Kenova offers a variety of reasons to visit: seasonal pumpkin decorations, swimming pools and river access, as well as tangible reminders of the city’s history. The theme that interests you most may also help determine the best time to visit.

Kenova Pumpkin House: Architecture and Halloween

The Kenova Pumpkin House is a Victorian house built in 1891 at 748 Beech Street and listed on the National Historic Register. Every Halloween, more than 3,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns decorate the building. The specific exhibit dates vary from year to year. If you plan to travel to Kenova specifically for the decorations, check the dates for that year before finalizing your stay.

The house also offers a historical connection beyond its seasonal decorations: President Grover Cleveland once visited it. Its construction date, Victorian style and former visitor give the Kenova Pumpkin House a history that extends beyond its Halloween decorations. For planning purposes, it is important to distinguish between the two: the jack-o’-lanterns are part of the Halloween occasion, while the house and its historical context can be considered separately.

Dreamland Pool and Rivers

Dreamland Pool first opened in 1926. It was once the largest swimming pool in the United States east of the Mississippi, measuring 250 by 125 feet. Dreamland Pool also has an Olympic-size swimming pool and a shallow children’s pool. So, if you’re interested in Kenova’s water-related attractions, you’ll find both a historical distinction and two different types of pools.

Virginia Point Park offers a different experience: a large boat ramp provides access to the Big Sandy and Ohio rivers, and there are also campsites along the riverbanks. Unlike the pools at Dreamland Pool, the focus here is on river access and riverside camping. These differences can help you decide which water-related activities suit your trip, rather than treating swimming, boating access and camping as the same experience.

Museum, Railroad History and Events

The Kenova Historical Museum houses an extensive collection related to the local Pilgrim and Kemple companies. A large steam locomotive stands in front of the museum as a reminder of Kenova’s rich railroad history. The collection and the locomotive offer two specific points of interest for a stay focused on local history: the city’s businesses and the historical significance of the railroad.

Towne Square is the hub for the many concerts and special activities organized by the city. If a concert is the reason for your trip, check the event dates for your preferred travel period. This lets you factor the event into your stay without confusing its dates with the seasonal dates for the Pumpkin House.

Dining and Planning Your Stay

Griffith and Feil Soda Fountain in Kenova offers sandwiches, salads, daily specials, milkshakes, malts, sundaes and floats. The menu may change, so if you plan to stop by for a particular dish or drink, check what’s currently available in advance.

When looking for a hotel in Kenova, the purpose of your trip is a good place to start. If you’re visiting for the pumpkin decorations, first take the changing exhibit dates into account. For a stay focused on water, you can choose between swimming pools, river access and riverside camping; the museum and steam locomotive offer other options for exploring the city’s history. This can help you match your travel dates to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Crum.

Return to the regional travel overview: Wayne County.