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Parkersburg, West Virginia

by ShanaCorbin

Parkersburg, West Virginia is a gem of the Mid-Ohio Valley Ohio River, where heritage and history blend seamlessly with outdoor pursuits and a genuine small-town warmth. Approximately a two-hour drive via I-70 and I-77 from Coumbus, Ohio or Pittsburgh, Pa., Parkersburg is an easy weekend getaway. Its downtown is filled with a mix of local businesses ranging from the nostalgia of a historic 5 & Dime to the variety of state’s largest country store and from the contemporary vibe of a local brewery to the sweet creations of a premier chocolatier. The local food scene includes both longtime local favorites and new eateries, a combination that offers something to please any palate.

Visitors can step into the stories of the region that come alive at award winning museums and historic sites, including the Oil & Gas Museum, Henderson Hall and Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. Parkersburg’s Julia-Ann Square Historic District is the largest historic residential in West Virginia. A different kind of “island time” adventure is a trip to Blennerhassett Island, accessible by a scenic sternwheel boat ride. Here, wagon rides and history tours and picnics on the grounds are the norm and a beautifully restored Palladian-style mansion brings the early 19th-century to life.

Those looking for outdoor escapes will find them easily in reach within minutes of downtown. Popular choices range from mountain biking and hiking at Mountwood Park, cycling the North Bend State Park rail-to-trail path or paddling the Ohio River Water Trail. There are plenty of options for camping, fishing and wildlife watching throughout the Greater Parkersburg area.

Dynamic arts venues, both visual and performing, and a diverse slate of events offer reasons to visit throughout the year. And lodging properties offer a variety of experiences, too, from well-known lodging brands to a historic hotel to remote cabins. Whether for family fun, outdoor challenges or exploration of the region’s rich history, Parkersburg is an outstanding location for a welcome getaway.

Fast Facts

  • The Greater Parkersburg area was an early center for oil exploration in America. One of the first oil wells in the country was drilled at Burning Springs in 1859.
  • Parkersburg is home to the oldest Tavern/Restaurant in West Virginia–The North End tavern and Brewery.
  • Parkersburg is home to the longest continuously operating Arts Organization in West Virginia–The Parkersburg Art Center.
  • Parkersburg is home to the state’s largest residential Historic District–The Julia Anne Square Historic District.
  • Parkersburg has the only West Virginia State Park located on an Island–Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
  • Blennerhassett Island was the location of the jumping off point for Aaron Burr’s expedition to the Southwest that resulted in his trial for treason against the United States.
  • City Park in Parkersburg, is the oldest city Park in West Virginia (established in 1897).
  • The Blennerhassett Hotel is one of West Virginia’s premier historic hotels, having been voted “Best Boutique Hotel” in West Virginia several times.
  • Henderson Hall is one of America’s finest and most complete historic homes.
  • Discovery World on Market is West Virginia’s newest interactive Children’s Museum.
  • Parkersburg is becoming a foodie mecca with amazing restaurants downtown (The Blennerhassett Hotel, Huffman’s Prime Steakhouse, Cham’s Lebanese cuisine, Wine Down on Market and the Parkersburg Brewing Company), The North End (Southern Craft and The North End Tavern and Brewery) and one of West Virginia’s oldest Classic Italian restaurants–Jimmie Colombo’s.
  • The Parkersburg Area is gaining a reputation as one of West Virginia’s “Best Mountain Bike Destinations,” with a premier ride center At Mountwood Park, over 225 miles of single track trail within a 30 mile radius and the 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail.

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