Ravenswood West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ravenswood, West Virginia.
1. The Great Bend Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Great Bend Museum tells the rich histories of Jackson County and the Ohio River's Great Bend region through a fascinating collection of objects, photographs, and archives. Visitors can explore exhibits that bring local stories to life, from Native American roots and early settlement to 20th-century community life in vivid detail. Located in the former Lock 22 powerhouse in Riverfront Park, the museum offers free admission with a suggested $5 donation and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4pm.
2. Sayre Cabin
PIONEER LIFE RECREATED
The Sayre Cabin, located in Riverfront Park, is furnished in the authentic manner of an 1800s homestead depicting the everyday lives of early pioneer families of Jackson County. Visitors can step back in time to experience the rustic living conditions and daily routines of the Sayre family and other settlers who shaped the region. This well-preserved historical structure offers a tangible connection to Ravenswood's frontier heritage and complements a visit to the nearby Great Bend Museum.
3. Washington Riverfront Park
SCENIC OHIO RIVER VIEWS
Washington Riverfront Park offers visitors stunning views of the Ohio River along with recreational facilities for the entire family. The park houses both the Great Bend Museum and the historic Sayre Cabin, making it a cultural and historical hub for Ravenswood. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking while taking in the natural beauty of the Great Bend region of the Ohio River.
4. Clara Weisheit Photography Exhibit
CAPTURING HISTORIC MOMENTS
The Clara Weisheit Photography Exhibit showcases the work of a gifted amateur photographer who documented early 20th-century Ravenswood with remarkable care and detail. Visitors can discover street scenes, family life, and forgotten moments that provide a window into the past lives of Ravenswood residents. This powerful exhibit, housed in the Great Bend Museum, offers a unique visual history of the community through an artistic and documentary lens.
5. Lewis and Clark Trail Site
HISTORIC EXPEDITION CAMP
The Lewis and Clark Trail Site in Ravenswood marks where Meriwether Lewis camped on September 16, 1803, during his journey to meet William Clark at the Falls of the Ohio. This significant historical location connects visitors to one of America's most famous expeditions and the early exploration of the western territories. History enthusiasts can learn about Lewis's journey along the Ohio River and the role this region played in the historic Corps of Discovery expedition.
6. The Great Bend of the Ohio River
NOTABLE GEOGRAPHIC FEATURE
The Great Bend is a remarkable geographic feature where the Ohio River bends back on itself in a narrow horseshoe shape, identified and named in maps dating back to the 1700s. This distinctive landmark was significant enough that George Washington specifically claimed two land tracts on it, one at Ravenswood and another at Millwood. Visitors can appreciate this natural wonder from various vantage points in Ravenswood, experiencing the same views that have captivated travelers for centuries.
7. Racine Locks and Dam
RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The Racine Locks and Dam is an impressive engineering structure that helps maintain the Ohio River's navigability for commercial and recreational vessels. Visitors can observe boats and barges passing through the locks, witnessing firsthand how this crucial infrastructure regulates water levels along the river. Located approximately 8.4 miles from Ravenswood, this attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into the management of one of America's most important waterways.
8. Letart Nature Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Letart Nature Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat along the Ohio River with walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and natural landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can observe local flora and fauna while enjoying scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside. This serene park provides a perfect escape for those seeking outdoor recreation near Ravenswood and complements the region's historical attractions with its natural beauty.
9. Jackson County Historical Society
PRESERVING REGIONAL HERITAGE
The Jackson County Historical Society, founded in 1972, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Jackson County and its communities. The organization manages the Great Bend Museum and offers resources for genealogical research, historical documentation, and community education about local history. Visitors interested in delving deeper into the region's past can access archives, participate in historical society events, and connect with local historians who share a passion for West Virginia history.
10. Ohio River Fishing Spots
ANGLER'S PARADISE
The Ohio River fishing spots around Ravenswood offer anglers excellent opportunities to catch various species including bass, catfish, and walleye in the historic waters of the Great Bend. Fishing enthusiasts can access the river from multiple points along Ravenswood's riverfront, enjoying both shore fishing and boat-based angling. The seasonal variations in fish activity and the scenic backdrop of the river valley create a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced fishermen throughout the year.
11. Henrietta Fitzhugh Barr Diary Exhibit
CIVIL WAR ERA MEMOIRS
The Henrietta Fitzhugh Barr Diary Exhibit presents the compelling first-hand accounts of Civil War life from the perspective of a local resident. This unique historical resource, highlighted at the Great Bend Museum, offers insights into how the conflict affected families and communities in the Ohio River Valley. Visitors can explore serialized entries from the diary that reveal personal observations about one of America's most tumultuous periods, providing a human dimension to broader historical events.
12. Washington's Land Claims
FIRST PRESIDENT'S PROPERTY
Washington's Land Claims in Ravenswood represent an intriguing connection to America's first president, who specifically selected land tracts along the Great Bend of the Ohio River. Visitors can explore the areas that George Washington deemed valuable enough to personally claim before the Revolutionary War, during his career as a surveyor and land speculator. Historical markers and information at the Great Bend Museum help travelers appreciate this presidential connection to Ravenswood's early European settlement history.
13. Ravenswood City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Ravenswood City Park provides residents and visitors with well-maintained recreational facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for community gatherings. Families can enjoy outdoor activities in a safe, accessible environment that serves as a hub for local events and casual leisure time throughout the seasons. The park exemplifies Ravenswood's commitment to quality of life amenities and creates opportunities for visitors to mingle with locals while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
14. Historic Downtown Ravenswood
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Ravenswood invites visitors to stroll through a quintessential small-town main street with preserved architecture and local businesses that reflect the community's character. Shoppers can browse unique stores, enjoy hometown restaurants, and appreciate the authentic ambiance of an Ohio River valley settlement that has evolved over generations. The walkable downtown area connects many of Ravenswood's attractions and provides a glimpse into the everyday life of this West Virginia community.
15. Ohio River Boating Access
RIVER RECREATION GATEWAY
Ohio River Boating Access points in Ravenswood offer water enthusiasts convenient facilities to launch boats, kayaks, and other watercraft onto one of America's most historic rivers. Recreational boaters can explore the distinctive Great Bend feature of the Ohio River, enjoying views of the shoreline that have captivated travelers since the 18th century. These well-maintained access areas provide both residents and tourists with opportunities for fishing, pleasure cruising, and water sports in the scenic river valley environment.