What makes West Virginia a hidden gem in the United States? Nestled in the Appalachian region, West Virginia boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling college town of Morgantown to the historic streets of Shepherdstown, each city offers unique attractions and experiences.
Whether you’re exploring botanical gardens, historic districts, or vibrant arts scenes, West Virginia’s cities provide a diverse array of activities for every traveler. Discover the best cities in West Virginia and uncover the charm and allure that make this state a must-visit destination.
| City | Top Attraction | Rating | Reviews | Address | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgantown | West Virginia Botanic Garden | 4.7 | 757 | 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508 | Botanical garden with trails |
| Parkersburg | Julia-Ann Square Historic District | 4.5 | 92 | 1001 Juliana St, Parkersburg, WV 26101 | Historic homes and architecture |
| Huntington | Ritter Park | 4.7 | 1877 | 910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701 | Walking paths and rose garden |
| Wheeling | Oglebay Park | 4.6 | 1200+ | 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003 | Gardens, zoo, and golf courses |
| Charleston | West Virginia State Museum | 4.8 | 400+ | 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV | State history and culture |
| Shepherdstown | Shepherd University | 4.5 | 200+ | 301 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 | Historic campus and programs |
| Bridgeport | Bridgeport Recreation Complex | 4.7 | 100+ | 425 Forrester Blvd, Bridgeport, WV | Sports fields and walking trails |
| Lewisburg | Greenbrier Valley Theatre | 4.8 | 100+ | 1038 E Washington St, Lewisburg, WV | Professional theater performances |
| Charles Town | Hollywood Casino | 4.1 | 2000+ | 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV | Gaming and horse racing |
| Martinsburg | Belle Boyd House | 4.6 | 50+ | 126 E Race St, Martinsburg, WV 25401 | Historic house museum |
10 Best Cities In West Virginia
1. Morgantown
What can you explore at the West Virginia Botanic Garden?
The West Virginia Botanic Garden, located at 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508, offers an oasis from city life with over 4 miles of trails through shaded hemlock forests. The garden fosters learning, inspiration, and well-being through the beauty and wonder of plants and the natural environment. Admission is free, but a $5 donation per adult visitor is requested.
What activities are available at the Core Arboretum?
The WVU Core Arboretum, located adjacent to the WVU Coliseum and directly across Monongahela Blvd from the WVU Creative Arts Center, features 91 acres of hillside and bottomland with 3 miles of foot trails. It is a public greenspace with a botanical garden and an old-growth forest preserve, offering educational walks, camps, and programs throughout the year.
Why is the Don Knotts Statue significant?
The Don Knotts Statue, located at 371 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505, honors the legendary comedic actor Don Knotts, best known for his roles in “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Three’s Company.” The life-sized statue, designed by artist Jamie Lester, depicts Knotts holding his service cap and a script, symbolizing his contributions to television and film.
2. Parkersburg
What is the historical significance of the Julia-Ann Square Historic District?
The Julia-Ann Square Historic District, located at 1001 Juliana St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, is the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia. It features approximately 126 homes in the Second Empire, 19th-century eclectic, and Queen Anne styles dating from c. 1850 to 1910. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What can visitors expect at Fort Boreman Park?
Fort Boreman Park, located at Fort Boreman Dr, Parkersburg, WV 26101, is a historic archaeological site encompassing a Civil War fortification. Built-in 1863, the fort was designed to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The park offers scenic views, picnic areas, and historical insights into the Civil War era.
What makes Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park unique?
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, located at 137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, features a Palladian mansion and a museum of regional history. The park is accessed by a sternwheeler riverboat and offers tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and special events. The island’s history includes its role in Aaron Burr’s military expedition.
3. Huntington
What amenities does Ritter Park offer?
Ritter Park, located at 910 13th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, is known for its walking path, award-winning Rose Garden, and numerous amenities including playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a dog park. The park also hosts outdoor community theater events and various seasonal activities.
What activities are available at Harris Riverfront Park?
Harris Riverfront Park, located at 10th St & Veterans Memorial Blvd, Huntington, WV 25701, offers a variety of recreational activities including walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park is a popular venue for community events and concerts.
What can you learn at the Heritage Farm Museum & Village?
The Heritage Farm Museum & Village, located at 3300 Harvey Rd, Huntington, WV 25704, is a living history museum that showcases Appalachian heritage through exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive activities. The museum features historic buildings, artifacts, and educational programs.
4. Wheeling
What attractions are available at Oglebay Park?
