Things to do in Parkersburg, West Virginia
- Parkersburg was once home to the world's first oil boom in the mid-19th century, triggered by the discovery of oil at the nearby Burning Springs field.
- The city is home to the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, accessible via sternwheeler, which was the site of a famous 18th-century conspiracy involving Aaron Burr.
- During the Civil War, the city served as a vital strategic transport node due to its position on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and its river access.
- The local downtown district contains an unusually high concentration of preserved late Victorian and Classical Revival architecture from the city's Gilded Age prosperity.
About Parkersburg, West Virginia
Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, Parkersburg serves as a historic hub for West Virginia's oil and gas industries. Visitors can explore the riverfront at Point Park or admire the architectural detail of the Union Trust & Deposit Co. building downtown. The city preserves its cultural heritage through sites like the Sumnerites Museum & Community, which documents African American contributions to the region. Travelers often cross the Parkersburg-Belpre Bridge to access neighboring sites like the Belpre Historical Society, bridging two states via the river landscape.
Highlights of Parkersburg, West Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Offers panoramic views of the Ohio River and serves as the primary gateway for boat tours to Blennerhassett Island.
Parks
Provides a large recreational space featuring wooded trails and picnic areas popular with local residents.
Museums
Preserves the legacy of Sumner High School, the first school for African American students in the region.
Historical places
Showcases the ornate design and economic history of a 1900s-era financial institution in the heart of downtown.
Museums
Houses archives and displays focused on the specific development and river-based history of the Belpre area.
Temples
Features notable stained glass and Romanesque architecture reflecting the city's early religious history.
Places of interest
Functions as a vital regional transport link connecting West Virginia and Ohio across the river.
Top things to do in Parkersburg, West Virginia
The 43 highest-rated places in Parkersburg, West Virginia, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Parkersburg City Park is a large municipal recreational area situated in Parkersburg, West Virginia, featuring extensive...
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Fort Boreman Park is a hilltop historical site situated on the bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Little...
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North Bend State Park is centered around a 305-room lodge and the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, which follows a former...
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Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is an island destination on the Ohio River accessible only by sternwheeler b...
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Mountwood Park is a 2,600-acre regional recreation area situated in Wood County, West Virginia. The centerpiece of the p...
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Point Park is a riverfront public space situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers in Parkersburg,...
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Forked Run State Park is a 1,022-acre recreation area situated in the rugged hills of southeastern Ohio along the Ohio R...
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Around Parkersburg, West Virginia
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Parkersburg, West Virginia on the map
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Plan your visit to Parkersburg, West Virginia
Late spring or early autumn, when moderate temperatures facilitate outdoor riverfront exploration and park visits without the humidity of peak summer.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the riverfront, local museums, and the nearby historic island sites.
A personal vehicle is highly recommended as the city is spread out, though the downtown core is walkable.
Stay in the downtown area for proximity to historic landmarks and the riverfront, or near Grand Central Avenue for access to main commercial services.
Budget-friendly, as most historical and park-based attractions carry low or no entry fees.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 43 curated attractions in and around Parkersburg, West Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Parkersburg City Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Parkersburg, West Virginia right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 13 places to explore.
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