Beech Bottom West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beech Bottom, West Virginia.
1. Hightower Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Hightower Brewing Company is a highly-rated brewery in Beech Bottom that offers visitors a taste of local craft beer. Visitors can enjoy sampling various beer styles in a welcoming atmosphere that showcases the region's brewing heritage. The brewery provides a perfect spot for relaxation while experiencing West Virginia's growing craft beer scene.
2. Alexander Campbell Mansion
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Alexander Campbell Mansion stands as a significant historical landmark near the Beech Bottom area, preserving the legacy of one of the region's notable historical figures. This well-preserved mansion offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural styles and living conditions of early West Virginia settlers. Touring the mansion provides valuable insights into the cultural and social history of the Northern Panhandle region.
3. Brooke Hills Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Brooke Hills Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities just a short drive from Beech Bottom. The park features well-maintained facilities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities perfect for family outings and nature enthusiasts. Seasonal activities throughout the year make this park a versatile destination for visitors looking to experience West Virginia's natural beauty.
4. Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
ARTISTIC GLASS HERITAGE
The Oglebay Institute Glass Museum showcases West Virginia's rich tradition of glassmaking through an impressive collection of historical and contemporary glass pieces. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the technical and artistic evolution of glass production in the region, which has been a significant industry for generations. The museum often features demonstrations that bring to life the intricate craft of glassblowing, offering an educational and visually stunning experience.
5. Ohio River Waterfront
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Ohio River Waterfront in Beech Bottom presents visitors with picturesque views of one of America's great rivers. This peaceful setting allows for contemplative walks along the riverbank and opportunities to observe river traffic and wildlife native to the region. The waterfront reflects the historical importance of river transportation to the development of Beech Bottom and the entire Northern Panhandle.
6. Mothman Museum
CRYPTID FOLKLORE ATTRACTION
The Mothman Museum celebrates one of West Virginia's most famous legends through exhibits detailing alleged sightings and the cultural impact of this mysterious creature. Visitors can examine newspaper clippings, witness accounts, and memorabilia related to the Mothman phenomenon that has captivated paranormal enthusiasts for decades. The museum has become a quirky but essential stop for those interested in West Virginia's unique folklore and cryptid traditions.
7. Wheeling Suspension Bridge
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge stands as the oldest operating suspension bridge in the United States and represents a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering. Spanning the Ohio River, this historic structure offers pedestrians breathtaking views of Wheeling Island and the surrounding city landscape. The bridge serves as both a practical crossing point and a living museum piece that connects visitors to the region's transportation history.
8. Oglebay Resort and Conference Center
PREMIER RECREATIONAL DESTINATION
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center offers a comprehensive recreational experience with its expansive grounds featuring golf courses, gardens, and a zoo within a short drive from Beech Bottom. The resort transforms during winter months with its famous Festival of Lights, attracting visitors from across the region to witness spectacular holiday displays. Year-round activities including hiking trails, swimming, and special events make Oglebay a multi-faceted destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
9. Tomlinson Run State Park
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Tomlinson Run State Park encompasses over 1,300 acres of diverse terrain including forests, streams, and a lake that provides various recreational opportunities near the Beech Bottom area. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking along well-maintained trails that showcase the natural beauty of West Virginia's landscape. The park's facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds, and cabins that make it suitable for both day trips and extended outdoor vacations.
10. Capitol Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Capitol Theatre stands as a beautifully restored 1928 venue that hosts various performances including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts near the Beech Bottom area. Its ornate interior featuring detailed plasterwork, chandeliers, and classic theater architecture transports visitors to the golden age of American entertainment. The theater serves as the cultural heart of Wheeling's arts community, offering visitors the chance to experience live performances in a historically significant setting.
11. West Virginia Independence Hall
BIRTHPLACE OF WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Independence Hall stands as the birthplace of West Virginia, where the state's formation during the Civil War was debated and decided. This National Historic Landmark features exhibits detailing the complex political circumstances that led to West Virginia separating from Virginia in 1863. The beautifully restored building offers guided tours that bring to life this pivotal chapter in American history through period rooms, artifacts, and informative displays.
12. Homer Laughlin China Company
ICONIC AMERICAN POTTERY
The Homer Laughlin China Company, makers of the famous Fiesta dinnerware, offers factory tours that showcase the production process of this iconic American pottery near the Beech Bottom area. Visitors can observe skilled artisans at work and learn about the history of this company that has been producing colorful, durable ceramics since 1871. The factory outlet store provides an opportunity to purchase first-quality merchandise and unique factory seconds at discounted prices.
13. Wheeling Heritage Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATHWAY
The Wheeling Heritage Trail offers a 13-mile paved path along the Ohio River perfect for walking, running, or cycling for visitors from the Beech Bottom area. This well-maintained trail connects historical sites, parks, and urban areas while providing constant scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. Trail users can appreciate interpretive signage highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region while enjoying a safe, accessible outdoor recreation option.
14. Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features one of the largest conical burial mounds built by the prehistoric Adena people, standing 69 feet high and 295 feet in diameter. Visitors can explore the adjacent museum that houses exhibits on the mound's construction approximately 2,000 years ago and artifacts discovered during archaeological investigations. This significant cultural site provides insight into the sophisticated ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Ohio Valley region.
15. Grand Vue Park
ADVENTURE AND SCENIC VIEWS
Grand Vue Park offers thrilling outdoor adventures including zip lines, aerial adventures, and mountain biking trails set against panoramic views of the Ohio Valley. The park's 1,500 acres feature diverse recreational facilities including disc golf, hiking trails, and comfortable cabins for overnight stays. Visitors from Beech Bottom can enjoy year-round activities ranging from peaceful nature observation to adrenaline-pumping canopy tours that showcase the region's natural beauty from unique perspectives.