Oglebay Park, located at 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, is a 1,700-acre park offering a variety of attractions including gardens, a zoo, golf courses, and a museum. The park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and family activities.
What can visitors experience at the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack?
The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, located at 1 S Stone St, Wheeling, WV 26003, offers gaming, live entertainment, dining, and hotel accommodations. The venue also features greyhound racing and various events throughout the year.
What is the historical significance of the Capitol Theatre?
The Capitol Theatre, located at 1015 Main St, Wheeling, WV 26003, is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances including concerts, plays, and comedy shows. The theater is an important cultural landmark in Wheeling.
5. Charleston
What can you explore at the West Virginia State Museum?
The West Virginia State Museum, located at 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305, offers exhibits on the state’s history, culture, and natural resources. The museum features artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs.
What makes Capitol Market a popular destination?
Capitol Market, located at 800 Smith St, Charleston, WV 25301, is a year-round market offering fresh produce, local products, and specialty foods. The market also hosts seasonal events and activities.
What outdoor activities are available at Kanawha State Forest?
Kanawha State Forest, located at 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV 25314, offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking. The forest features over 25 miles of trails and diverse wildlife.
6. Shepherdstown
What can you learn at Shepherd University?
Shepherd University, located at 301 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, is a public university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus features historic buildings and a vibrant academic community.
What exhibits are available at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum?
The Historic Shepherdstown Museum, located at 129 E German St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, offers exhibits on the town’s history, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum provides insights into the local heritage and culture.
What is the significance of the Rumsey Monument?
The Rumsey Monument, located in Shepherdstown, WV 25443, commemorates James Rumsey, an early American inventor who demonstrated a steamboat on the Potomac River. The monument offers scenic views and historical information.
7. Bridgeport
What facilities are available at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex?
The Bridgeport Recreation Complex, located at 425 Forrester Blvd, Bridgeport, WV 26330, offers sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The complex is a popular venue for community events and recreational activities.
What shopping options are available at Meadowbrook Mall?
Meadowbrook Mall, located at 2399 Meadowbrook Mall Rd, Bridgeport, WV 26330, features a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The mall is a major shopping destination in the area.
What amenities does Bridgeport City Park offer?
Bridgeport City Park, located at 413 Johnson Ave, Bridgeport, WV 26330, offers playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The park is a popular spot for family outings and community events.
8. Lewisburg
What performances can you see at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre?
The Greenbrier Valley Theatre, located at 1038 E Washington St, Lewisburg, WV 24901, is a professional theater offering a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts. The theater is a cultural hub in Lewisburg.
What can you explore at Lost World Caverns?
Lost World Caverns, located at 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, offers guided tours of underground caverns featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations. The site also has a museum and gift shop.
What events are held at Carnegie Hall?
Carnegie Hall, located at 611 Church St, Lewisburg, WV 24901, hosts a variety of cultural events including concerts, art exhibits, and educational programs. The historic building is a key cultural venue in Lewisburg.
9. Charles Town
What entertainment options are available at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races?
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, located at 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414, offers gaming, live entertainment, dining, and horse racing. The casino is a major entertainment destination in the area.
What historical insights can you gain at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park?
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located at 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, offers exhibits and tours related to the town’s role in American history, including John Brown’s raid and Civil War events. The park features historic buildings, hiking trails, and scenic views.
What can you learn at the Jefferson County Museum?
The Jefferson County Museum, located at 200 E Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414, offers exhibits on the county’s history, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum provides insights into the local heritage and culture.
10. Martinsburg
What historical significance does the Belle Boyd Household have?
The Belle Boyd House, located at 126 E Race St, Martinsburg, WV 25401, is a historic house museum dedicated to Belle Boyd, a Confederate spy during the Civil War. The museum offers exhibits on her life and the history of the area.
What can you explore at the Martinsburg Roundhouse?
The Martinsburg Roundhouse, located at 100 E Liberty St, Martinsburg, WV 25401, is a historic railroad facility offering tours and exhibits on the history of railroads in the region. The site includes a roundhouse, turntable, and other historic structures.
What amenities does War Memorial Park offer?
War Memorial Park, located at 500 N Tennessee Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401, offers playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. The park is a popular spot for family outings and community events.
Conclusion:
Why should you consider visiting West Virginia’s top cities? Each city, from the scenic parks of Huntington to the historic landmarks of Martinsburg, offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or culture seeker, West Virginia’s cities have something special to offer.
Embrace the opportunity to explore these diverse destinations and experience the warmth and hospitality that define the Mountain State. Plan your visit to West Virginia and create unforgettable memories in its best cities.