Have you ever wondered what hidden gems and vibrant cities await you in the Mountain State? West Virginia, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich history, is home to a diverse array of charming towns and cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the bustling capital city of Charleston to the quaint and friendly streets of Fairmont, there’s no shortage of fascinating places to explore.
Join us on a journey through ten of the most popular cities in West Virginia, as we uncover the stories, traditions, and local flavors that make each one a true destination in its own right. Get ready to be captivated by the allure of these remarkable Mountain State cities!
Here is a Microsoft Excel table for the 10 Popular Cities in West Virginia, using 5 different parameters.
| City | Top Attraction | Outdoor Recreation | Cultural Highlight | Annual Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | West Virginia State Capitol | Kanawha State Forest | Clay Center for Arts & Sci. | Vandalia Gathering |
| Huntington | Huntington Museum of Art | Ritter Park | Heritage Farm Museum | Huntington Music & Arts Fest. |
| Morgantown | West Virginia University | Coopers Rock State Forest | Morgantown Brewing Company | West Virginia Wine & Jazz Fest. |
| Parkersburg | Blennerhassett Island Hist. SP | North Bend Rail Trail | Parkersburg Art Center | Taste of Parkersburg |
| Wheeling | Oglebay Park & Resort | Heritage Trail | West Virginia Independence Hall | Wheeling Celtic Celebration |
| Weirton | Mountaineer Casino & Resort | Tomlinson Run State Park | Weirton Area Museum | Renaissance Weirton Festival |
| Martinsburg | Belle Boyd House | C&O Canal Nat. Hist. Park | Triple Brick Museum | Mountain State Apple Harvest |
| Fairmont | Pricketts Fort State Park | Valley Falls State Park | Fairmont Theatre | West Virginia Three Rivers Fest |
| Beckley | Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine | New River Gorge Nat. Park | Tamarack Cultural Center | Appalachian Festival |
| Clarksburg | Waldomore Historic Landmark | Veterans Memorial Park | Clarksburg Amphitheater | WV Italian Heritage Festival |
10 Popular Cities In West Virginia
West Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a state known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cities. From the capital city of Charleston to the bustling college town of Morgantown, each city in West Virginia has its own unique character and charm. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the most popular cities in the Mountain State, highlighting their history, attractions, and local flavor.
1. Charleston
History and founding of West Virginia’s capital city
Charleston, the capital and largest city of West Virginia, was founded in 1788 by George Clendenin and named after his father, Charles Clendenin. The city grew rapidly during the early 19th century due to its strategic location along the Kanawha River and the discovery of salt brines and natural gas in the area.
Top tourist attractions, such as the State Capitol, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, and Kanawha State Forest
What are the must-see attractions in Charleston?
Charleston boasts several notable attractions, including the stunning West Virginia State Capitol, a grand limestone structure with a distinctive gold-leaf dome. The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences offers interactive exhibits, live performances, and an art museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, Kanawha State Forest provides over 9,000 acres of hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.
Best restaurants and local cuisine
Where can visitors find the best local cuisine in Charleston?
Charleston’s culinary scene showcases the best of Appalachian cuisine, with local favorites like Tudor’s Biscuit World, known for its homemade biscuits and gravy. The Capitol Market, housed in a historic train station, offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of local eateries.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in and around the city
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Charleston?
In addition to Kanawha State Forest, Charleston offers numerous parks and green spaces, such as Coonskin Park and Cato Park, which feature hiking trails, fishing lakes, and sports facilities. The Kanawha River provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
2. Huntington
Marshall University and its impact on the city
Huntington, West Virginia’s second-largest city, is home to Marshall University, a public research university founded in 1837. The university plays a significant role in the city’s economy and cultural life, with over 13,000 students and numerous community events and partnerships.
Huntington Museum of Art and other cultural attractions
What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Huntington?
The Huntington Museum of Art, located in the city’s Park Hills neighborhood, features an extensive collection of American and European art, as well as a sculpture garden and nature trails. The Museum of Radio and Technology showcases the history of radio and early technology, while the Heritage Farm Museum and Village offers a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life.
Ritter Park and other green spaces
Where can visitors enjoy outdoor spaces in Huntington?
Ritter Park, a historic 70-acre park in the heart of Huntington, features walking trails, a rose garden, and an amphitheater that hosts summer concerts and events. Harris Riverfront Park, along the Ohio River, offers a boat ramp, playground, and picnic areas.
Annual festivals and events, like the Huntington Music & Arts Festival
What annual events and festivals take place in Huntington?
Huntington hosts several popular annual events, including the Huntington Music & Arts Festival, which showcases local and regional musicians and artists. The Rails & Ales Festival celebrates the city’s railroad heritage and craft beer scene, while the Chilifest is a beloved annual event featuring a chili cook-off and live entertainment.
3. Morgantown
Home to West Virginia University and its influence on the city
Morgantown, located in northern West Virginia, is home to West Virginia University, a major public research university with over 26,000 students. The university’s presence has a significant impact on the city’s economy, culture, and demographics.
