Parkersburg: Museums, History and Excursions

Parkersburg brings together several themes that may shape your travel plans: the history of the Blennerhassett family, regional industrial and military history, and outdoor trails and activities. The attractions offer different perspectives and provide a concrete starting point for planning your stay around your own interests.

Museums and Historic Sites

Visitors reach Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg by paddlewheel steamboat. On the island, they can take guided tours of the grounds and mansion, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides. Unlike a museum visit, the journey across the river is part of the excursion. Check the steamboat schedule before your trip.

The three-story Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History covers the history of the Blennerhassett family and the Mid-Ohio Valley region. The second floor features changing exhibits. This means family history and regional history are two distinct themes alongside the exhibitions for a museum visit. If you are interested in the island and the museum, you can include both perspectives on Blennerhassett history in your travel plans.

The Oil and Gas Museum is located in the W. H. Smith Hardware Store. It covers the history and present-day effects of the oil and gas industry in the Appalachian Basin. The former W. H. Smith Hardware Store also houses the regional Civil War Museum and other military history exhibits. In one building, the industrial history of the Appalachian Basin meets the region’s military history.

You can explore the Julia-Ann Square Historic District on a historic walking tour. It includes 54 houses, a historic church and one of the region’s first cemeteries. The district is the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia. Unlike the museums, the focus here is on several sites and how they fit into a historic district. Admission to the Parkersburg Art Center is free during regular opening hours; check this information again before your visit.

Trails, Views and Activities

The North Bend Rail Trail offers a route that extends farther across the region: it runs for 72 miles through north-central and western West Virginia. Its western end is in Parkersburg and its eastern end is in Clarksburg. Along the trail, the hiking paths also serve as bike paths. This gives you a choice between a historic tour of a single district and a much longer route; the information about the trail’s course and length helps you gauge the scale of each when planning.

Fort Boreman Historical Park combines Civil War history with views: it includes Union Civil War trenches and offers views of Parkersburg, the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River. If you want to include historic sites outdoors as well as museums, this offers a different way to engage with history.

Parkersburg City Park has a splash park and swimming pool, mini golf, horseshoe pits, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters and a playground. The offerings range from water and ball sports to play and picnicking. The Ball Factory at Discovery World on Market offers a different activity: a large climbing structure. The entire space is designed with factory-themed exhibits that teach concepts from science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Its design is inspired by local processes and Parkersburg’s industrial history.

The Smoot Theatre offers live entertainment throughout the year. If you want to plan a visit to the theater, check the event dates for your travel dates. Together with the museums, historic district and outdoor options, this gives you a choice of different types of activities. Choose your hotel in Parkersburg to suit the places and activities that matter for your trip.

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