North Hills West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near North Hills, West Virginia.
1. Point Park
RIVERSIDE DOWNTOWN OASIS
Point Park offers scenic riverside views where the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers meet, and is a favorite place for both visitors and locals to relax. The park features walking trails, picnic spots, and sweeping vistas that are especially striking during sunset. Its downtown location makes it the perfect starting or ending point for exploring Parkersburg's historic sites and shopping districts.
2. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
HISTORIC ISLAND ADVENTURE
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park immerses visitors in the early American frontier with its reconstructed 18th-century mansion and period carriage rides. Accessed by sternwheeler boat, the island offers museum exhibits, guided tours, and lush picnic areas. The story of Harman Blennerhassett's ties to Aaron Burr adds a fascinating layer of national intrigue to this peaceful riverside escape.
3. Fort Boreman Park
CIVIL WAR OVERLOOK
Fort Boreman Park is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Parkersburg and the Ohio River, offering a rich Civil War history. Visitors can wander interpretive trails that trace earthwork fortifications and enjoy informative displays about the site's military significance. The park is also a great spot for picnics, wildlife viewing, and photography.
4. Oil and Gas Museum
ENERGY INDUSTRY HISTORY
The Oil and Gas Museum captures the story of West Virginia's pivotal role in the petroleum and natural gas industries. Housed in a historic downtown building, the exhibits showcase vintage equipment, photographs, and artifacts from the boom days. The museum's detailed displays offer insight into the local and national impact of energy development.
5. Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History
EXHIBITS ON RIVER LIFE
Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History features three stories of artifacts that detail the area's past, including Native American items, early settlement displays, and Blennerhassett family relics. Interactive exhibits and guided tours provide engaging context about life along the Ohio River. The museum is an essential stop for those interested in Parkersburg's evolution and culture.
6. North Bend State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
North Bend State Park is a sprawling haven for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, fishing lakes, and a popular rail-trail for biking. The park's lodge and campgrounds make it ideal for extended getaways in West Virginia's scenic hills. Wildlife sightings and year-round activities make it a family favorite for nature-based adventures.
7. Henry Cooper Log Cabin Museum
1800S PIONEER HOMESTEAD
The Henry Cooper Log Cabin Museum preserves an authentic 1800s pioneer dwelling, expertly relocated to City Park in Parkersburg. Inside, period furnishings and artifacts transport visitors back to the region's early settlement days. Guided tours offer fascinating details about daily life in frontier West Virginia.
8. Smoot Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Smoot Theatre, a beautifully restored 1926 vaudeville house, hosts a wide variety of live performances including concerts, plays, and children's events. The theater's elegant art deco design and rich acoustics create a special atmosphere for both performers and audiences. A guided tour reveals the building's storied past and architectural details.
9. Williamstown Healthy Lifestyle Trail
RIVERSIDE WALKING PATH
The Williamstown Healthy Lifestyle Trail provides a convenient and scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists along the banks of the Ohio River. Fitness stations and interpretive signs enhance the experience, making it both recreational and educational. The trail offers peaceful river views and easy access for residents and visitors alike.
10. McDonough Wildlife Refuge
NATURE EXPLORATION PRESERVE
McDonough Wildlife Refuge encompasses 277 acres of wetlands and woodlands, providing crucial habitat for local wildlife and migratory birds. The refuge features miles of walking trails and observation decks for birdwatching and photography. Environmental education programs make it a favorite destination for families and school groups.
11. Grand Central Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING HUB
Grand Central Mall offers a wide variety of national retailers, locally owned boutiques, and diverse dining options under one roof. The mall hosts seasonal events, family activities, and shopping specials throughout the year. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the greater Parkersburg area.
12. Henderson Hall Plantation
ANTEBELLUM MANSION MUSEUM
Henderson Hall Plantation is a majestic, 29-room antebellum mansion preserved with original furnishings, documents, and family artifacts. The grounds include gardens, outbuildings, and a scenic setting along the Ohio River. Guided tours provide in-depth insight into the lives of one of West Virginia's prominent historical families.
13. Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley preserves and displays artifacts, uniforms, and memorabilia from local servicemen and women spanning multiple conflicts. Interactive exhibits and personal stories pay tribute to the area's rich military history. The museum is a moving destination for history buffs as well as families seeking to understand the sacrifices of veterans.
14. Marietta River Trail
SCENIC OHIO RIVER WALK
The Marietta River Trail offers walkers and cyclists a scenic paved path along the banks of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, with easy access to parks and historic neighborhoods. Interpretive signs reveal fascinating facts about Marietta's riverboat and canal history. The trail is popular year-round for recreation, sightseeing, and riverfront events.
15. Castle Historic House Museum
GOTHIC REVIVAL MANSION
The Castle Historic House Museum, located in downtown Marietta, is a beautifully preserved 1855 Gothic Revival mansion open for guided tours and special programs. Filled with period furnishings and historical exhibits, the home offers insight into the lives of Marietta's prominent 19th-century families. The museum also hosts seasonal teas, workshops, and outdoor events in its picturesque gardens.