Things to do in Huntington, West Virginia
- Huntington was intentionally planned and built in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington to serve as the western terminus for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.
- The city's design was based on a grid pattern, which was unusually forward-thinking and sophisticated for a town established in the post-Civil War era.
- Huntington holds the distinction of being the first city in the United States to have a municipally-owned and operated bus system, established in the early 20th century.
- The region served as the primary setting for the 2006 film 'We Are Marshall', which chronicles the aftermath of the 1970 Southern Airways Flight 932 crash that devastated the university's football team.
- The city is a significant inland port, consistently ranking among the busiest in the United States by tonnage moved through its river terminals.
About Huntington, West Virginia
Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Guyandotte Rivers, Huntington serves as a major industrial and academic hub in West Virginia. The city is home to Marshall University, which significantly shapes the local culture and economy. Visitors can explore local heritage at the Heritage Farm Museum & Village or take in a show at the historic Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. The downtown core, centered around the Huntington Downtown Historic District, features well-preserved 19th and 20th-century architecture. Events hosted at the Marshall Health Network Arena provide a central gathering point for the region's sports and concert-goers.
Highlights of Huntington, West Virginia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
This venue hosts major regional sports, concerts, and conventions in the heart of downtown.
Museums
This sprawling living history museum features restored structures and interactive exhibits on Appalachian life.
Venues
Admire the ornate, exotic interior architecture of this 1928 movie palace turned performing arts venue.
Places of interest
Walk through this area to see a dense concentration of early 20th-century commercial and civic architecture.
Museums
Visit this preserved residence to view a local example of historic riverfront architecture.
Museums
Examine vintage rail equipment and locomotive memorabilia that highlight the city's roots as a railroad hub.
Places of interest
This monumental stone structure commemorates the lives lost in the 1970 Marshall University plane crash.
Top things to do in Huntington, West Virginia
The 34 highest-rated places in Huntington, West Virginia, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Central Park in Ashland, Kentucky, serves as a primary municipal green space located in the city's downtown district. Th...
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Parks
Barboursville Park is a multi-use municipal recreational facility spanning over 700 acres in Cabell County, West Virgini...
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Amusement parks
Camden Park is West Virginia's only amusement park, established in 1903 as a picnic spot for the Camden Interstate Railw...
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Venues
The Paramount Arts Center is a restored 1931 movie palace located in downtown Ashland, Kentucky, designed by architect R...
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Parks
Beech Fork State Park is centered around a 720-acre reservoir created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving as a...
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Venues
The Marshall Health Network Arena, formerly known as the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, serves as the primary multi-purpose...
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Museums
Heritage Farm Museum & Village is a 500-acre Smithsonian Institution affiliate located in the Appalachian Mountains that...
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Venues
Joan C. Edwards Stadium is the home field for the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team. Opened in 1991, the...
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Parks
Harris Riverfront Park serves as Huntington's primary recreational hub located directly along the banks of the Ohio Rive...
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Temples
Around Huntington, West Virginia
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Huntington, West Virginia on the map
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Plan your visit to Huntington, West Virginia
Fall (September to November) is ideal for mild temperatures and observing the foliage along the Ohio River valley.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to tour local museums, historic districts, and enjoy a performance.
A personal vehicle is the most practical way to travel, though the downtown area is walkable and the Tri-State Transit Authority provides bus service.
Stay in the downtown area for immediate access to historic landmarks and theaters, or near the Marshall University campus for proximity to the city's academic and student-focused dining scene.
Huntington is a budget-to-mid-range destination with lower average costs for lodging and dining compared to larger US metropolitan areas.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 34 curated attractions in and around Huntington, West Virginia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Central Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Huntington, West Virginia right now.
The largest category is parks, with 8 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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