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Parkersburg, WV: Where Fun Meets Adventure – Best Things To Do & Places To Visit!

Much of what has survived in Parkersburg costs nothing at all to look at. The Julia-Ann Square Historic District is a self-guided walk, and Fort Boreman Park is simply a park. Both free. You pay for the Blennerhassett Island tour, because that one includes the sternwheeler ride out across. And you pay properly at the Blennerhassett Hotel, which went up in 1889 and has been restored since then.

Are you planning a trip to Parkersburg, West Virginia? This is the place. This city is packed with things to do, from time outdoors to historical tours. Travelling alone, with friends, or with family, something here will hold you.

If you follow history, you will take to the run through Parkersburg’s past. From the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park to the Oil and Gas Museum, there are plenty of ways to work the city’s heritage. If you follow art and culture, do not miss the artistic side of Parkersburg. Visit the Parkersburg Art Center, take a show at the Smoot Theatre, or work the local galleries and see what the city’s arts scene is doing.

And no trip to Parkersburg is complete without its outdoor spaces. A quiet hike through the woods or something with more in it, both are here. From Fort Boreman Park to the North Bend Rail Trail, there are miles of trails to work, as well as kayaking, fishing and more. After a day outdoors, check out the local shopping and dining, where you will find everything from boutiques to local cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Parkersburg, West Virginia is a great destination for history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• Take a journey through the city’s rich past at historical sites like the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the Oil and Gas Museum.
• Explore the artistic side of Parkersburg at the Parkersburg Art Center, Smoot Theatre, and local galleries. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces, from Fort Boreman Park to the North Bend Rail Trail.

Historical Journey Through Parkersburg

If you follow history, Parkersburg runs plenty. Here are the spots that take you back:

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

You step back a couple of centuries when you visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Take a tour of the Blennerhassett Mansion, built in 1800, and work the island’s history. The mansion was once home to Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, who were known for the parties they threw. You will also find a museum with artifacts from the island’s past, items from Native American tribes and the American Civil War among them. And do not miss the guided tours of the island, which take in a ride on a sternwheeler boat.

Oil and Gas Museum

Parkersburg was once a hub for the oil and gas industry, and the Oil and Gas Museum earns the stop for anybody who follows the history of it. The museum holds exhibits on the industry, the tools and equipment used in drilling among them, as well as a Bible collection and a replica of a general store from the early 1900s. You will also find exhibits on the Little Kanawha River, which carried the oil and gas out.

Julia-Ann Square Historic District

Take a self-guided walking tour of the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. The district holds some of Parkersburg’s strongest Victorian homes, the Alexander Parker House among them, built in 1902. You will also find the Cooper Log Cabin Museum, filled with artifacts from the 1800s, canons from the American Civil War among them.

Fort Boreman Park

Fort Boreman Park is where to work the history of the area. The park holds a historic fort used during the American Civil War by the Union Army. You will also find exhibits on the history of the area, with information on the Native American tribes who lived here. And do not miss the views of the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River from the park’s lookout tower.

Artistic Side of Parkersburg

Parkersburg is known for its history and its country, but it also runs an artistic side. From art centers to theaters, there are plenty of places to work art in Parkersburg. Here are the ones to check out:

Parkersburg Art Center

If you follow art, you will want the Parkersburg Art Center. This non-profit organization works to put art and artists in front of the community. The center runs a range of exhibits through the year, showing both local and national artists. You can also take art classes, workshops, and attend events. It is where to work art and meet the people who follow it here.

Smoot Theatre

The Smoot Theatre is a historic theater that has been putting on shows since 1926. The theater has been through several renovations over the years and now runs a serious facility. It hosts a range of events through the year, concerts, plays and musicals among them. The theater is also home to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-Parkersburg, led by Maestro Grant Cooper. If you are in town in the festive season, do not miss the annual performance of “The Nutcracker.”

