Parkersburg West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parkersburg, West Virginia.
1. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
HISTORIC ISLAND MANSION
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features a beautiful Palladian mansion on a small island in the Ohio River that can be accessed via a sternwheeler riverboat from Point Park. The island has a rich history dating back to 1789 when it was settled by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, wealthy Irish aristocrats who created what became known as the West's most beautiful home. Visitors can enjoy tours of the grounds and mansion, horse-drawn carriage rides, and special events throughout the season from May through the last weekend of October.
2. Blennerhassett Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Blennerhassett Museum showcases the regional history of Parkersburg and the surrounding Ohio River Valley. Located in downtown Parkersburg, the museum complements the island experience by housing artifacts and exhibits related to the Blennerhassett family and the area's rich heritage. Visitors can explore the collections before or after their island tour to gain a comprehensive understanding of this historically significant region.
3. Fort Boreman Historical Park
CIVIL WAR OVERLOOK
Fort Boreman Historical Park sits atop a hill that once housed a strategic Civil War fort used to protect the B&O Railroad terminal and commercial facilities in the valley. Today, the park offers spectacular overlooks of Parkersburg and features a wooden boardwalk that winds through trees along the hillside. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and interpretive displays about the fort's historical significance.
4. Parkersburg Art Center
LOCAL ART GALLERY
The Parkersburg Art Center is one of the oldest art galleries in West Virginia, featuring six different gallery areas spread across multiple floors. This colorful and cheerful space offers classes, exhibits, custom framing, a market filled with local art for purchase, and a gift shop. The third floor of this cultural center is also used for special events such as wedding receptions.
5. Smoot Theater
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS
The Smoot Theater is a beautifully restored historic venue in downtown Parkersburg that hosts various performing arts events throughout the year. Originally opened in the early 20th century, this theater maintains its classic charm while offering modern entertainment experiences including concerts, plays, and cultural performances. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural details and the quality programming that makes the Smoot a centerpiece of Parkersburg's cultural scene.
6. Julia-Ann Square Historic District
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL SHOWCASE
The Julia-Ann Square Historic District showcases one of West Virginia's largest collections of Victorian architecture with beautifully preserved homes dating from the 1800s. Visitors can take walking tours through this charming neighborhood to admire the ornate details, colorful facades, and historical significance of these residences. The district offers a glimpse into Parkersburg's prosperous past when oil and gas industries brought wealth to the region.
7. WineTree Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
WineTree Vineyards offers visitors a delightful taste of locally produced wines in a charming setting near Parkersburg. Wine enthusiasts can sample various vintages made from grapes grown in the Ohio River Valley region while learning about the winemaking process. The vineyard provides a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying West Virginia's growing wine culture through tastings, tours, and special events.
8. Point Park
OHIO RIVER WATERFRONT
Point Park serves as Parkersburg's premier riverfront destination where the Little Kanawha River meets the mighty Ohio River. This scenic park offers walking paths, recreational areas, and serves as the departure point for the sternwheeler riverboat to Blennerhassett Island. Visitors can enjoy river views, watch barges navigate the waterway, and participate in various festivals and events held at the park throughout the year.
9. Oil & Gas Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Oil & Gas Museum chronicles the pivotal role that petroleum and natural gas industries played in developing the Parkersburg region and West Virginia. Housed in a historic building, the museum displays drilling equipment, tools, photographs, and documents that tell the story of these important extractive industries. Visitors can learn about the technological innovations, economic impact, and cultural changes brought about by the oil and gas boom that transformed the area.
10. Henderson Hall
PRESERVED HISTORIC PLANTATION
Henderson Hall is a meticulously preserved pre-Civil War plantation house that offers an authentic glimpse into the region's past. This 29-room mansion contains original furnishings, personal artifacts, and documents from five generations of the Henderson family who occupied the home for over 150 years. Visitors can tour this remarkable time capsule to experience the lifestyle of a prominent Ohio River Valley family from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
11. North Bend State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
North Bend State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities in a beautiful natural setting near Parkersburg. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, camping facilities, and access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail which follows a historic railroad corridor. Visitors can enjoy the park's serene lake, lush forests, and abundant wildlife while participating in activities ranging from geocaching to kayaking.
12. Johnson T. Janes Park
URBAN NATURE PRESERVE
Johnson T. Janes Park is the largest nature preserve within a West Virginia city, offering Parkersburg residents and visitors access to natural woodlands and recreational opportunities. This urban oasis features walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and peaceful settings for nature appreciation. The park provides a welcome retreat from city life while remaining conveniently accessible from downtown Parkersburg.
13. Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley
MILITARY HISTORY COLLECTION
The Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel from the region through comprehensive displays of uniforms, equipment, photographs, and personal memorabilia. This museum preserves the stories of local veterans from various conflicts throughout American history. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the military contributions of Mid-Ohio Valley residents while viewing authentic artifacts and hearing personal accounts of wartime experiences.
14. Downtown Parkersburg Shopping District
LOCAL RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Downtown Parkersburg's Shopping District offers a blend of major retailers, boutique shops, and local eateries in a historic setting. Visitors can browse through specialty stores offering unique merchandise while enjoying the architectural character of this river city's commercial core. The district regularly hosts special events, sidewalk sales, and seasonal celebrations that showcase the community's vibrant commercial heritage.
15. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
RIVER ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects a collection of islands and riparian habitats along the Ohio River near Parkersburg. This unique refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds, freshwater mussels, and numerous fish species that depend on the river ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, and interpretive programs that highlight the ecological importance of these protected river islands.