SOUTHEAST OHIO
Bridgeport Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Wheeling Suspension Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING | WHEELING WEST VIRGINIA
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a National Historic Landmark spanning the Ohio River. Built in 1849, it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world and remains the oldest vehicular suspension bridge in the United States still in use. Visitors can walk or drive across this engineering marvel for stunning views of the river and Wheeling's skyline.
2. Oglebay Resort and Conference Center
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION | WHEELING WV
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center offers 1,700 acres of year-round entertainment and outdoor activities. The resort features a zoo, museums, golf courses, swimming pools, and hiking trails. During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and the Festival of Lights, a dazzling holiday light display that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
3. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX | WHEELING WV
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is a premier entertainment destination offering gaming, dining, and live greyhound racing. The facility boasts over 1,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room, and a 151-room hotel. Visitors can enjoy multiple dining options and live entertainment throughout the year.
4. Centre Market
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT | WHEELING WV
Centre Market is a vibrant shopping and dining district in the heart of Wheeling. The historic market houses feature unique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. Visitors can explore antique stores, sample artisanal foods, and experience the charm of this 19th-century marketplace that has been a community hub for over 150 years.
5. Capitol Theatre
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE | WHEELING WV
The Capitol Theatre is a historic performing arts venue that has been entertaining audiences since 1928. The beautifully restored theater hosts a variety of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, and dance performances. With its ornate architecture and excellent acoustics, the Capitol Theatre offers a memorable cultural experience for visitors.
6. Wheeling Heritage Port
RIVERFRONT PARK & AMPHITHEATER | WHEELING WV
Wheeling Heritage Port is a scenic riverfront park and amphitheater along the Ohio River. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and boat races. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, picnic areas, and stunning views of the river and Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
7. Eckhart House
VICTORIAN TEA PARLOR | WHEELING WV
Eckhart House is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home offering guided tours and afternoon tea experiences. Built in 1892, the house showcases period furnishings and decor. Visitors can step back in time as they explore the elegant rooms and enjoy a traditional English tea service in the charming parlor.
8. Wheeling Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER & DINING | WHEELING WV
Wheeling Brewing Company is a local craft brewery and restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, paired with delicious pub fare. The brewery's industrial-chic atmosphere and commitment to using local ingredients make it a popular spot for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike.
9. Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER | WHEELING WV
The Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley provides hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, art, and local history. Young visitors can explore a mini town, conduct experiments, create art projects, and engage in imaginative play in a fun, educational environment.
10. Barkcamp State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA | BELMONT OH
Barkcamp State Park offers 1,232 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities in Belmont County. The park features a 117-acre lake for fishing and boating, hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in this scenic natural setting surrounded by rolling hills and forests.
Bridgeport Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN BRIDGEPORT
Bridgeport, Ohio, a small village nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, is known for its rich history and strategic location. Founded in 1806, Bridgeport played a significant role in the region's industrial development, particularly in coal mining and transportation. Today, the village serves as a gateway to numerous attractions in the surrounding area, offering visitors a blend of small-town charm and access to diverse entertainment options.
While Bridgeport itself may not boast many tourist attractions, its proximity to Wheeling, West Virginia, just across the Ohio River, provides residents and visitors with an array of exciting experiences. The iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering and offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River Valley. This historic structure, once the longest suspension bridge in the world, continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and historical significance.
For those seeking outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities, the nearby Oglebay Resort and Conference Center is a popular destination. Spanning 1,700 acres, this year-round resort offers something for everyone, from golf courses and swimming pools to a zoo and museums. During the winter months, the resort's Festival of Lights transforms the landscape into a magical wonderland, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region.
Entertainment enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, just a short drive from Bridgeport. This premier gaming and entertainment complex features a wide array of slot machines, table games, and live greyhound racing. With its hotel accommodations, dining options, and live entertainment, the facility has become a major attraction for both locals and tourists, contributing to the area's vibrant entertainment scene.