Things To Do In Parkersburg, West Virginia

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Places to visit in Parkersburg, WV.

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is a city that is rich in history. This small city is situated where Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers converge. It’s a great road trip destination with numerous historical attractions. The area is also known for its breweries and colorful restaurants.

If you want to visit West Virginia, there are several things to do in Parkersburg. There is the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, Julia-Ann Square Historic District, and more.

What to do in Parkersburg, West Virginia

Julia-Ann Square Historic District

The Julia-Ann Square Historic District in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is the largest historic district in the state. It is a five-block area that includes 126 homes and one contributing site. This neighborhood is home to the finest examples of Victorian architecture in West Virginia.

As Parkersburg grew and developed, the area became a middle-class residential section. Residents began to build the best houses in the city. Some of these houses even included the latest styles. Architects from outside the area were attracted to the neighborhood.

Julia Ann Historic District, Parkersburg, WV

Julia-Ann Square was a community that grew out of the oil boom in Parkersburg. Many wealthy town residents relocated to the area in the late nineteenth century. They brought with them their businesses and their influence. These people helped to shape the city and the community.

The Blennerhassett Hotel

If you’re searching for a boutique hotel with an excellent reputation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, you may want to check out the Blennerhassett Hotel. This historic property is located in downtown Parkersburg. It’s the oldest operating hotel in West Virginia.

Built in 1889, this four-story hotel is known for its elaborate crown molding, great light fixtures, and luxurious decor. In addition to its 89 well-appointed rooms, the Blennerhassett offers a variety of services to guests.

Among these are a 24-hour business center, concierge, massage, and facials. In addition, the hotel’s dining room also features an award-winning wine list and a bar that serves live entertainment and cocktails.

The Blennerhassett’s location is near many of the area’s attractions. Guests can walk to the Smoot Theater, Julia-Ann Square Historic District, Oil and Gas Museum, and Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History.

Fort Boreman Park

Fort Boreman Park in Parkersburg is not only a great place as an overlook and picnic area, but it also provides a glimpse into the city’s history.

The fort is on a bluff overlooking the Oho and Little Kanawha rivers. In the heyday of the B&O railroad, the fort was a key point of defense for the line, linking Wheeling, WV, to Parkersburg, WV.

Today, Fort Boreman Park is a restored Civil War fortification. It includes a mock-up of the fort, walking trails, picnic areas, and informational signs explaining the city’s history. It is the newest park in town and a great place to enjoy the weather.

Parkersburg City Park

Parkersburg City Park is one of the largest parks in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The Parks Department of the city maintains it. In addition, the park has a public swimming pool, picnic shelters, playground areas, and sports facilities at Park Avenue.

It is also the location of the American Legion’s Fourth of July Carnival. The carnival features rides and booths where people can purchase items. This year, there will be more food trucks than ever before.

A new splash pad will be built. It will be handicap accessible and will be open on weekends. It is estimated to be about 10,000 square feet. The splash pad is expected to be finished in May.

Another attraction is the water lily pond. The lily pond was the main attraction during the park’s early years.

Oil & Gas Museum

When you visit the Oil & Gas Museum in Parkersburg, you’ll be greeted with the old and the new. The oil rush of the 1860s had a massive influence on the Civil War. It also created quick millionaires. A few Parkersburg mansions stand testament to the oil fortunes of their owners.

While the Oil & Gas Museum does not claim to be the world’s best museum, it does have an impressive collection of oil-related items. This includes replicating the old oilfield office and the Spencer Machine Pump Jack.

Several other tidbits of information include a library of local documents, a military history room, and a display of oil boom machinery.

The Oil & Gas Museum in Parkersburg is a good start for anyone interested in West Virginia’s petroleum industry’s history. Depending on your interest, seeing everything could take 1-3 hours.

Outdoor display - Oil & Gas Museum - Parkersburg, West Virginia — Outdoor display – Oil & Gas Museum – Parkersburg, West Virginia

One of the most impressive aspects of the Oil & Gas Museum is its size. At first, you might be surprised to find it in an old four-story hardware store. However, this building is a National Register of Historic Places site and retains the original foundations and features.

On top of its impressive displays, the Oil & Gas Museum is a friendly place to learn about the history of gas stations and fossil fuels.