Outdoor adventures in Coopers Rock State Forest and along the Monongahela River
What outdoor recreational opportunities are available in Morgantown?
Morgantown is surrounded by natural beauty, with Coopers Rock State Forest just a short drive from the city. The forest offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and scenic overlooks of the Cheat River Gorge. The Monongahela River, which flows through the city, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Unique shops and restaurants in the downtown area
What can visitors expect from Morgantown’s downtown shopping and dining scene?
Downtown Morgantown features a variety of unique shops, boutiques, and galleries, showcasing local artisans and crafters. The city’s restaurant scene offers a diverse array of cuisines, from farm-to-table fare to international flavors.
Morgantown’s craft beer and distillery scene
What is the craft beer and distillery scene like in Morgantown?
Morgantown has a thriving craft beer and distillery scene, with several local breweries and distilleries offering tours, tastings, and events. Notable establishments include Morgantown Brewing Company, Mountain State Brewing Co., and Smooth Ambler Spirits.
4. Parkersburg
History of the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Parkersburg, located in western West Virginia along the Ohio River, is home to the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The island, accessible by sternwheeler boat, features a reconstructed mansion and museum that tell the story of the Blennerhassett family and their involvement in the Aaron Burr conspiracy of 1805.
Fenton Art Glass Company and its role in the city’s heritage
What is the significance of the Fenton Art Glass Company in Parkersburg?
The Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905, was a major employer and cultural influence in Parkersburg for over a century. The company was known for its handcrafted art glass, including colorful vases, figurines, and decorative objects. Although the company closed in 2011, its legacy is celebrated at the Fenton Art Glass Museum.
Biking and hiking trails in the area
What opportunities are there for biking and hiking in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg offers several scenic biking and hiking trails, including the North Bend Rail Trail, which stretches 72 miles from Parkersburg to Clarksburg, passing through tunnels and over bridges. The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of the city, provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.
Parkersburg’s arts and theater community
What arts and theater offerings are available in Parkersburg?
Parkersburg has a vibrant arts and theater community, with several venues showcasing local talent. The Actors Guild of Parkersburg, founded in 1956, presents a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. The Parkersburg Art Center hosts exhibitions, classes, and workshops, while the Smoot Theatre, a historic vaudeville theater, offers live performances and concerts.
5. Wheeling
Significance of Wheeling as the first state capital of West Virginia
Wheeling, located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, served as the state’s first capital from 1863 to 1870 and again from 1875 to 1885. The city played a significant role in the state’s early history and development.
Oglebay Park and its various attractions, including the Good Zoo and Oglebay Resort
What attractions can visitors enjoy at Oglebay Park?
Oglebay Park, a 1,700-acre municipal park in Wheeling, offers a wide range of attractions and activities. The Good Zoo, located within the park, features over 50 species of animals, as well as a train ride and interactive exhibits. The Oglebay Resort offers accommodations, golf courses, a spa, and seasonal events like the Winter Festival of Lights.
Victorian architecture and historic sites in the city
What historic architecture can be found in Wheeling?
Wheeling boasts an impressive collection of Victorian-era architecture, particularly in its historic downtown district. Notable buildings include the West Virginia Independence Hall, where the state’s constitution was drafted, and the Eckhart House, a restored Victorian mansion that offers tours and exhibits.
Wheeling’s role in the Underground Railroad and Civil War history
What role did Wheeling play in the Underground Railroad and Civil War?
Wheeling was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, with several sites in the city serving as safe houses for escaped slaves. During the Civil War, Wheeling served as a Union stronghold and was the site of several important battles and political events, including the Wheeling Convention of 1861, which led to the creation of the state of West Virginia.
6. Weirton
Steel industry heritage and the Weirton Area Museum & Cultural Center
Weirton, located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, has a rich steel industry heritage. The city was home to Weirton Steel, one of the largest steel mills in the United States, which operated from 1909 to 2004. The Weirton Area Museum & Cultural Center celebrates this history with exhibits on the city’s industrial past and the lives of its workers.
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
What can visitors expect at the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort?
The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is a popular destination in Weirton, offering a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and live horse racing. The resort also features several restaurants, a hotel, and live entertainment venues.
Nearby Tomlinson Run State Park and its recreational offerings
What outdoor activities are available at Tomlinson Run State Park?
Tomlinson Run State Park, located just outside of Weirton, offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The park features a 30-acre lake, a swimming pool, and a miniature golf course.
Annual Renaissance Weirton Festival and other community events
What annual events and festivals take place in Weirton?
Weirton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Renaissance Weirton Festival, which celebrates the city’s history and cultural heritage with live music, food vendors, and craft demonstrations. The Weirton Greek Festival, held annually in July, showcases Greek cuisine, music, and dance.