So visual art or performing arts, Parkersburg covers both. And check out the Marx Toys exhibit at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History if you follow the history of toys.

Outdoor Adventures in Parkersburg

Want time outdoors in Parkersburg? This is the place, because this town runs plenty of ways to get outside. From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, everybody is covered. Here are the two options to start with:

Point Park

If you want somewhere to sit with the country in front of you, Point Park does the job. On the banks of the Ohio River, this park opens out over the water and the hills behind it. Take a stroll along the riverfront walkway, or sit on one of the park benches and watch the boats go by.

There is plenty to do at Point Park if you want something more active. The park runs a playground for kids, as well as a basketball court and a sand volleyball court. And if you follow history, check out the Point Park Veterans Memorial, which marks local veterans who served in the armed forces.

City Park

Another strong option for time outdoors is Parkersburg City Park. This large park covers everybody, from sports fields and playgrounds to walking trails and picnic areas. There is even a small lake where you can fish or take a paddleboat out.

One of the highlights of City Park is the renovated horseshoe pits. Seasoned hand or complete beginner, this is where to try your hand at a game that has not changed. And if you want something more structured, check the park’s schedule of events, which runs everything from concerts to craft fairs.

Whatever you follow, there is plenty of time outdoors to be had in Parkersburg. Get out there and work it.

Shopping and Dining in Parkersburg

On shopping and dining in Parkersburg, you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of options at every taste and budget. From wine to craft beer, from cafes to restaurants, Parkersburg runs it all.

North End Tavern Brewery

If you follow craft beer, you have to check out North End Tavern Brewery. This Parkersburg stronghold is known for its beer selection and its food. The brewery has been running since 1899 and has taken plenty of awards for its beer. You can also tour the brewery and see how the beer is made. And try their Peach Dessert Pizza, because that is what the locals order.

Philippines Best Restaurant and Carry Out

For the Philippines in Parkersburg, head over to Philippines Best Restaurant and Carry Out. This family-owned restaurant serves Filipino cooking that does its own work. From adobo to pancit, their menu runs it. And try their Mediterranean-inspired dishes, which hold up. And if you are lucky, you might catch one of their karaoke nights.

If you want more dining options, check out Taste of Parkersburg. This event brings together chefs, brewers and musicians for an evening of food, drinks and entertainment. You can reserve a table and buy tasting tickets to sample the wine, desserts, craft beer and cooking in the area.

And work the shops in Parkersburg while you are at it. Artcraft Studio 1 is where to find gifts and souvenirs you will not get elsewhere. And if you need a map, head over to the Parkersburg Visitor Center. They run maps and brochures for the attractions in the area.

Craft beer, Filipino cooking, or simply a good afternoon of shopping, Parkersburg covers all three.

The Blennerhassett Mansion out on the island was built back in 1800. The Alexander Parker House went up in 1902, in a district now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Smoot Theatre has been putting shows in front of audiences since 1926. North End Tavern Brewery has been pouring beer since 1899. And the Blennerhassett Hotel was built in 1889 and has been restored since.

Festivities and Events in Parkersburg

Are you ready for some time in Parkersburg? The city is known for the events it runs, which pull people from all over the country. Here are the events not to miss:

Colonial Days

Take a run back into the 18th century at Colonial Days. This annual event is held at the historic Blennerhassett Island State Park and runs reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Learn to churn butter, spin wool, and shoot a musket the way a colonist did. You can also take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon with live music and food around you.

Parkersburg Catholic

If you want a good time for a good cause, check out the annual Parkersburg Catholic Fall Festival. This event is a fundraiser for the local Catholic school and runs games, raffles, food and live music. Do not miss the cake walk or the silent auction. And your money goes somewhere worth it.

Family Winery

Wine people, this one is yours. The family winery in Parkersburg earns the stop for anybody who follows a good glass. The winery hosts regular events through the year, wine tastings, grape stomping parties and harvest festivals among them. You can also tour the vineyards and work the winemaking process. And the country around it and the pace of the place make it easy to stay.

