireworks that take place.

24. History Everywhere

Dine and stay in one of the finest historic mansions of our founding fathers. Shopping districts, home tours, and special seasonal events scheduled annually.

25. Dinner show theaters

Experience the “Where Mountain Memories are Made” shows at the Gandy Dancer Theatre in Elkins. These Branson-style shows serve up a delicious dinner with a side of entertainment.

26. RIDE the Train

Enjoy Mountain Rail Adventures  aboard any of the four train excursions. Special Events throughout the year includes the Polar Express, Cottontail Express, Dinner Trains, Wine & Roses and much more.

27. Best Small Art Town: Top 10 in the US

Talented artist live, work and play “music” in the friendly small town American town of Elkins . Enjoy artisan shops, traditional arts program and more.

28. City of Festivals

Randolph County celebrates with tons of festivals & fairs ! Enjoy the largest and oldest festival in West Virginia: The Mountain State Forest Festival. Others to enjoy include the Maple Syrup Festival, Augusta Arts Festival, Randolph County Fair, Helvetia Fair, Coalton Days, Mother’s Day Fair and many more.

29. The Great Outdoors

Whether you like hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, geocaching, it can all be found in this area ! A 21-mile trail follows farmland and wilderness along the way. Or, relax along the river, in our campgrounds or picnic areas.

30. Civil War Site

Discover the battlefields, cemeteries, museums, and historical buildings that represented the state in the Civil War. Or, visit the small towns that today, recapture the lifestyles and spirit of our pioneering founders. From an 18th century railroad tycoon to a quaint Swiss village nestled in the mountains, Randolph County has it all.

31. Motorcycle Curves

If you like those S curves and spectacular views and overlooks, explore the motorcycle guide for scenic byways. Rides you will never forget in the most scenic mountain areas of West Virginia.

32. Monongahela National Forest

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain of West Virginia, Randolph County is a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiast or just relax in our picnic areas and camping sites around the Monongahela National Forest . Take the kids to the Fish Hatchery or a swim in the river like in the old days.  Climb the tower to see the most spectacular mountains view from Bickle Knob.

33. UNIQUE Areas to Experience

Dolly Sides Wilderness Area, Spruce Knob (highest elevation in WV), Helvetia Swiss Village, Sure Catch Fish Farm and more if you ask us!

For more information and details, visit the website to learn more. Where will you be going first?

This post was last updated on March 1, 2022

• Visitors Guide
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• Quilt Trail

WELCOME TO MASON COUNTY

Cradled in the foothills of the rugged Appalachian Mountains and bordered by the majestic Ohio River, Mason County's beautiful landscape, friendly people, and unique heritage await you. Our historic county seat, Point Pleasant, is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Great Kanawha rivers. A small but vibrant river town, Point Pleasant provides opportunities for shopping and dining, as well as the chance to learn about epic battles and a tenacious pioneer culture that contributed to the character of the America that we know today. Mason County, a land of rolling hills and dense forests, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy bird watching, camping, boating, fishing, hiking or cycling. While traversing the hills and valleys of the county, be sure to keep watch for the infamous Mothman - a large, winged creature whose presence in the county in the 1960s continues to spark the world's curiosity. Whether your passions include history, mystery, nature and the outdoors or anything in between, Point Pleasant and Mason County have something to excite you and your entire family. Come on down - we look forward to welcoming you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

2023 Schedule of Events

April 1 Spring Fling Open House

(Main Street Point Pleasant)

May 6-7 Spring Engine Show

(WV State Farm Museum, 9 am to 5 pm)

May 20 Siege Day

(Fort Randolph, 12-5 pm)

May 27 Docking of the American Countess

(Point Pleasant Riverfront Park, 12-6 pm)

June 3 Antique Tractor Pull

(WV State Farm Museum, 1 pm)

June 10 Rivers to Ridges Bridge to Bridge Bike Ride

(Main Street Point Pleasant, 9 am)

View Full Schedule of Events

SO MUCH TO DO IN MASON COUNTY!

Come visit us for one of our many events including Battle Days, Point Pleasant Liberty Fest, The Docking of Numerous River Boats, and The World Famous Mothman Festival. You will find plenty to do here!

ATTRACTIONS

Mason County has so many amazing attractions its almost impossible to name them all! From the World Famous Mothman Museum and Statue, to the Historic Tue-Endie-Wei State Park, there is plenty to discover

VENUE RENTALS

Looking for a great place to host a wedding, gather a family reunion, or hold a conference? Look no further! Mason County is home to several picturesque, safe, and well-equipped facilities so your event can go off without a hitch.

GET INVOLVED

The Mason County CVB is always looking for volunteers to join us in promoting Mason County and all that it has to offer. You can also become a member! Becoming a member of the CVB is easy and well worth it!

VISIT MASON COUNTY

Whether you will be traveling by boat, plane, train, or automobile you will have no problem getting to Mason County, West Virginia! We promise you that your trip will be well worth it!

PLACES TO STAY

Mason County has plenty of amazing and unique places to stay! Have you ever wanted to stay in a historic, and possibly haunted hotel? Well your in luck! The Lowe Hotel as well as many other venues have what you are looking for!

MASON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISTORS BUREAU

304.675.6788 / 210 viand street, pt pleasant, wv, discover us on social media.