Shepherdstown West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
1. O'Hurley's General Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
O'Hurley's General Store is a top attraction in Shepherdstown offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its authentic old-time general store atmosphere. Visitors can browse through unique handcrafted items, antiques, and traditional goods while experiencing the charm of historic Shepherdstown. The store serves as both a shopping destination and a living museum of local heritage.
2. Shepherd University
HISTORIC ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Shepherd University stands as a cultural and educational landmark in the heart of Shepherdstown with its historic McMurran Hall featuring the iconic 'college wall' where students gather. The university campus blends historic architecture with modern educational facilities, offering visitors beautiful grounds to explore. Throughout the year, the university hosts numerous events, performances, and cultural activities open to the public.
3. Shepherdstown Historic District
WEST VIRGINIA'S OLDEST TOWN
The Shepherdstown Historic District encompasses nearly 60 historical sites along German Street and throughout this charming town, which is recognized as West Virginia's oldest. Visitors can explore buildings dating back to the early 1700s, including the Entler Hotel, Old Market House, and numerous historic homes and churches. A walking tour through the district reveals the rich architectural heritage and fascinating stories behind these preserved structures.
4. James Rumsey Monument
STEAMBOAT INNOVATION MEMORIAL
The James Rumsey Monument commemorates the inventor who demonstrated the first successful steamboat on the Potomac River in 1787, predating Robert Fulton's more famous version. This memorial stands as a testament to early American innovation and engineering prowess that helped shape the nation's transportation future. Visitors can enjoy both the historical significance of the site and spectacular views of the Potomac River from this elevated vantage point.
5. C&O Canal Towpath
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL TRAIL
The C&O Canal Towpath near Shepherdstown offers visitors a chance to experience a once-vital 19th-century waterway that transported goods between Washington DC and Maryland. Today, this historic path serves as a premier recreational trail for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventure. Visitors can rent bikes from Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle to fully explore this scenic route alongside the Potomac River.
6. Shepherdstown Opera House
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Shepherdstown Opera House is a recently renovated historic venue hosting movies, shows, concerts, and various cultural events in the heart of town. This architectural gem combines historic charm with modern amenities to provide an intimate setting for entertainment. Visitors can enjoy diverse performances while appreciating the preserved historical character of this iconic Shepherdstown landmark.
7. Shepherdstown Visitors Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL EXPLORATION
The Shepherdstown Visitors Center serves as the perfect starting point for first-time visitors, offering comprehensive maps, brochures, and information about the town's attractions. Staff members provide valuable insights about local history, dining options, and upcoming events to enhance the visitor experience. From here, travelers can embark on self-guided walking tours that showcase the town's rich heritage and hidden gems.
8. Historic Shepherdstown Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, housed in the former Entler Hotel, preserves and showcases the town's rich history through artifacts, documents, and exhibits. Visitors can explore collections that span from Native American presence through colonial settlement to Civil War impacts and beyond. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life, notable events, and significant figures that shaped this historic West Virginia town.
9. Shepherdstown Public Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN
The Shepherdstown Public Library occupies the historic Old Market House building, combining literary resources with architectural significance in the town center. Beyond its collection of books and media, the library serves as a community hub hosting various events, readings, and educational programs. The building itself represents an important piece of Shepherdstown's history, having served different civic functions throughout the centuries.
10. The Club at Cress Creek
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Club at Cress Creek offers golfers a challenging and scenic 18-hole course nestled in the beautiful landscape surrounding Shepherdstown. Players enjoy meticulously maintained fairways and greens with panoramic views of the countryside and distant mountains. This premier golfing destination combines sport with natural beauty, making it a popular attraction for both serious golfers and casual players visiting the area.
11. Antietam National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Antietam National Battlefield, located just a short drive from Shepherdstown, preserves the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history that took place on September 17, 1862. Visitors can explore the battlefield through a self-guided driving tour that explains the strategic movements, decisive moments, and human stories of this pivotal Civil War engagement. The site features preserved landscapes, monuments, a visitor center with exhibits, and ranger-led programs that bring this significant historical event to life.
12. Shepherdstown Ghost Tour
PARANORMAL HISTORY WALK
The Shepherdstown Ghost Tour takes visitors on a spine-tingling journey through the town's most haunted locations and supernatural legends. Tour guides share chilling tales of reported paranormal activities, historical tragedies, and unexplained phenomena that have made Shepherdstown famous among ghost hunters. This popular evening activity combines local history with ghostly folklore, offering a unique and memorable perspective on this historic West Virginia town.
13. Potomac River Access
SCENIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Potomac River access points near Shepherdstown provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and riverside relaxation with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can rent watercraft from local outfitters to explore this historic waterway that has shaped the region's development and transportation for centuries. The river's calm sections are perfect for beginners while offering enough variety to keep experienced paddlers engaged.
14. Contemporary American Theater Festival
CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMING ARTS
The Contemporary American Theater Festival, held annually in July at Shepherd University, transforms Shepherdstown into a vibrant hub for new American plays and theatrical innovation. This renowned festival attracts playwrights, directors, actors, and theater enthusiasts from across the country to experience multiple productions in repertory. Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking performances, attend workshops, and participate in discussions with artists during this celebrated cultural event.
15. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
HISTORIC TOWN AND TRAILS
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located a short drive from Shepherdstown, preserves a historic town where significant events in American history unfolded, including John Brown's raid. The park offers a combination of preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, hiking trails, and spectacular views at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Visitors can explore exhibits on Civil War history, industrial development, and natural features while experiencing the unique atmosphere of this remarkably preserved historic community.