7. Martinsburg
Significance of the city during the Civil War
Martinsburg, located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, played a significant role during the Civil War. The city changed hands several times between Union and Confederate forces, and was the site of several notable events, including the Great Train Raid of 1861, in which Confederate soldiers captured and destroyed a large number of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad locomotives and cars.
Belle Boyd House and other historical sites
What historical sites can visitors explore in Martinsburg?
The Belle Boyd House, located in downtown Martinsburg, is a historic home that served as a headquarters for Confederate spy Belle Boyd during the Civil War. The house now operates as a museum, offering tours and exhibits on Boyd’s life and the city’s Civil War history. Other notable sites include the Martinsburg Roundhouse, a restored 19th-century railroad roundhouse, and the Triple Brick Museum, which showcases the city’s early industrial heritage.
Martinsburg’s role in the apple industry and related festivals
What is Martinsburg’s connection to the apple industry?
Martinsburg and the surrounding Eastern Panhandle region are known for their apple orchards and production. The city hosts the annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in October, which features a parade, apple-themed food and crafts, and live entertainment.
Proximity to outdoor recreation in the Shenandoah Valley
What outdoor recreational opportunities are available near Martinsburg?
Martinsburg’s location in the Shenandoah Valley provides easy access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which follows the Potomac River, offers hiking, biking, and boating opportunities. The Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, located just west of the city, features hiking trails, fishing, and hunting.
8. Fairmont
“Friendly City” nickname and community spirit
Fairmont, located in north-central West Virginia, is known as the “Friendly City” due to its welcoming community and small-town charm. The city’s residents take pride in their history and cultural heritage and host several community events throughout the year.
Pricketts Fort State Park and its living history demonstrations
What can visitors experience at Pricketts Fort State Park?
Pricketts Fort State Park, located just outside of Fairmont, is a reconstructed 18th-century frontier fort that offers living history demonstrations and reenactments. Visitors can tour the fort, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about life on the colonial frontier.
Fairmont’s historic downtown district and unique shops
What can visitors expect in Fairmont’s historic downtown district?
Fairmont’s historic downtown district features a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, housed in restored 19th and early 20th-century buildings. Notable attractions include the Marion County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area’s history, and the Fairmont Theatre, a restored 1920s movie palace that hosts live performances and events.
Annual events like the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival and Feast of the Seven Fishes
What annual events and festivals take place in Fairmont?
Fairmont hosts several popular annual events, including the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival in May, which features live music, food vendors, and a carnival. The Feast of the Seven Fishes, held in December, is a beloved Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition that celebrates the city’s immigrant heritage with seafood dishes and festivities.
9. Beckley
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the city’s coal mining heritage
Beckley, located in southern West Virginia, has a rich coal mining heritage that is celebrated at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Visitors can tour an underground coal mine, ride a vintage coal train, and learn about the lives of coal miners and their families.
Tamarack cultural center showcasing West Virginia artisans
What is the Tamarack cultural center and what does it offer?
The Tamarack Cultural Center, located just outside of Beckley, showcases the work of West Virginia artisans and craftspeople. The center features a variety of handcrafted products, including pottery, glassware, textiles, and furniture, as well as live demonstrations and workshops.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve nearby
What outdoor recreational opportunities are available at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located just north of Beckley, offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and scenic drives. The park is known for its stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the United States.
Winterplace Ski Resort and other outdoor recreation opportunities
What other outdoor recreational opportunities are available in the Beckley area?
In addition to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Beckley area offers several other outdoor recreational opportunities. Winterplace Ski Resort, located just south of the city, features skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails, a network of off-road trails for ATVs and dirt bikes, can also be accessed from the Beckley area.
10. Clarksburg
Clarksburg, a historic antebellum home and library
Clarksburg, located in north-central West Virginia, is home to Clarksburg, a historic antebellum home that now serves as a public library. The house, built in 1842, features Greek Revival architecture and period furnishings and is open for tours and special events.
Clarksburg Amphitheater and outdoor concerts
What events take place at the Clarksburg Amphitheater?
The Clarksburg Amphitheater, located in the city’s downtown district, hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer months. The venue features a covered stage and lawn seating and showcases local and regional musicians and performers.
Veterans Memorial Park and other green spaces
What outdoor recreational opportunities are available in Clarksburg?
Clarksburg offers several parks and green spaces for outdoor recreation, including Veterans Memorial Park, which features walking trails, a fishing pond, and a memorial to local veterans. The Clarksburg City Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming pool, while the North Bend Rail Trail provides opportunities for hiking and biking.
Conclusion:
As we conclude our exploration of the ten most popular cities in West Virginia, it’s clear that this beautiful state has something to offer everyone. From the historic streets of Martinsburg to the outdoor adventures of Beckley, each city tells a unique story of resilience, innovation, and community spirit.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, you’ll find endless opportunities to discover and create unforgettable memories in these Mountain State cities.
So why not plan your next adventure today and experience the warmth, charm, and hospitality of West Virginia for yourself? You never know what hidden treasures and lifelong friendships await you in the heart of Appalachia!