Cairo West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cairo, West Virginia.
1. North Bend State Park
NATURE AND RECREATION PARADISE
North Bend State Park offers a multitude of recreational facilities nestled among the Mid-Ohio Valley's rolling hills, lakes, and streams. Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, this year-round park features lush hiking trails and abundant wildlife for visitors to enjoy. The park is best known for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural beauty, making it the premier attraction in the Cairo area.
2. North Bend Rail Trail
HISTORIC 72-MILE TRAIL
The North Bend Rail Trail is a spectacular 72-mile pathway that follows a rail-banked B&O Railroad corridor with several historic tunnels along the way. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking, hiking, and horseback riding while taking in the scenic beauty and historical elements of this converted rail line. The trail connects multiple communities in the region and offers visitors a chance to experience West Virginia's natural landscape and railroad heritage.
3. Berdine's Five and Dime
AMERICA'S OLDEST FIVE-AND-DIME
Berdine's Five and Dime is a charming historic general store that has been operating since 1908, making it America's oldest five-and-dime store. Visitors can browse through nostalgic merchandise, vintage candy, and traditional toys in this time capsule of American retail history. The store provides a delightful glimpse into the past with its original wooden floors, antique fixtures, and friendly small-town atmosphere.
4. WineTree Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
WineTree Vineyards offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience featuring locally produced wines in the Mid-Ohio Valley region. Wine enthusiasts can sample a variety of award-winning wines while learning about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of West Virginia viticulture. The vineyard provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can unwind and enjoy the fruits of local agricultural craftsmanship.
5. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
RIVER ECOSYSTEM EDUCATION HUB
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center provides educational exhibits about the unique ecosystem of the Ohio River and its islands. Visitors can learn about local wildlife, migratory birds, and conservation efforts while enjoying interactive displays and viewing opportunities. The center serves as a gateway to exploring the refuge's protected islands that provide critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
6. Oil and Gas Museum
REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Oil and Gas Museum showcases the rich history of petroleum and natural gas production that shaped the economy and culture of the region. Exhibits feature vintage equipment, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the industry's development since the mid-19th century. Visitors will gain insight into how the discovery of oil and gas transformed West Virginia and contributed to America's industrial growth.
7. Mountwood Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Mountwood Park offers over 2,600 acres of recreational opportunities including mountain biking trails, fishing lakes, and hiking paths. The park features remnants of the historic Volcano oil boom town, adding a layer of historical interest to the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, disc golf, and various outdoor activities throughout the year in this expansive parkland.
8. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
HISTORIC ISLAND MANSION
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features a reconstructed mansion on an Ohio River island that was once home to Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett in the early 1800s. Visitors reach the island via a sternwheeler riverboat, then can tour the elegant mansion and grounds while learning about the Blennerhassetts' connection to Aaron Burr's conspiracy. The park offers horse-drawn carriage rides, picnic areas, and special events that bring the island's fascinating history to life.
9. The Castle
VICTORIAN GOTHIC MANSION
The Castle is an impressive Gothic Revival mansion built in 1855 that now serves as a house museum showcasing Victorian-era architecture and lifestyles. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored rooms filled with period furnishings, artwork, and decorative elements that reflect the elegance of 19th-century upper-class living. The museum offers educational programs, special exhibits, and seasonal events that provide insight into the region's cultural heritage.
10. Henderson Hall
PRESERVED ANTEBELLUM PLANTATION
Henderson Hall is a magnificent 29-room pre-Civil War mansion that has been preserved with its original furnishings and family artifacts spanning five generations. The Italianate-style plantation home offers visitors a rare glimpse into 19th and early 20th-century life through an extensive collection of items left untouched by the Henderson family. Tours of the mansion and grounds provide insight into the agricultural, social, and political history of the Ohio Valley region.
11. Campus Martius Museum
PIONEER SETTLEMENT HISTORY
Campus Martius Museum preserves and interprets the history of America's first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory. The museum houses the original Ohio Land Company Office where pioneers purchased land, along with artifacts and exhibits relating to Native American cultures and early settlement. Visitors can explore the reconstructed Rufus Putnam House within the museum, offering an authentic look at frontier living conditions in the late 18th century.
12. Ohio River Museum
RIVER TRANSPORTATION HERITAGE
The Ohio River Museum tells the story of the Ohio River and its importance to transportation, commerce, and settlement in the region. Exhibits feature historic vessels, including the W.P. Snyder Jr., the last intact steam-powered sternwheeler towboat in the United States. Visitors can learn about river life, steamboat construction, and the crucial role the Ohio River played in westward expansion and regional development.
13. Valley Gem Sternwheeler
AUTHENTIC RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCE
The Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers authentic riverboat cruises on the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, providing a unique perspective on the region's waterways. Passengers can enjoy sightseeing, dinner cruises, and special event voyages aboard this traditional paddlewheel vessel. The narrated tours share information about river history, ecology, and landmarks while guests relax and take in the scenic river views.
14. Fort Boreman Park
CIVIL WAR LOOKOUT POINT
Fort Boreman Park preserves the site of a Civil War-era Union fortification that once guarded the strategic confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. Visitors can explore interpretive trails with historical markers explaining the fort's significance, while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Parkersburg and the surrounding river valleys. The park offers picnic areas, hiking paths, and a reconstructed observation tower that enhance the historical and recreational experience.
15. Smoot Theater
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Smoot Theater is a beautifully restored vaudeville and movie palace originally opened in 1926 that now hosts a variety of performing arts events. The theater's ornate interior features gilded decorative elements, plush seating, and outstanding acoustics that transport visitors to the golden age of entertainment. Today's audiences can enjoy concerts, plays, dance performances, and films in this historic venue that continues to serve as a cultural centerpiece for the community.