So get out there and take everything Parkersburg runs.

Accommodations in Parkersburg

On accommodations in Parkersburg, you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of options, whether you want a serious hotel or a budget-friendly motel. Here is a closer look at one of the strongest options in town:

Blennerhassett Hotel

If you want a hotel with history in it, the Blennerhassett Hotel is the answer. This hotel was built in 1889 and has been restored to what it was. The rooms run spacious and comfortable, with plush bedding and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

But what sets the Blennerhassett Hotel apart is the detail. From the lobby to the on-site restaurant, everything here is built to look after you. And if you want more of that, check out the hotel’s spa and fitness center.

All of that comes at a price. But if you want somewhere for an occasion or a weekend for two, the Blennerhassett Hotel is worth the money.

So there you have it, a quick run through one of the strongest accommodations in Parkersburg. The Blennerhassett Hotel or another option, the stay will hold in this West Virginia town.

Getting Around Parkersburg

On getting around Parkersburg, you have a few options. Here are two ways to work the city:

Island Belle Sternwheeler

Why walk around town when you can float down the Ohio River on the Island Belle Sternwheeler? This paddle wheel boat runs a tour of the area, with historical commentary and the water on both sides. You glide along the way people did, taking the sights and sounds of Parkersburg as they come.

Horse Carriage Tours

For an older way to move, get on a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of downtown Parkersburg. This ride takes you through the heart of the city, past storefronts and historic buildings. It is how to slow down and take the pace of this West Virginia town.

Whichever option you choose, working Parkersburg will stay with you. And pick up a brochure or ask about the other services available to make the most of your visit to Newport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any quirky museums in Parkersburg worth checking out?

Yes. If you follow history, you will take to the Oil and Gas Museum. It is a small museum, but it is packed with artifacts and exhibits. You work the history of oil and gas production in the area, and you get to see a working oil derrick. And if you follow the odder end of things, check out the Lee Middleton Doll Museum, which is filled with dolls that will stay with you longer than you want.

What are some unique date ideas in Parkersburg?

Want a date that is not the usual? Take a walk through the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, work the historic mansion, and take a picnic on the island. And if you want something with more in it, head to North Bend State Park for the zip lining and the hiking.

Where can I find the best shopping in Parkersburg?

Downtown Parkersburg is where to shop. You will find boutiques and shops you will not get elsewhere, the Parkersburg Art Center among them, where you can work and buy local art. And if you want a more traditional run at it, head to the Grand Central Mall, which runs the big names.

What’s the food scene like in Parkersburg? Any must-try restaurants?

The food scene in Parkersburg goes deeper than you would expect. For classic American fare, check out the North End Tavern & Brewery. They have been serving burgers and craft beer for over 100 years. If you want Italian, head to Spats Restaurant & Pizzeria, where the wood-fired pizzas hold up. And if you want something more upscale, try Austyn’s Restaurant, where the steak and seafood do their own work.

Frequently asked questions about Parkersburg, West Virginia

What exactly is it that is out at the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park these days?

The Blennerhassett Mansion, which was built back in 1800 and which you can still go and tour today. The guided tour takes in the sternwheeler ride out to the island itself as well. There is a museum out there as well, with Native American and American Civil War artifacts inside it. Colonial Days.

How old exactly is the North End Tavern Brewery over there in Parkersburg?

It has been running since 1899 and has taken plenty of awards for its beer over all of that time. You can tour it. Try the Peach Dessert Pizza, which is the thing that all of the locals seem to order. Over 100 years of it now.

Which one of the museums in Parkersburg is really worth a whole hour of it?

The Oil and Gas Museum, because this whole city was once built on that one single industry alone. It holds the drilling tools, a Bible collection and a replica of a whole general store as well. The store itself is done out exactly as it stood there back in the early 1900s. Dolls.

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